Hi All
Some advice if anyone can help please. My 4 month old Westie has not been well the last couple of days. She is eating fine, Poo's normal etc, she vommited yesterday morning, thought she had maybe picked up a bug, fed her chicken and brown rice yesterday and this morning. Today she was very lethargic, not right at all. Took her to the vets. They kept her in to do X-Rays and blood tests. They said all the symptoms are pointing to a Liver Shunt. I am gutted, I hope they are wrong. Could it be something else? she has come home with anti-biotics and I have to take her back on Tuesday for more blood tests, a fasting one, then they feed her, then re do the blood tests. They have ordered her some Royal Canin special food, but that won't be here until Tuesday, is there anywhere I can go buy it, or anything else to feed her what you can recommend. The vet said fish, chicken and rice, mashed potato, cottage cheese etc. I'm so upset, I just hope they are wrong. Hope someone can help or advise. Thanks
Wendy

I know how you feel as my dog was very poorly a few weeks ago.  She suddenly developed V&D and both had blood in.  She was kept in vets for 3 days and things were looking bleak but then she picked up kept down some water and food and came home.  I don't think the vets really ended up finding out what it was.  I know she picked up something that she ate in the park so whatever that was might have caused the damage.  My girl is fine now and hopefully yours will be too.

It's so worrying when you don't know what's going on but at least your dog is having lots of tests to find out.  Whatever it is your vets are doing their best for her. :)  Chin up :)

Hi
Thanks for your reply. I am hoping they are wrong and that maybe It's a virus or something. We have been feeding her small amounts every 2hrs today, and touch wood, she has kept it down, so here's hoping!!! God, they are a worry aren't they?
Wendy

Hi
Have you any more updates on your pup?  I have a 16 month Golden Retriever and she was diagnosed with a liver shunt a couple of months ago.
At the moment she is doing very well on the Royal Canine Hepatic food and the occasional dose of lactulose. 
It took our vets, and specialists, a few months to finally diagnose her as they were convinced it was a stomach problem she had.  Since she had an exploratory op where they did a liver biopsy they are reluctant to do any more surgery on her at the moment but there is still a chance it can be surgically repaired in the future.
Hopefully it isnt a shunt your pup has but what I have read about them a lot of dogs seem to do quite well being controlled by diet.
Thinking of you.
Eileen

Hi Eileen
We have an Appt. with a specialist Vet in Northwich Cheshire on Tues. I have to starve her from 10pm on Monday night with a view to surgery Tues. afternoon. She will be in until Saturday. Yes, at the moment it is ? a Liver shunt. I will be a nervous wreck I know I will. She is only just over 4 months. She has been on Royal Canin Hepatic and added Cottage cheese since being at the Vets last week, but takes it fine no problem, so thats a relief. So we will have to wait now and see how things go. I keep hoping they are wrong, but the Vet says all the signs are there. I can't believe that just over a week ago there was nothing wrong, and now here we are ? a Liver shunt. Life is so unfair Isn't it? Pleased your dog is doing well. Does she have the cans or the complete? we are trying the cans tomorrow for a change. I will let you know how we get on.
Wendy

Wendy I'm so sorry to read about your puppy, you must be out of your mind with worry :(

Is it The Willows vets in Northwich that you are going to?  These are my vets and are an extrememly good practice/animal hospital, so she will be in very safe hands.

I'll keep everything crossed that all works out well and a speedy recovery for your girl xx
Maria

Hi Maria
Yes we are gutted as you can imagine. We are to see a Mr Williams at Oakwood, which belongs to The Willows I believe. Yes, My Vet here said he was excellent, so fingers crossed it will all go well. I just can't believe It's happening. I'll be a nervous wreck by next week!!!
Wendy