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!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have no experience with this, but I'm so sorry....hoping that with treatment he starts feeling better soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm very sorry to hear this Barbara. I also have no experience with it, but I do know an awful lot about diet and feeding. Homemade food contains less than half the calories of most dry foods, so you need to feed at least twice as much, although I understand that he may not want to eat much now when he's not feeling well. Ordinarily I am not a fan of the Rx diets the vets sell, but in cases of liver or kidney disease, sometimes they are the best options. I know there are veterinary diets made specifically for dogs with liver issues, you might ask your vet for that. Maybe you can supplement with your homemade mixture. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear your news. I would wonder how the results of the biopsy might change treatment before I would submit my dog to it.

[Barbara Dudas]

The specialist I took him to said without a biopsy they would just be guessing on what meds to use. With the biopsy they can confirm that it is definitely chronic acute hepatitis and not cancer. They can also confirm how far along the disease is and can better target meds to treat it. Without the biopsy he said they would just be throwing meds at him trial and error. So it does seem to make sense. I am waiting to hear back from my vet to get her opinion before proceeding. The specialist is very expensive and I tried to get some idea as to cost for the laparoscopic procedure. All they could say was there was a $195 consult fee and then they would tell me that. Is that an unreasonable question to ask? I mean I obviously want to do the best for him but at the same time that may be a factor if the cost is very high.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The reasons for the biopsy certainly make sense. You have every right to know the cost of the procedure.

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

I am so sorry you and your labradoodle are going through this. I think questions about cost are totally reasonable and you shouldn't have to pay $195 to obtain that information. Over the years I have had specialty vets perform diagnostic or treatment procedures on 3 of my dogs and 1 cat, and the price of the procedure was clearly stated before I decided whether or not to consult with the specialist.  In one instance, our local cardiac vet referred us to an even more specialized cardiac vet located some distance away, to implant a pacemaker in my lab.. The pacemaker vet answered my question about the projected fee ($7,000) on the telephone before I even made our first appointment. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have no experience with this either, but I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this with your dog. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have no experience with it either except to say that liver disease can appear out of the blue like this since they do not show many symptoms at first. My friend's Portuguese water dog had liver cancer and not wanting to eat much was her first (and only ) sign that something was not right. He had a year of fairly good health after treatment with steroids--so sorry your guy is going through this and I hope it is something that is treatable.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

So sorry to hear your doodle is not feeling well and has to go through testing, but I hope they can figure out a treatment quickly and get him some relief.  Thinking only positive thoughts for your boy and will be looking for updates as you progress.

[Barbara Dudas]

Thank you so much everyone for your kind words and suggestions. It is so appreciated!

[Janet & Jaxson]

I also have no experience with this but want to pass along that I am thinking about you and your doodle.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Barbara, I just want to share my wishes for a diagnosis that comes with a treatment plan that works for you and your pup. I am sorry that you and your boy are dealing with all of this, and that you get the answers needed to bring him some relief soon.