Holly's bloodwork

[Tricia]

Holly had her annual physical yesterday and got her anal glands expressed again. She was due for a heartworm test, so the vet suggested that we run a "junior wellness panel" because she hasn't had bloodwork done in nearly 3 years and the heartworm test is done for free if you get the panel run. So she called me with the results today and I'm now going crazy with worry! One of her liver enzymes was high and we have to wait 4 weeks to get it checked again. If it's the same or higher, then we're looking at ultrasounds, etc. I'm just to my stomach. She seems perfectly fine in every way and is still so young. Of course I asked if there was a chance that it could be a bad test/false reading and she said "very unlikely" I'll keep you all posted.

[Jen]

Oh Tricia I'm so sorry

I'm not familiar with what high liver enzymes in a dog could mean. Did the vet tell you what can cause this?

I'll be praying that her enzymes are low when you have them checked again I'm sorry you have to wait so long

[Tricia]

Thanks Jen. This particular enzyme means there's some liver damage going on. It could have been from something that just happened, or it could be ongoing liver disease, shunt, cancer, etc. All of her other numbers on the CBC were normal, so she's not thinking cancer. But when we go back, it will check the liver function more thoroughly, so then they'll have a better idea of just how bad it is, or if has cleared itself up (which is what we're praying for, but not counting on).

[Jaynie]

((((Tricia))))

Thinking of you

I dont know much about liver tests on dogs either but really hope things work out ok.

I had very high liver results for ages after having Holly, infact they were 4 times what they should be! they thought I was an alcoholic !!! I dont drink..

Since being on herbal medicine for my hormones they have come down to normal levels... just a thought maybe it could be hormone related :/

[Jen]

^That's great Jayne

I'll keep you in my prayers Tricia

[Gypsy]

I'm so sorry Tricia. ((HUGS)) I know how scary high blood levels can be. I know that Rachel who has Stewie and Gracie, she used to be on chipeople, her Stewie has some liver issues but they aren't hard to manage she just has to feed him a certain type of food and monitor him and he doesn't seem badly effected. So hopefully Holly's issue might just be something easy to manage.

I will keep you and Holly in my prayers and hope for good results.

[Tricia]

Thanks girls, I really appreciate it. She acts perfectly fine, so I just continue to pray that the next test looks much better.

[Jen]

Tricia did your vet tell you why they need to wait 4 weeks for a retest? It's such a long time

[Tricia]

From what I've read on the net, the standard time frame to repeat is 30 days, because the enzyme can remain at a level for 3 weeks from one incident. Also, in case it's from the meds she was on for her anal glands, which is kind of unlikely because we're past the window when they should have affected the liver, they will for sure be gone in another 30 days.

[Jaynie]

Try not too worry too much Tricia (easier said than done)
The liver is an amazing organ and repairs itself very quickly