Dear Cavalier Friends,
I am very concerned for our 10 year old Cavalier, Dash. Here is what has happened:
November two of Dash's front little teeth very loose, falling out, bad breath. Vet recommended dental.
December 1 Pre-Dental Blood work, elevated GGT level - Vet reasoned that it could be because of infection from bad teeth, still cleared ok to do Dental.
December 4 Pre-Dental Blood work, higher GGT level than on Dec 1 - went through with Dental and 4 teeth removed.
December 4 - 18 Two weeks of Antibiotic meds
December 29 Blood work and result was GGT even further escalated. Vet provided four options 1- three weeks of Ursodiol to see if it controls or brings down GGT levels, 2 - ultrasound, 3- xray, 4 - do nothing now and check again in three months. Vet said it could be a problem with gall bladder or liver. We opted for the Ursodiol.
January 5 Started on 75mg capsules Ursodiol once per day for three weeks
January 26 Blook work to check GGT level and the result was an even higher GGT level. Vet also noted high cholesterol. Vet asked for a complete full blood work panel tomorrow.
Each time Dash has had blood work done, he has been fasted for 12 hours prior. He eats Eagle lamb and rice, with 1/2 tsp Glucosamine Plus and 1 3V Cap.
Perhaps it is time to do the x ray or ultrasound to find out what is going on? It will have been two months of this GGT level escalating. Just a google search talks of a blocked gall bladder duct or liver disease....but I don't know if that is it or not.
Have you ever seen this in a Cavalier before or have any suggestions? Unfortunately, the vet I am going to has 5 doctors none of which are very familiar with Cavalier.
Many thanks to you for your advice.
-kezimmer and Dash
I am very concerned for our 10 year old Cavalier, Dash. Here is what has happened:
November two of Dash's front little teeth very loose, falling out, bad breath. Vet recommended dental.
December 1 Pre-Dental Blood work, elevated GGT level - Vet reasoned that it could be because of infection from bad teeth, still cleared ok to do Dental.
December 4 Pre-Dental Blood work, higher GGT level than on Dec 1 - went through with Dental and 4 teeth removed.
December 4 - 18 Two weeks of Antibiotic meds
December 29 Blood work and result was GGT even further escalated. Vet provided four options 1- three weeks of Ursodiol to see if it controls or brings down GGT levels, 2 - ultrasound, 3- xray, 4 - do nothing now and check again in three months. Vet said it could be a problem with gall bladder or liver. We opted for the Ursodiol.
January 5 Started on 75mg capsules Ursodiol once per day for three weeks
January 26 Blook work to check GGT level and the result was an even higher GGT level. Vet also noted high cholesterol. Vet asked for a complete full blood work panel tomorrow.
Each time Dash has had blood work done, he has been fasted for 12 hours prior. He eats Eagle lamb and rice, with 1/2 tsp Glucosamine Plus and 1 3V Cap.
Perhaps it is time to do the x ray or ultrasound to find out what is going on? It will have been two months of this GGT level escalating. Just a google search talks of a blocked gall bladder duct or liver disease....but I don't know if that is it or not.
Have you ever seen this in a Cavalier before or have any suggestions? Unfortunately, the vet I am going to has 5 doctors none of which are very familiar with Cavalier.
Many thanks to you for your advice.
-kezimmer and Dash