Gallbladder/liver issues

[Alibobo]

@channingsmom sorry, probably not very helpful - but my 8 year old GSD encountered this problem before. I was told the exact same thing by my vet after an ultrasound was done. I think it's a lot more common in GSDs, but I was advised to feed smaller meals more frequently, drastically cut down on any fatty foods, and feed a spoonful of natural yoghurt twice per day. The advice helped a good bit but the vet said the only way to properly remove all the sludge was via surgery which wasn't really necessary as it wasn't life-threatening. Just the joys of senior years! Hope your basenji feels better soon

[Zande]

@alibobo the advice you were given seems to be very sound but each case is different. Older Basenjis can always benefit from smaller meals, more frequently.

[tanza]

@alibobo Thanks for you information but this is not for a Basenjis?... and for different breeds, depends on the dog and their breeding and the breed... so not all dogs have the same ...but it is good to hear.

[elbrant]

@channingsmom said in Gallbladder/liver issues:

My 10 yr old basenji has high liver levels, my vet has determined that is most likely due to sludge in the gallbladder

This would be (almost certainly) due to the dog's diet, wouldn't it? Did the Vet suggest any changes in that?

[tanza]

@elbrant - There are many issues (medical) not related to diet, you can search the internet to see them. Could be one of many and the high liver values and IMO an ultrasound is needed to check the organs... could be issues with other organs that are affecting the Liver. Yes could be diet, but until you rule out other issues you can't just guess....

[Zande]

@tanza said in Gallbladder/liver issues:

until you rule out other issues you can't just guess....

Absolutely. First port of call is the Vet's office. This time and always.

[tanza]

@elbrant - And also @ChanningsMom did say in her original post the following: "My vet and I have come up with a treatment plan" but not the details.

[elbrant]

@tanza Knowing the treatment would certainly help.

[tanza]

@elbrant - Maybe but in my opinion this is between the owner and the Vet unless she would like to share. None of us are Vets here, we can only and should only give advise on possible tests that might further clarify the issue. Not to give "treatment" suggestions.... again, as a breeder/owner of this breed for over 30+ years. If you have a dog with these values, of course you can indicate the reasons for the Liver values to be high and what you have found to be the cause.... I had one girl that had high liver values that further tests showed a tumor on her Liver that required surgery... but again that was after further testing to rule out other causes. And if she is still concerned she might want to get a second opinion.... from another Vet... not from this Forum.

[Zande]

@elbrant I don't think it would help us - We are not Vets !

[JENGOSMonkey]

@zande No, but my Basenji Logan is a doctor. :beaming_face_with_smiling_eyes: :thumbs_up:

[tanza]

@jengosmonkey - LOL JengosMonkey.

[Kembe]

@jengosmonkey
Can always count on you to give us a laugh! 🤣

[Zande]

@jengosmonkey But Greg, doctors licensed to practice medicine on humans are not qualified to work on animals. I am not sure how the law stands if the doctor himself is a dog ?

Can we take it that Logan effected a permanent cure ?

[ChanningsMom]

@tanza Yes we have done ultrasounds. All of his organs look great, including the liver, with the exception of a lot of gallbladder sludge.

[ChanningsMom]

@alibobo Thank you for sharing your experience. I have changed his diet to be very low fat, and make him food (chicken breast, lots of veggies) to go along with the HSD liver care food (this food has helped a little, & the vet recommended continuing it) I will give the more frequent meals a try!

[ChanningsMom]

@tanza I have an excellent Vet who is also a specialist. We are in contact weekly and do regular checkups (we have a treatment plan and will recheck blood work & ultrasound in 30 days after the last appointment) I am just looking for advice and suggestions especially if someone has gone through this or had any similar experiences. Anything I am curious about giving a try, I always run through my vet first. I appreciate all the advice and input from everyone in this group :)

[ChanningsMom]

@elbrant Yes we have changed his diet to very low fat. He was on quality food before and I have always been very careful about all of his treats and snacks being healthy but we did make some changes :)

[ChanningsMom]

Thank you everyone for your input thus far! We had one appointment after I made this post (vaccines & ultrasound). My vet stated that he was impressed at how healthy my dog looks, especially given the current situation. He said typically dogs with this issue will loose weight and will have an odor. As of now my dog has a lovely shiny coat, no odor, is appropriately active for his age (loves walks, will play a bit with a friend, loves going to work with me), his weight and body condition is ideal for his his age, and he seems very healthy overall besides this issue.

The sludge has thickened since his last ultrasound 6 months ago (at this point in time it wasn’t a huge concern), if it does not improve he may need his gallbladder removed. I would like to try to avoid surgery if possible (hoping treatment and diet change work!) but this brings me to my next question: has anyone had any experience with gallbladder removal of their dog? I would love any and all information about Sx and post Sx if anyone has experience…

Again, really hoping we can resolve this without Sx but would love some info just incase it gets to that point

[JENGOSMonkey]

@channingsmom I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I wish I had something of value to contribute. For what it’s worth I applaud everything you’re doing. When our dogs are sick the best thing we can do is stay focused. It’s frustrating at times trying to solve the puzzle. Again, my respect for all you are doing. 🙂