Liver Shunts?

[migtig]

Okay, does anybody have any knowledge about liver shunts in dogs or gall bladder issues, or any other possible related issues with the liver in dogs?

I have a dog, who recently ate something (we think a mushroom) out in the yard and became seriously sick for a day. We took her to the vet who said she had elevated blood levels and we needed to do a bile test. We did a bile test and two of her readings were high. The suggestion was to send her for an ultrasound and possible biopsy up in Annapolis.

They are saying she has a possible liver shunt. When I look up the symptoms on the liver shunt - listless, lack of energy, not eating, strange behavior, etc. she doesn't have any of those symptoms. She's a year old and never been sick, doesn't have stunted growth, has no behavioral issues, no bathroom issues, no issues.

I don't want to deny my dog treatment, but I also don't think she's sick, and would feel stupid wasting over $500 on an ultrasound for a dog that's acting perfectly normal. :shrug:

So I guess I want input from other people on whether their dog has had any liver issues, what symptoms they had, ultrasound/biopsy etc.

One of my associates at work stated they thought that I should wait a few weeks, and then get another bile test to let whatever the dog ate pass through its system, before shelling out for the internalist.

 

[RareBreed]

My dog ate a mushroom a few months ago. She acted like she was drunk. Unsteady on her feet, wobbly. Kind of out of it. I suppose there are more toxic types of mushrooms that could have harsher side effects. I hope your dog feels better and it's just temporary.

 

[millertc]

My Yorkie was diagnosed with a liver shunt almost 6 years ago. He was clearly exhibiting all of the common symptoms associated with the liver shunt. I am by no means an expert but I wonder if allowing time to pass after the mushroom toxins work their way out and re-test would give your dog a clear reading? My dog was circling, not gaining weight or growing like he should and he always looked glassy-eyed. His surgery was a success. It was done in Annapolis.

 

[migtig]

My dog ate a mushroom a few months ago. She acted like she was drunk. Unsteady on her feet, wobbly. Kind of out of it. I suppose there are more toxic types of mushrooms that could have harsher side effects. I hope your dog feels better and it's just temporary.

That's exactly what she did/acted before she started

My Yorkie was diagnosed with a liver shunt almost 6 years ago. He was clearly exhibiting all of the common symptoms associated with the liver shunt. I am by no means an expert but I wonder if allowing time to pass after the mushroom toxins work their way out and re-test would give your dog a clear reading? My dog was circling, not gaining weight or growing like he should and he always looked glassy-eyed. His surgery was a success. It was done in Annapolis.

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

 

[RareBreed]

That's exactly what she did/acted before she started



Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

Is your dog ok now? Dog ate the mushroom right before coming in for the night (8pm-ish) and was fine by 3am-ish when I left her out before work. She is a big dog though (Malamute) so the effects might not have been so severe. If she is acting fine now, wait awhile and get her tested again. I'd think that throwing up probably got rid of a lot of the toxins. I'm not sure if mine threw up after or not but I think so.

I found my post about my episode and yep.. she did . I didn't re-read through it but it might give you some more info.
http://forums.somd.com/dogs/182000-had-scare-last-night.html

 

[migtig]

Is your dog ok now? Dog ate the mushroom right before coming in for the night (8pm-ish) and was fine by 3am-ish when I left her out before work. She is a big dog though (Malamute) so the effects might not have been so severe. If she is acting fine now, wait awhile and get her tested again. I'd think that throwing up probably got rid of a lot of the toxins. I'm not sure if mine threw up after or not but I think so.

I found my post about my episode and yep.. she did . I didn't re-read through it but it might give you some more info.
http://forums.somd.com/dogs/182000-had-scare-last-night.html

Thanks for that.

You posted a link to a story in there and this was what it said:
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild vomiting and diarrhea to severe digestive problems to complete liver failure.

That makes me wonder now if should go get the biopsy and sonogram, or even readdress this concern with our regular vet.

She actually scared me to death when it happened. She barfed and barfed and barfed and then slept most of the next day and then was fine. She acts perfectly normal and fine now as well.

 

[cattitude]

For those of you who see your dogs eat a mushroom, you can give them hydrogen peroxide (3%). Dosage is 1 tsp per 10 pounds of doggie...they will almost instantly barf.

My Golden used to eat mushrooms and my vet gave me this tip. Works wonders. You can also use it if you see them eat anything inappropriate..socks, etc.