Labradoodle with chronic hepatitis

[Barbara Dudas]

I am hoping someone out there will have some experience with this. Over the last three weeks my husband and I noticed some changes in our 8 year old doggie. First we noticed he seemed to have smaller than usual stools and he seemed to be straining. Second he started not wanting to get in the car. He goes to the office everyday with us and jaunt in the last two weeks he was hesitant getting in the car and we had to coax him. On Tuesday we thought his stomach looked a little larger so without hesitation we took him to the vet. An X-ray showed fluid in his abdomen which they drained to make him more comfortable. Blood work showed all his liver numbers were abnormal. They suggested we see a specialist for an ultrasound. We had that done yesterday and it showed what they believe is chronic hepatitis and pretty significant liver damage. At this point they would like to do a biopsy of his liver. The normal outpatient method of doing that is not possible since they are afraid he would bleed too much. They either want to do it in surgery or laparoscopically so we have to consult back with our vet to determine which method is the best for our guy. We have so many questions and are trying to wrap our heads around this. This seemed to come out of nowhere. The symptoms we were seeing seemed pretty minor. We were thinking we'd leave the vet on Monday with some meds or suggestions to relieve constipation and maybe some meds for arthritis. If anyone has any experience with this I would very much appreciate hearing what your experience has been. The big immediate question I have is regarding diet. The last few days I had been feeding him some chicken breasts mixed with broccoli and carrots to try to get him some relief from constipation. Generally he's been eating a mix of a high quality lamb canned food and dry food. He had gotten picky six months or so ago and we started mixing in the canned food (probably a sign of what was happening). Also any idea concerning the method for the biopsy? While I know the laparoscopic procedure is less invasive without specifying it the specialist indicated its an expensive procedure. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. The vet said they see chronic hep more frequently in the lab breed than in other breeds for what it's worth. Thank you!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Barbara, I have not read all the other responses, but if this were my Fudge or Vern, I would not do the biopsy. This may be easier said than done since I am not in your position, but I would try the meds and dietary approach and just hope they could live out their lives comfortably and as pain free as possible. I hope I never have to make this hard decision and I feel so badly for you that you are in this position. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Barbara, Follow your heart. You know your baby best and will always have the best intentions for him.  Best of love with whatever decision you make.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Perfect response, Joyce.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree with Nancy. You said it perfectly.

[BG and Gavin]

I feel like you know in your heart what to do for sweet Chase. Hugs as you go forward.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi Barbara, I know how difficult these decisions can be, when confronting a serious illness in our precious doodles.  My doodle Paz, was diagnosed with lymphoma in November, and from my experience,effective, compassionate treatment must represent a true partnership between the vet and the doodle "parents.  Paz's oncologist in whom I have the upmost confidence, always imforms me of my options and asks me how i feel about each option; he encourages me to ask lots of questions, and continually states that I know Paz better than anyone else.  It's this mutual trust that has helped guide me through all the decisions I've had to make about Paz's treatment.  You know your beloved doodle better than anyone else, and a good veterinary specialist should factor your input when recommending a treatment protocol.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved doodle.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Barbara ~ I am inclined to agree with F, Nancy, Laurie & others.  But as someone else said you know your boy better than anyone and you will decide what is best for him.  If positive thoughts and prayers make a difference (I think they do), you will be receiving tons of them from our group.  Hang in there and keep us posted.    

[Wendy and Myla]

This is heartbreaking!  I have no advice because I honestly believe it is a decision that has to be made by the people that know him best.  My DH has autoimmune hepatitis with a liver that is very compromised, and it is so scary that there is so little that can be done!  What we have found is that we have to live the healthiest life we can as far as diet and exercise and live life to the fullest while we can!  Hugs and prayers!!!!

[Barbara Dudas]

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers. I spoke with our vet again tonight and told her our family was in agreement to start the meds and diet right away but to not proceed with the biopsy at this time. She said she agreed and that really the biopsy wouldn't give us any better treatment options and the option to biopsy would always be there later if we wanted to go that route. I just feel that we would have to have a very compelling reason to subject him to this and that reason just doesn't exist. They will call me tomorrow with the food options and will order the food. They are putting him on two antibiotics along with a liver supplement. We will run bloods again in two months to see where his liver enzymes are at ( unless we see big changes before then). Another option would be a steroid but for now we will try these three meds along with the diet changes. Chase seems happy and comfortable at this time. He is eating well and is having small but regular stools (small stools was one symptom we saw). The vet was pleased with this since many dogs in this situation won't eat. I told Chase from here on out he's getting pretty much anything he wants in terms of walks, playtime, laying on the furniture and snuggles and he seemed to be pleased with that plan :). The vet encouraged us to give him chew bones or things of that sort if he wants them to keep him happy and comfortable. I am very grateful to everyone that took the time to weigh in. It gave us more confidence to do what I think we all already knew was the right thing for our guy. I will keep you posted. I'm hoping he eats the prescription food now. Thanks again!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This sounds like a good plan....please keep us posted and I wish you the best!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That sounds like the best plan, Barbara. Please keep us updated as we all care and want to let you know the we send our love and support.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

 I think you've chosen wisely. Hoping for the best for all of you.  Looking forward to your updates.