We have a 7 month old Bouvier des Flandres pup who we love to bits. Over the last week she's been vomiting on and off, which isn't like her so I took her to the vet. After a few days of medication it happened again and they decided to X-ray her and do blood tests. The x-ray looked OK but one of her bloods came back as abnormal. She's now to go back on Monday for more tests, and there is the possibility she may have a portosystemic shunt. They've said the abnormal blood test may have been a one-off, as the vet wasn't expecting any abnormality and was quite surprised by the result. Also said she doesn't look like a typical portosystemic shunt case, but that her level of bile acids was very high. I'm just devastated and so worried about her. She is an absolute sweetheart and lights up our lives. There is the possibility that she will need major surgery if she does have a shunt, or it might be the type they can only treat with medication. I'm trying not to jump to conclusions but its just so difficult. Luckily we have her insured (vet has said if she does require surgery it will definitely run into thousands). Not really sure why I'm posting - I suppose just looking for some support - or experience of others.

Hi othello

some meds can alter blood test results so try not to panic yet (easier said of course!).  I have no experience of the condition you mention but hopefully some members will be along soon who might be able to give some inside info :)

In the meantime you've come to a great place for support so stick with us and everything here's crossed that you'll get through the next worrying days with a little less weight on your mind.  Problems shared etc :)

Gentle hugs to your lovely girl meantime.
best wishes, Teri

Hi

I've just read your first post, it must have been hard waiting over the weekend.  How is she, and how did the tests go today? 

R xx

Hello Othello

Blood tests are usually taken before and after feeding to test the acid bile levels.
I found this article very helpful in the past. http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/06_Animal_Welfare/Soft_Tissue_Facts/Portosystemic_Shunts.html

Hope it is of some help.  Good luck today at the vets.

Joan

Thank you for the replies.

The weekend was hellish and so too was waiting until the results on Tuesday but they came back ok-ish. Not entirely normal but the vet doesn't think its a major problem. She is now being put on an exclusion diet to see if she has an allergy to her usual food. If we have further problems she may need more investigations but I'm just so relieved things are OK at the moment. I'm also relieved I have insurance - the vet bills have been over £300 in the last 2 weeks!