In June we discovered our dear Delilah’s liver levels were slightly elevated. Since then we’ve had them checked twice and each time they seem to increase ever so slightly.
You’re talking about elevated liver levels again?
Last Tuesday she had her dental cleaning and a very bad tooth was removed. While Delilah doesn’t have dental disease I’m very hopeful the tooth is the root of the liver issues.
Still I want to be as proactive as possible, so I had my vet fax over the results of the latest blood tests to our Holistic Vet.
He called me Tuesday while Delilah was having her cleaning. Bottom line, he’s not super concerned about the slightly elevated levels.
Here’s why:
Delilah’s ultrasound showed her liver was the correct size, shape and texture and there were no obvious signs of liver disease, and no masses.
He did say that Gastrointestinal issues can cause the liver levels to become elevated. On the surface Delilah (or Old Iron Guts as we often call her,) doesn’t appear to have stomach distress.
I think she’s vomited three times in the entire seven years she’s been with us, and her stool is usually firm. She has however taken to eating grass lately. Not mowing on it, like a cow, but she takes bites here and there.
My vet has recommended a liver biopsy as the next step and both Hubby and I are very uncomfortable with it. I discussed the biopsy again with the Holistic Vet who asked me, “Will you do anything differently if the biopsy showed you something was wrong?”
Our answer to that is no. Don’t get me wrong. We want Delilah to be healthy and happy and are willing to spend the money to make her feel better. We just don’t want to do it with synthetic drugs, or chemicals.
The Holistic Vet wants to try supporting Delilah’s Gastrointestinal system and Hubby and I are on board with that. Since last Tuesday we’ve added Enteric Support by Standard Process and a Chinese Herb called Leaky Gut. I’m also going to be adding a probiotic (although they do get Kefir) as well as a good multi-vitamin. In addition, I’m making some dietary changes by trying to incorporate some new proteins.
With the tooth out, we will keep her on this new protocol and recheck her levels in two months. We’ll adjust our plan from there, when and if it warrants it.
Because I have a tendency to second guess myself, it helps to talk things over with a professional. I felt much better after chatting with the Holistic Vet.
Like we are on the right track.
The best news is that the liver appears normal. That definitely puts my mind at ease. I agree with all of your proactive steps and understand second guessing all of your decisions. I do the same, too. I know you are still worried, but it seems you have reason to be cautiously optimistic! Now that her bad tooth is out, that sure might make a difference.
She is the cutest girl, love her pictures!
Gus’ Mom
We agree and let’s hope the tooth removal sees everything back to normal in due course. Paws crossed. Try not to worry but we know that is easier said than done. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
I love how you always have a plan B. I think just having the tooth out will make a big difference, and all the rest will be the right support in the meantime, while waiting for the levels to get better.
Mom says if it was one of us, she wouldn’t do much but wait to see if the levels change having the tooth out. Unless it is really a serious issue, she wouldn’t do the biopsy either, and what would it really accomplish? You are going at it the right way. My sisters and I all enjoy munching down grass some days, usually the same days unless we are feeling ill, then we munch it down alone so we can puke and get on with the day.
Good Morning! May I make a suggestion about the probiotic? Do NOT be swayed by the “one dose fits all” marketing ploys. Go with one that you measure out according to how much food you give. I’m using Total Biotics for my girls and it seems to be doing the job nicely. And give Delilah and Sampson some lovies for me.
PS. And, of course, you know I’m right there with you in spirit. I really think the tooth has a lot to do with Miss D’s liver issues, so now that it’s out everything should settle back down to normal.
Sounds like you have a plan all worked out! Keep us updated, you are in our thoughts!
Totally supports your decisions. Why put Delilah through the biopsy? Jeffie is the same age and I would make the same choice.
Keeping fingers crossed that it was the tooth causing the problems!
WE hope that EVERYTHINGY gets better now.
Thank you for sharing your thought process as you work through the issues. It is really quite helpful to me as a pet parent!
I’m so glad you’ve got the great support of your holistic vet, and are feeling more confident about the approach you are taking. It’s so difficult to make these kinds of decisions, and so important to have someone you know and trust to help you with it.
Paws crossed this sorts itself out.
Great plan, BTW do you fast her before her liver tests? We have our dogs fast before a liver blood test as food can alter the results.
Sounds like a good plan. So the Kefir is not enough of a pro-biotic?