posted 01-19-2004 06:20 PM         

It's a long story with her health in this past year...I won't make you read the entire thing but she does have liver disease (she takes milk thistle which has been bringing the counts down). Her last blood work was done in October and the vet said since the counts were started to come down she could wait until April for another bloodtest.

Her abdomen is puffing out again. Last year it was also puffy/fluid filled and during her surgery(s) (surgery for stone removal ended up leading to other things) a free-floating fatty tumor was removed from her abdomen. It was through that was what was causing the fluid.

Sadie goes to a holistic vet every 3 weeks for chiropractic work (my husband wishes I took such good care of him) and I asked this vet for a 2nd opinion on Sadie's puffy belly. Sadie was seen 2 weeks ago by her regular vet for a "manicure" and I asked about the puffiness...not much was sad.

I've been worrying about Cushing's (sorry this is so long) regular vet didn't think that she has Cushing's and suggested a belly tap in order to see where the fluid is coming from. So the 2nd opinion with her holistic vet (can we say expensive dog...and I wonder why I buy my clothes in a 2nd home shop) she said the same thing - liver and she should have a belly tap.

What do they do when they tap a dog's belly for fluids? I understand they do it while the dog is awake and use an ultra-sharp needle. But I'm still nervous for my old girl.

And has anyone ever had a dog with liver disease to the point of needing their belly to be tapped?

This is what Sadie's belly looks like tonight. She's not fat but she's gained 2 pounds in 3 weeks!!!! Her spinal column is still easily felt as her ribs - it's that belly and it sways when she walks.

posted 01-20-2004 08:27 AM         

Hoping they can take out enough fluid to give her relief too.

posted 01-20-2004 09:00 AM         

Have you looked for a Yahoo group about dogs with liver disease? I joined a feline cardiac group when my cat was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (say THAT ten times fast) and they have been a wonderful source of information.