Dog Blood Tests for Liver Shunt - Questioning The Results

A few days ago, I wrote this post about Alvin's liver shunt diagnosis:http://designerpuppys.blogspot.com/2009/09/incorrect-liver-shunt-diagnosis.html

Today we got the results of a fifth blood test from an independent lab. Fortunately, this blood test is OK and he's cleared for neuter surgery on Monday.

Alvin does NOT have the liver shunt condition. After all these blood tests (Alvin shakes uncontrollably when he gets within 100 feet of the vet's office), the blame is squarely on the original lab for creating extreme agita for the dog and his owners (and probably his vet).

I hope that no other animal or its owners have to go through this BS, but I haven't figured out if it's worth the effort to make the lab people understand the chaos created by their incompetence. I probably should leave it alone, but then I guess I'm doing something with this post.

Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions about how to deal (or not to deal) with this issue.

valmillsy

Incorrect Liver Shunt Diagnosis?

Picture on Left: Prince Alvin The Patient Catching His Breath After Partying Too Hardy

In the last month, Alvin has visited the vet 3 times for blood work, and is about to go again this week.

Why are we putting the pup through numerous blood tests?
The vet's lab has returned 2/4 results so far that indicate he has a possible liver shunt condition. Since this condition can be fatal, we want to make sure the lab results are correct. Allegedly this lab had problems calibrating its centrifuge - and that's why more than one animal's blood tests returned with high liver enzymes.

Today I asked the vet to do one more test and send it to another lab for analysis. He agreed that before Alvin has neuter surgery on Monday, one more test would be wise.

Playing with an Animal's Health
As I'm writing this blog entry, I'm wondering if these labs are regulated or can they just not maintain their equipment and get away with it? Causing unnecessary pain for an animal and emotional pain (and additional costs) for owners is not the best way to stay in business.

I expect to learn the good news about this blood test on Saturday.

valmillsy

On another more positive note, I posted a Squidoo lens titled: The Best of the Designer Dogs - Cockapoos! Check out the Ten Reasons Why Cockapoos Are The Best Designer Dogs.

Hybrid Dog Breeders without a Conscience - Liver Shunt

What a Terrible Day!

Not only are we suffering from the puppy fighting blues, but we got some bad news from the vet.

Alvin's blood work for his neutering surgery was high in enzymes that indicate a congenital condition called liver shunt. In simple terms, his liver may not be getting an adequate blood supply and toxins are building up in his blood. For those who need a thorough explanation of liver shunt, click here.

The emotional impact is close to that of a parent finding out his child is seriously ill. We are all upset by the news - how is it possible that such a handome, loving animal might have been given a death sentence at conception?

Alvin will get another blood test to check the results of the first one. There are three scenarios:
1) The first blood test results were incorrect.
2) The liver shunt condition is present and an ultrasound indicates surgery is possible (85% successful).
3) The liver shunt condition is present and an ultrasound indicates surgery would not correct the condition. Under this scenario, the dog can be treated with medications and diet, but the prognosis is not good.

How does this happen? Chances are a breeder who produces pups with this condition has had very sick puppies and very upset owners. How could you give a puppy life knowing that he will be certain to suffer from a malfunctioning liver and maybe die in a year or less?

Note: See forum discussion of this topic here: http://www.chazhound.com/forums/t103821/

valmillsy