Spaying a puppy with mild liver disease (yorkies, vet, prescription)

[Ringo1]

Lucy went to the Vet yesterday and she is now 3.8 lbs - way smaller than I counted on; but hopefully still growing. She is 7 months old.

The time is coming for her to be scheduled for her spay. It was postponed after her liver 'challenges' were discovered.

As you know, we have had two bile acid tests done and the last one showed very mild MVD with a post feeding number of 35. She is on no medication; we monitor her protein and make sure we keep it fairly low - but no special prescription food. I found a Wellness kibble that has only 20% protein.

My Vet says he doesn't think he needs to test her further and is ok to do her spay.

But she is so little . . .and I know dogs with liver problems can react badly to anesthesia. I'm scared to put her under anesthesia. I live in a small town; but my Vet says he has spayed many small dogs and dogs with liver issues.

Anyone have any suggestions? Is there any kind of special anesthesia or precautions that should be taken for my little, little girl?

[latetotheparty]

my feeling is that as long as the vet KNOWS she has the liver issues, and the possible complications arising from anesthesia with these issues, he (she?) can take the necessary precautions and she should be ok .... although she is VERY tiny.... heck, my kitties weigh about 12 lbs each...... easy for me to say though from the comfort of my chair here in st. louis and not having to actually deal with the issue myself.......

[Col.W.Deering]

Since your puppy isn't in need of a special diet, meds and follow up bloodwork then it sounds as if your dogs liver is doing good. Your dog is tiny, but Yorkies and Chi's get spayed and they aren't much bigger full grown. If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to ask the vet questions. It might give you some peace of mind.

[ZSP]

Your concerns are totally understandable. The only thing I can add concerns the anesthesia itself and how they monitor before, during and after the surgery.

The safest anesthesia is isoflurane or sevoflurane. Make sure that he's going to have continuous ECG going and continuous pulse oximetry, also an IV catheter and fluids. These extras may add to the cost of her spay, but well worth it, in my humble opinion. Lastly, to make yourself feel better and for her well being, I'd have the pre-op bloodwork repeated too.

Good luck, let us know what you decide and how she does.

[Ringo1]

Thanks! I'll write this down and take it with me.