[wkomorow]

i am sorry that your husband passed.

Typically dogs with shunts have bile acid levels over 100, it is more likely MVD. There is a relatively inexpensive blood test called a protein c assay. It is been a whil but they should be under $100. Both MVD and liver shunts can been treated medically and with diet. My Lucky had a shunt. He lived to 9, but died from an unrelated cancer. There are specialists, most general vets don't have the experience with liver issues in small dogs I would recommend you look at a lower protein diet, with protein supplements from dairy which is easier fot the liver to process. Not sure what part of the country you are in but Cornell has some excellent vets that specialize in liver issues. In adition to denamarin or marin and sam-e for liver support, prescription lactulose is given. The greatest danger is from ammonia build up in the blood, which is why lower protein and dairy are recommended, they reduce ammonia build up.

Also remember blood tests are just snapshots and the readiings could be an anomaly. if it were me and she is asymptomatic, I would ask for a protein c test, it would further confirm MVD over a shunt, which is a bile acid of 80 would suggest. But I would talk to your vet or a nutrionist about a liver friendly diet either way.

Don't be overly worried about a single blood test. Good luck.

 

[wkomorow]

You need to do what you feel best, but if the protein c comes back MVD, I would be leary of an invasive procedure. Typically what they might do next is a doppler ultrasound. This is different from an ultrasound in that it can actually map the liver. Not many places have the equipment, so it can be a bit expensive. If she is shows no symptoms I personally would start medical intevention and talk to a nutrionist about dietary changes. Cornell used to have a nutionist consult that can be done remotely. But other schools also may have these.

I agree with Sandi and Maggie a teaching hospital is your best bet if you have concerns. Dogs with actual shunts (honestly I think her bile acid profile points to MVD a very common and manageable condition in Maltese) have done well with both surgery (especially if the are young) and also with medical/dietary management. I personally choose diet and medicine and it worked out well.