I agree with Buddys Pal… if they didn't do either urinalysis or xray, I'd get them done. If you have a sick dog and the vet just sort of says "oh well, blood work looks okay".. may be time for a new vet. Something is obviously wrong.
Sick Dog Question– help, please?!
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Ha, I agree with Spencer…no bounds!
And yes, you need a good snappy comeback for rash, intrusive people. Patty M is very kind hearted! "I'm stunned that anyone would be so judgmental without any knowledge. My dog is recovering from near-fatal illness and surgery" (here I would probably add something like," you stupid bi***", maybe a little judgmental myself?)Don't know if you remember the old Saturday Night Live with Dan Ackroid and Jane Curtain, doing Weekend Update? Jane would say something and Dan would turn to her and say "Jane, you ignorant slut". My husband uses that line for people like the woman who confronted you, and it still makes me laugh.
So glad Spencer is eating like a wolf, hope he is a fat boy soon!
Ha ha, I love that old SNL skit– some of the funniest things ever on TV were on that show! I think I have found my comeback line. And if it's a man, I'll smoothly switch to "Dan, you pompous ass."
But, hopefully, Spencer the chowhound will gain another few pounds, and no retort will be necessary. Of course, then I'll probably get hit with "That poor dog is too fat. You're feeding him too much."
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Here is some information regarding ultrasound and the liver and here is the website it came from http://canineliverdiseasefoundation.org:
I would have a complete abdominal ultrasound done and not just the liver as it will show all the organs. Missy is on Ursodiol for her gallbladder problem.
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer! I'll check into it. I'm guessing I would have to go to UT for the ultrasound– if my vet had the capability, she probably would have done it. His bile duct test was normal. I believe that was a blood test. But maybe the bile acids test is different. I'm usually pretty good at knowing exactly what Spencer had done and the results, but those were a frantic few days and we were doing so many tests so quickly. I'm going to go back and re-read all the paperwork. I remember discussing a bile duct blockage as the root of his problem and ruling it out.
I'm glad Missy is still doing well! It's wonderful when these older Fanconi dogs keep beating the odds.
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It is so good to see so many knowledgeable folks here helping others. Those of us relatively new to the breed learn so much from you all. Scary and hard enough to have a sick dog– so much better to be able to come vent, share and get ideas.
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Yes, this forum is an amazing resource, for information as well as support! I have learned so much. When we were grasping at straws with Spencer's illness, everyone shared so many new ideas and suggestions. That and the compassion helped tremendously. You're right, Debra– it is a wonderful resource, and I'm so grateful to have it.
Spencer has regained almost two pounds. He still looks very thin, and every bone juts out, but he feels heavier when you pick him up. It sure does take longer to put the weight back on than it did to take it off. Now why is it the opposite for humans?
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Two pounds sounds very good - he was in such a low state. Every ounce is good news!!
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Yes, two pounds is good news! Two more, and he won't look like a starveling. He's been asking for seconds at night when it's something he likes. Quite a change from a month ago!
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Super news, so happy that he is doing so well!
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I know that people become extremely confused due to high ammonia levels. This is usually a liver related problem. Not sure it applies to dogs but it was the first thing that came to my mind.
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Thank you, Lisa67, for the suggestion! Spencer's ammonia levels aren't high. The vet doesn't think his high ALKP is liver disease, since his other liver enzymes are fine. At this point, given the lack of evidence to the contrary, it seems to be a combination of the dental infection and the Fanconi. We are hoping/guessing that when he has his next blood panel, it will have dropped back some. At any rate, he's feeling better– pretty good, really, for a 14-year-old!
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Yes, two pounds is good news! Two more, and he won't look like a starveling. He's been asking for seconds at night when it's something he likes. Quite a change from a month ago!
Zest! has about 2 extra pounds he could have. Jet the trying also has a few to spare. I wonder if I can send them via the USpost.
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Zest! has about 2 extra pounds he could have. Jet the trying also has a few to spare. I wonder if I can send them via the USpost.
Spencer says "send 'em on– Priority Mail, please!"
Though if he keeps being a little platelicker, he may reclaim his "love handles." For now, he is still the Angelina Jolie of the dog world.
