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  1. #1
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    Liver Condition - Pigmentary Hepatopathy

    Back in October, we started down the path of testing after verifying increased liver values via blood work we took for a different issue: https://www.lab-retriever.net/board/s...py-boomer.html

    Tests one, two (for Cushing’s), and three (imaging) were all negative. Got the results for the fourth test (liver biopsy). Pigmentary hepatopathy. I think my vet said it’s pretty rare. I don’t like to rely on Dr. Google but not much info seems online about it. Basically, pigment builds up in liver cells causing them to burst releasing enzymes that get detected in blood work. Cause can be external or internal so no specific treatment. All we can do is support the liver.

    My vet didn’t have a timeline but said loss of appetite would be a significant signal. Boomer’s ongoing issues with nausea could be related. He had a major spell yesterday and has minor ones on a fairly regular basis. Right now, this means he drools non-stop (major episode) or periodically (minor), self-soothes himself by licking his legs, his stuffies, and the carpet/rugs. He also gets needy for attention.

    There’s medication to support the liver but for the first time ever, my vet has also suggested the herbal route (including milk thistle, something several people here have already advised me on).

    He’s the same as ever in every other way.

  2. #2
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    I don’t suppose there’s a way to edit the title of a thread? Somehow I typed “there” into it. It’s Pigmentary Hepatopathy.

  3. #3
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    I have no experience with liver issues. sending good thoughts the herbal support helps and gives you more quality time.

    to edit the title try going to advanced edit.

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    Java (01-29-2018)

  5. #4
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    I can't find anything about this specifically named hepatopathy...including in a vet consult book. A lot of the types talk about pigment granules but they all have other names. Confusing.

    I hope Boomer will do well on the supportive protocol you choose.

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    Java (01-29-2018)

  7. #5
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    About 3 yrs ago our vet discovered that Molly's ALT liver level was higher than normal. She said that can be due to many things, including simply an aging liver. At that time she said we would just wait & then check it again next time I brought her in. So that time, the levels were even higher. She said they were not alarmingly so, yet, but decided to put Molly on Denamarin, which is a mixture of Sam-E & Milkthistle. So on her last checkup, the ALT level had gone down, but still not all the way back to normal. So vet said we should probably just have Molly continue on that for the rest of her life. We give her 3 tablets in the morning, about an hour before she eats breakfast. She is 13 1/2 now, & is on Galliprant for her arthritis also. Other than slowing down some & having normal old-dog issues, like arthritis, she seems to be doing quite well right now--better even than she was doing a year ago.

    Good luck & please keep us posted! It is so hard when our babies get old!

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    Java (01-29-2018)

  9. #6
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Boy, what a history. At last you have something to work on though. I have never heard of it either. Here's hoping this can be managed and does not worsen.
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    Java (01-29-2018)

 



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