In Friday’s post I showed a partial comment left by Retro Rover. After I scheduled that post there were a couple more that really resonated and I thought it would be good to address those as well.
First up, Retro Rover’s comment: ” Pings levels have fluctuated quite a bit over her liver disease journey of two years. Also I would ask the vet about what will be gained from the biopsy. In Pings case we elected not to do it as they said it would only possibly reveal the big C and there was basically nothing to be done about that. Of course I’m sure the situation could be very different with Delilah and there might be much to gain. I was also told that the procedure was somewhat risky.”
One of Red’s dogs has been having liver issues. In fact, Red and I have had a couple of e-mail conversations and she’s been very helpful. She has Ping on Denamarin which she buys online. Delilah has been on the Denamarin for a month. BUT since it hasn’t helped, our vet is switching the medication to Hepagen-C , this has Milk Thistle like the Denamarin does but it also has B6, B12 and Curcumin which is one of the properties in Turmeric. While reading up on canine liver issues I found one of the suggested supplements was Turmeric.
Thursday afternoon the vet called with the results of the Acid Bile test.
What is a Bile Acid test?
My understanding of a Bile Acid test is such. The dog is fasted and blood is drawn, the dog is then fed a (fatty) meal and two hours later the blood is drawn again. This tells the Vet how well the liver is functioning and doing it’s job.
According to our Vet Delilah’s levels were ‘slightly’ elevated and she recommends a liver biopsy. I asked her, what is the purpose of the biopsy. Here’s what she told me.
She feels Delilah’s liver issue (for lack of a better word) is one of three things, 1) Chronic Hepatitis 2) Reactive Hepatitis 3) the liver is storing copper.
Each of these illnesses is treated in a different way. Without knowing what is causing the elevated liver levels, we cannot treat the underlying issue and make Delilah feel better.
What about risk in performing a liver biopsy?
There is a risk with any procedure, but they take precautions. They will check her vitamin K levels and will be checking her blood to make sure it clots. From what I understand the biggest risk is bleeding. Trust me, this did not reassure me in the slightest.
I asked could these just be normal levels for Delilah. She is after all an extraordinary dog. 🙂
The vet said her levels have always been normal before, so no.
Seeing as Delilah’s liver levels are only slightly elevated, my vet feels we have time before needing to perform the biopsy. Which turns out well as funds are a bit tight right now and I’m really on the fence about this test.
I also had a comment from Hailey and Zaphod who said, “Our first dog had immune mediated hepatitis that caused psoriasis of the liver. It was a difficult journey for him and us. I hope your lovely girl does not have anything as serious. POTP.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I cannot imagine how heartbreaking and difficult that was for you. I’m hoping since we caught this early we will have a good shot at getting to the bottom of whatever it is and making sure Delilah gets the best treatment possible.
Sherrie Petrie said “Jodi – Ask your Vet about putting Delilah on Milk Thistle it helps support and clear toxins from the liver. I had a Sheltie who had liver difficulties and this helped decrease her numbers. You never know anything could help. ”
Thank you Sherrie, the Denamarin we had Delilah on is a combination of Milk Thistle and SAMe. Our vet leans towards the holistic which is one of the reasons I love her so.
Rachele Baker DVM said, “If you ever feel that you would like more information about her liver issues or that you would like a second opinion, you might consider taking her to a board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist in your area. You could ask your veterinarian for a referral or just check online and/or talk with friends to find a specialist in your area that has a good reputation. It is usually possible to take your pet to a specialist without a referral from your veterinarian and it is usually not that expensive for an examination and consultation with a specialist.”
Thank you Dr. Baker I am going to ask my vet about seeing a specialist.
Interestingly enough, as I was researching some of the potential reasons causing elevated liver levels, I discovered they can be caused by dental disease. While Delilah does not currently have any dental disease, she does need a tooth extracted and because of this she is beginning to get some tartar build up.
While the person I spoke to at my vet’s office said Delilah’s tooth should not have any bearing on her liver levels, I prefer to have them checked again after her cleaning and extraction.
I thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences with me. I hope this has helped in explaining a little bit about what Delilah is going through. I will of course keep you informed of any changes in Delilah’s health or changes in our decisions regarding treatment.
Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom says
Poor Delilah! And poor Mama! All I can offer is prayers for both of you — and I’ve been keeping you both in my prayers since you first mentioned that Delilah’s levels were elevated.
Sophie says
Oh, my goodness. Here is to hoping the dental issues could be a factor in her elevated liver levels. Maybe since they are only slightly elevated, this could be the cause.
I am so sorry you and Delilah are going through so much. I agree, she is an extraordinary girl!
Gus’ Mom
Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom says
PS. As for dental disease having potential effects on a dog’s liver — it definitely can. Dental disease can cause all sorts of other health issues for our pets (and for humans too). I would definitely have D’s liver levels re-checked after the cleaning and extraction! If her levels are only slightly elevated now, the cleaning and extraction could help to bring them down. Even my non-holistic-leaning vet would agree with you (and me).
Molly The Wally says
Oh no we are so sorry to read about D. How worrying for you. We send healing vibes and POTP. We will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers. We have missed you.
Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
retro rover says
Good post! I should have remembered to tell you we did do the bile acids test with Ping, twice. Its a great test because its not invasive. im not rue how old Delilah is but Ping is 11 and has collapsing trachea so those issues factors into deciding not to biopsy here liver, the vet felt her issues were 99% age related and time has basically shown that out. I think you are doing the right thing to wait on the liver biopsy but likely do it eventually. Were Ping younger and were it more of a mystery I would do it. I truly hope the new meds help dear Delilah. Also have you asked the vet if the raw diet might make her blood work look different? I have read of that happening with dogs on raw diets whose bloodwork is different from other dogs but who are perfectly healthy
retro rover
Emma says
Wow, lots of information there! Hopefully the level will just go down. Poor pup. We don’t know anything about that issue, so can’t offer any solutions, just pray things will work out.
2 brown dawgs says
Interesting information. Good advice about taking Delilah to a specialist for a second opinion. It doesn’t mean that your vet is not competent, but that maybe a specialist might have a different opinion/treatment protocol. I would definitely recheck blood work after the extraction and before the biopsy to see if the levels improve. Hang in there.
lauranne says
Thinking of you x
Dogs N Pawz says
Poor Delilah and poor you. We had a Lab that had liver cancer but I don’t even want to go there. Hopefully everything will get sorted out with Delilah and she will be okay. I had Summer on milk thistle and swear by it. We’ll be thinking about you guys and hoping for the best.
Frankie and Ernie says
WE have our Paws CROSSED fur sweet Delilia. There are a lot of good suggestions that have been given to you. POTP fur Delila .
jan says
So much information that I really hope I don’t need to know, but if I do I know where to come. We are crossing all our paws and praying that this shall pass.
Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says
I am so sorry you are going through all of this. I wish I had some knowledge for you on the subject but I really don’t as I have not experienced this one before. My thoughts are with you, and please keep us updated on her levels.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Two French Bulldogs says
Back in the day pets didn’t even get all these crazy ailments. Our friend had elevated liver stuff from pancreatitis
Lily & Edward
Beth says
Sending good thoughts your way and hoping its just the dental issues that are causing the abnormal liver stuff. I never knew there was a correlation, I’ll be getting Sophie in to have her tooth fixed /extracted sooner rather than later.
Sand Spring Chesapeakes says
Sending good vibes and good healing thoughts your way. Hope it is nothing. I’m glad you have friends to share advice and be there for you. We still do dental cleanings on dogs with elevated liver enzymes, depends on how high and how they are feeling, have to get the bacteria out of the mouth and need to get out broken teeth before they lead to more problems. Just be sure the Dr. has her on IV fluids the whole entire time to flush out the system.