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Question

I have a Jack Russell that is approx 5 or 6 years old (she was dumped in our neighborhood so we don't have an exact age). She went in for a teeth cleaning October 14th and showed signs of jaundice a month later. She was fine before the teeth cleaning. Could something have happened during her cleaning to cause this sudden liver failure. She has lost four pounds since October 14th. I'm afraid we are going to lose her. She has had blood work, x-ray showing no blockage, antibiotics and high dose steroids with no results. What are her chances of surviving this?

Submitted: 446 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 5; Female; Breed: Jack Russell

Already Tried:
X-ray
Two forms of antibiotics to rule out infection
Three weeks of high dose steroids
Sami-liver supplement

Accepted Answer

Hi,

 

I'm sorry this is going on. The liver issues may have come from the release of a lot of bacteria from the teeth into the bloodstream, or may have resulted from an anesthetic reaction. This may also have happened if she had an infectious agent in her system, and the dental lowered her immune system, allowing this to take control. Or, strangely, this might be coincidental.

 

The good news is that the liver is the one organ that can often repair itself given time. The real question is how much damage was done. At this point, it sounds as though your vet is worrying about infection and inflammation. The steroids concern me a little as steroids can often harm an already compromised liver. But, they are probably using them judiciously to bring down inflammation.

 

There are a couple of tests that might be worthwhile. One is called bile acids, and tells you how well the liver is still functioning. A second is an abdominal ultrasound, which will tell you what the liver looks like in 3d, and is noninvasive. It will tell you if there is scarring or a mass, or the liver has drastic changes. It might give you the most information on how the long term prognosis looks.

 

If you can ride this out, often in dogs the liver can do really well. Talk to your vet about these additional tests, and don't lose hope.

 

James

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Expert: Doc James
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 644
Answered: 12/30/2008

Dog Veterinarian

10 years small animal veterinarian, acupuncture

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