Liver Shunt

[LottieAnne]

A few weeks I asked for help with my Golden Retriever who had suffered from diarrhoea, sickness, lethargy etc. I received some helpful answers. It was then suggested to me that she may be suffering from liver shunt. When I researched this on the internet it seemed that she did indeed have all the symptoms of this. My local pet shop owner also looked it up and came to the same conclusion and suggested a low protein diet. I followed his advice and it was like a miracle. The diarrhoea and sickness stopped immediately and after six weeks has not returned. It seems the only way to make a positive diagnosis is to have an MRI scan costing £1.000.00. I don't want to do this at present if the end result is to do what I am already doing. Has anyone else had experience of a dog with this? Any advice would be very welcome.
Thank you.

[woofgang]

Have you spoken to your vet?

[Goofy]

I think if you talk to your vet you might find that a blood test would determine whether it is liver shunt.

[LottieAnne]

Yes, blood tests were done just before I had her in Feb. 2014. They did not show up anything but that is apparently often the case. Only the scan is 100% certain. I just hoped I might find someone else who has experienced this.

[Sqad]

Look at this simply:

Why do you want a 100% diagnosis? Does it change the situation?

Your dog has improved to such an extent that you now feel that he is almost back to normal and that is on diet alone. if the diagnosis was confirmed by MRI scan, the treatment would be the same....so what would be the point?

If he relapsed, then one might consider confirming the diagnosis, but certainly not at this point.

[LottieAnne]

I quite agree with Squad. There is no point on having the scan at this time but I would just like to find someone who has experienced this and who might be able to give me a few tips about management and how long it can go on. Thanks to all who replied.