Blood tests show liver isn't working too well

[Macky Boy]

Hi everyone,

Mac was at the vet today for a heart scan to see how he's doing on all his medication. He has been on vetmedin, frusemide and fortekor for about 7 months. He's also on soloxine to regulate his thyroid. The last scan in October showed a slight decrease in the size of the heart so I was crossing everything that it was going to be good news today.

Unfortunately the scan has shown that the heart has not changed in size, his tyroid levels have gone quite high so the dosage of soloxine is being altered to half a tablet of 0.2mg per day and his blood tests have shown that his liver levels are a bit high. This apparently could be because he's been on antibiotics and metacalm for a couple of weeks due to an infection in one of his toes. He's to go back in 3 to 4 weeks to run the bloods again to see if anything has changed/improved.

Apologies for the long post - I just wanted to share as I'm feeling a wee bit sorry for the boy (and for me as well I suppose). He's lying on the sofa sleeping after getting sedated earlier today for the scan and xray but seems as bright as a button otherwise. I know that I have to concentrate on making sure he's happy and comfortable. I'm just frustrated that it feels like one thing after the other - he also has cataracts and dry-eye syndrome so we have a rigid medication daily routine which he never complains about.  I think that's what gets me sometimes - you'd never think there was anything wrong with him if you were to meet him. He was skipping through the daffodils this morning on our walk before heading to the vet 

Anyway I'm crossing everything for his next test that the levels have improved. Hope you all have a good weekend. Thanks for letting me get this all off my chest 

[ladylola]

Poor Mac and poor you, you must be worried about the poor boy. I hope his blood results improve for you next time, and he'll soon be back to skipping through the daffodills, for mac

[Dragon]

I just wanted to share as I'm feeling a wee bit sorry for the boy (and for me as well I suppose). He's lying on the sofa sleeping after getting sedated earlier today

With you totally on this one. Hope all goes well on your next visit.

[Penel]

To be honest, all those drugs he is on, I'd be very surprised if his liver enzymes weren't high.  He sounds like he's coping very well though, which must be a relief to you.

[Elisa]

Poor Mac 

Hope the next tests are a bit better.    for Mac.

[bluegirl]

There are herbal remedies that can help his liver, milk thistle is the main one and dandelion is another, you can get them from any health shop. I'm sorry he's having such a tough time, but he must be a little trooper considering all his ailments. I hope the levels have reduced for next time.

[helen1]

Get well soon Mac

[Macky Boy]

oh thanks so much everyone for your replies. they have cheered me up big time. 

Mac has gone back to sleep but did wake up about an hour ago and has managed to eat his tea (and half a carrot) so he must be feeling ok 

My vet has suggested that I give him milk thistle so it's nice to know that they are thinking of herbal supplements as well for him.

[Sheryl]

When Chloe was ill for all those years with her AIHA, I felt pretty much as you did.  All the drugs and the fear of what they could do to her little body.  Feeling sick with expectation at every blood test.  Like Mac, she sailed through it all, never stopped wagging that beautiful tail and took her treatment like a little heroine.  Apart from being overweight you never knew how sick she was.  I know how you want to do something more, make it all stop, lighten the burden of being sick for them but you just can't.  To be sat there feeling so sorry for Mac, worrying about him and taking pleasure in him eating his tea just shows what a caring parent you are to this special baby.  I hope he improves at the next test and gives those daffs a good trampling.

[Joelf]

Poor Mac; hope he soon feels a little brighter & that his next blood tests are a bit more positive.

[michelle123]

Good Luck with the next visit to the vets.  Loads of  to gorgeous Mac, think that he deserve it 

[jann]

  Sorry to hear Mac isn't too well.  I hope his next tests are better poor little boy     from Jann and Flo

[Macky Boy]

Hi everyone - all your comments have helped so much. Its been a real comfort knowing that people understand and just "get it" when it comes to our little angels.

Well we were back at the vet tonight for a check up after Friday. Mac's sinus rhythm is good so that's a positive sign. He has the vet again on April 24 for more blood tests to see how the liver is coping and to check his thyroid levels.

He has been an absolute trouper and it just makes me love him more - nothing is getting him down and he's still my cheerful, happy boy who loves eating, sleeping and going for walks with his chums. Long may that continue 

I'll let you know how he gets on in three weeks.

[happydog]

He has been an absolute trouper and it just makes me love him more - nothing is getting him down and he's still my cheerful, happy boy who loves eating, sleeping and going for walks with his chums. Long may that continue 

That's what's so great about dogs, most of the time they don't know they are ill and just take each day as it comes  .
(Thinks: If only humans were a little more like them.....)

Fern sends healing cocker slurps to Mac     

[*jean*]

  I think you are a star as well for taking such care of your boy .. well done.