What tests diagnose liver shunt in a tiny puppy? How long for results?

Hello, sorry to hear about Jericho. Baseline bloodwork may run anywhere from $120 to 180 dollars. Urinalysis will run anywhere from $45 to 100 dollars. Bile Acids will likely run from $120-180 dollars as well. Most of the places vary depending on which lab they use to send out the blood to and what hey get charged from sending that blood to them. Other diagnostics to consider when working up a liver shunt include an abdominal ultrasound ($250-400) and a CT Scan ($700-1000) . You'll also have to consider medications and special diets for pets with liver shunts. If he is not having any symptoms, you may choose to continue monitoring at home until he gets a little older and bigger so that they can safely obtain all of the blood they may need for this testing. The laboratories will need at minimum 3-5mls of blood to run these tests and 3-5mls of urine. Hope this helps and best of luck.

There is really very little sense in speculating. Even a positive bile acid test will not definitively diagnose a portosystemic shunt. Only advanced imaging techniques can capture this condition. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is sometime utilized to support diagnoses of the liver and bile duct system. However, alone the number doesn't tell us much particularly in a young and from what it sounds like otherwise healthy puppy. The elevation you mentioned is also very mild, and we frequently see elevations in this enzyme in young growing animals. Just as it is found in the liver, it is also found in the bones which is why it is elevated during the time that pups are getting larger. I obviously don't know the whole situation and there is always the possibility your dog could have a shunt. However, so far you have given me no reason to suspect a serious problem. Please feel from to obtain a consult if you want to discuss the case in any greater detail.

I hate to hear that about Tucker. It is possible to have a shunt despite normal values but that is not the usual situation. If his liver is small enough or diseased enough, he may not be able coproduce enough enzymes to be 'abnormal'. I agree that a bile acids makes the most sense to do based on his age and breed. Best of luck with little Tucker.

They could have it or not. Liver shunt can have a congenital origin. I would strongly recommend to check all of them at your local vets. Abdominal ultrasound and specific blood tests are very sensitive way to diagnose this disease.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Medical treatment for liver shunts consists of: Liver diet so despite him being a puppy I'd put him on Hill's l/d if a small breed dog or Purina HA for growth (Soy based and less likely to form ammonia) Lactulose Prilosec (omerprazole) to prevent gastric ulcers exacerbating signs Antibiotics usually short term but sometimes long term I hope this helps!

Poor Bruce! This is quite scary new, I know but it can be quite treatable. If you can afford it and for the best possible outcome, I would ask for a referral to a specialist. A specialist will be able to do a thorough abdominal ultrasound to see the shunt and determine what type of surgery might be needed. Surgery is the best option as it can usually repair the problem and he can live a normal life. If this isn’t an option, then yes I would certainly try to manage it medically. You can switch to a special food and add in a medicine that will help decrease the toxins that his body isn’t able to get rid of on his own. Unfortunately neither option is 100% guaranteed to work, but I have see good success with both especially with early intervention. I hope this helps and gives you some peace of mind. There are options. You just have to decide which is best for you and Bruce. Please let us know if you have additional questions. I have included an article with more information. Hugs! https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/portosystemic-shunt-in-dogs

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Holly! I would consider doing a bile acid test if her ALT is still elevated at the recheck. That can help with the diagnosis of a liver shunt. Yes, dogs can live a relatively normal life if the symptoms of the liver shunt can be managed with diet, antibiotics and laxatives. That is if she is even experiencing hepatic encephalopathy signs. I hope this help and I wish Holly the very best!