I'll try to bring you up to date on Phillys liver issues.
It all started almost 1yr ago (February) when we took him in for his neutering. The pre-op bloodwork came back with elevated liver enzymes. His ALT and ALKPs where 792 and 639. Normals should be in the 100-200 range at their highest. We held off on the neutering for a while incase these numbers were due to bone growth as he was about 6months at the time. In March the numbers were in the 800's.
We then proceded with a Bile acid test to see how his body was dealing with food and bile digestion. They take two readings one on an empty stomach, then after some food.
Bio acid reading 1st sample 108
normal for 1st 0 - 6
Bio Acid reading 2nd sample 25
Normal for 2nd 0 - 15
Phil then had a liver biopsy. The liver and all was in good shape visually. The pathologist reported "there is likey an aquired or developmental Bile Duct abnomality".
He was moved to a Lamb/Rice diet and was prescribed Denosyl and Milk thislte.
In October we retested and his numbers were 723/1500. Our Vet began working with a Dr of Internal medicine. In November his numbers were 1428/2779. We then began a Vegetarian diet (MediCal) and prescribed Ursodiol.
December his numbers were 853/733.
This is were we are currently and the Vet wants to retest again April.
We still do not have any definate answers or diagnosis.
During all this time he has never appeared lethargic or sick. His appetite has been average, but not the full ravaging beagle appetite you would expect. Sometimes his stool will contain bright orange/yellow bile if he has not eaten on an "off" day.
I think thats about it. It's been a long year...
It all started almost 1yr ago (February) when we took him in for his neutering. The pre-op bloodwork came back with elevated liver enzymes. His ALT and ALKPs where 792 and 639. Normals should be in the 100-200 range at their highest. We held off on the neutering for a while incase these numbers were due to bone growth as he was about 6months at the time. In March the numbers were in the 800's.
We then proceded with a Bile acid test to see how his body was dealing with food and bile digestion. They take two readings one on an empty stomach, then after some food.
Bio acid reading 1st sample 108
normal for 1st 0 - 6
Bio Acid reading 2nd sample 25
Normal for 2nd 0 - 15
Phil then had a liver biopsy. The liver and all was in good shape visually. The pathologist reported "there is likey an aquired or developmental Bile Duct abnomality".
He was moved to a Lamb/Rice diet and was prescribed Denosyl and Milk thislte.
In October we retested and his numbers were 723/1500. Our Vet began working with a Dr of Internal medicine. In November his numbers were 1428/2779. We then began a Vegetarian diet (MediCal) and prescribed Ursodiol.
December his numbers were 853/733.
This is were we are currently and the Vet wants to retest again April.
We still do not have any definate answers or diagnosis.
During all this time he has never appeared lethargic or sick. His appetite has been average, but not the full ravaging beagle appetite you would expect. Sometimes his stool will contain bright orange/yellow bile if he has not eaten on an "off" day.
I think thats about it. It's been a long year...