The Schnauzer Forum

I'm new to the forum but I have a one year old mini called Winston who has elevated liver bloods and is being investigated for a potential liver shunt. He has an appointment with a specialist for an angiogram. It sounds similar to Tilly. It's incredibly worrying.

Emma_Matt wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 18:24 I'm new to the forum but I have a one year old mini called Winston who has elevated liver bloods and is being investigated for a potential liver shunt. He has an appointment with a specialist for an angiogram. It sounds similar to Tilly. It's incredibly worrying.

Welcome to the Forum, Emma

I am so sorry to hear about Winston and hope you get some positive news after seeing the specialist. Do let us know how things go. Paws and fingers crossed for your little one.

Hi Joy, sorry to hear that Tilly is poorly.

Just to give a little hope, I'll share some of my journey with young Watson.

Watson was diagnosed with a liver shunt in 2014, after suffering with bladder stones, struvite crystals and high phosphate levels. We were referred to the Royal Veterinary College, where he was diagnosed with and had the operation to repair the liver shunt. You can read about his journey here and here.

7 years on from all the ordeals, we still have a happy, energetic dog with us. Other than the scar on his tummy, there are no signs of what he went through just after his 2nd birthday. And who can forget the grumbly breathing. We hardly hear it anymore, we have gotten so used to it.

I was approached by the RVC a couple of weeks ago, asking how Watson was. It brought back all the memories of this difficult journey. They are doing a study on the outcome of liver shunt operations and requested that I do a bile function test with Watson. I agreed to this and my local vet took bloods and RVC picked up the bill. All is normal with him now.

Watson has been on a pre prepared raw diet from Nutriment since he was a puppy. I have not changed his food throughout his life and both my boys are still excited every time I put their bowls down. I think having a simple diet, with a few fresh, key ingredients has assisted Watson, not only in surviving, but thriving. Digesting something as basic as raw chicken or turkey (with veg in the mix) takes a lot of strain off vital organs and gives them the maximum amount of nutrients without excessive strain on their livers and other organs.

I hope you find what is causing the issues with Tilly soon and get to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope you get some positive news. Sending hugs.

Liver ct with dye was done last Wednesday, results no shunt. Blood tests etc are now all normal. What a relief!! She’s been her normal naughty self these last few days and eating well. However, she’s had an itchy ear and just got home from having her ears cleaned and masses of thick hair removed from her right ear!!! Let’s hope Tilly can be left in peace now to enjoy her life. It’s been a horrible few months but we’re now looking forward to having fun with her. We’re taking her on holiday soon to her first seaside visit. Thank you all for caring.

Great news that things seem to be back to normal and no liver shunt

Hopefully now you can all put these bad times behind you and look forward to your holiday and fun times with Tilly to come

Great, so happy to read Tilly is feeling better! May she continue to improve! Have a wonderful trip

Hi all, I must just tell you that Tilly is full of beans and has come on a bundle after all her problems. She met the seaside yesterday and could not believe it, she went stiff with a paw up just like a pointer!!! So funny. She’s been playing on the beach this morning and flaked out when we got back (we’re at my sister’s house in Dawlish). She’s so happy now and eating well. We are so in love with her! Are all Schnauzer owners the same? Every Schnauzer owner we meet are enamoured with them as if they’re their children!!

Yay so happy Tilly is back to normal!

Idk but I'll agree, once you go schnauzer, it's hard to turn back. I have always had schnauzers, but most people I talk to that have had or even met a schnauzer adore them. My husband and I are in the club for sure!

Good to hear Tilly is back to normal, sorry this is late but just catching up on the forum. Welcome to the forum.