Much relief in Mudville

[ksmith]

The diagnosis--cholangitis, aka inflamed bile duct, along with some inflammation
of the gall bladder. Pretty much what it was last year, only worse.

I held Mickey during the procedure, which was done while he was conscious and
standing up. No mickey for Mickey. He had to have part of his belly shaved.
Then the vet spread the gel on the ultrasound thingie and evaluated his liver,
gall bladder, spleen, the works. Everything was clear except for the bile duct--you
could see the white lines that indicated inflammation.

Actigall for a month, after which I take him in for another blood test. He may
be on meds for life. No diet tweakage at this point--we will reeval after we
see how the meds worked.

Very relieved. I was scared. But the vet examined him prior to the procedure,
and said then that it was probably cholangitis. Mickey was very nervous, but
obviously bright-eyed and active. I'm guessing he wouldn't have been so peppy
if his liver was involved.

Home. Gall Bladder Boy is sacked out on his pillow. He had a rough day.

Comments

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Phew! Glad to hear that it wasn't more serious.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

You and me both.

While the vet worked on Mickey, I told her that I had Googled for info about ALT (the enzyme in question), and learned way more than I wanted to know. "I really shouldn't Google," I said. She agreed.

[juliabk.livejournal.com]

Poor baby. Sounded like he was very brave.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

He behaved better than he did at the regular vet's last Saturday. Maybe my being with him the entire time helped.

Funny how he calmed down after we went out to the lobby. They can sense when it's over and they're going home.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Poor little guy.

I'm glad he's okay.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Me, too.

[barbarienne.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear it's something treatable and non-disabling!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Definitely.

[equesgal.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear about Mickey. I have five cats and it is so hard when they are feeling poorly.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

That's the funny thing--unless he was hiding it, and dogs do hide it, he didn't seem to be feeling any ill effects. Appetite, activity, attitude--all normal. His bright-eyed peppiness is what I think allowed the vet to rule out serious liver issues and veer toward gall bladder disease before she performed the u-sound.

[aitchellsee.livejournal.com]

What a relief! Hope you both get some nice relaxing walkies this weekend -- oh, and that other dog too.

Yah!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Hey--I'm The King!

[(Anonymous)]

Kris,
I found your website this weekend to check up on you Mickey. I'm relieved to hear that his tests went well and that you are all fine. Have a nice weekend.
--Lynn

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Hi Lynn! Yes, the patient is resting comfortably, and Dogmom is relieved.