
Liver problems
Forum rules
All the information provided in the First Aid section is gathered from the collective experience of our members and is provided for information purposes only. The advice contained within this section is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, care, diagnosis or treatment. Each dog is different and may react differently to the recommended first aid advice. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, you should consult your vet as soon as possible. You use this First Aid advice entirely at your own risk. If in doubt, speak to your Vet.
All the information provided in the First Aid section is gathered from the collective experience of our members and is provided for information purposes only. The advice contained within this section is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, care, diagnosis or treatment. Each dog is different and may react differently to the recommended first aid advice. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, you should consult your vet as soon as possible. You use this First Aid advice entirely at your own risk. If in doubt, speak to your Vet.
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: 25 Mar 2021, 21:46
- First Name: Emma
- Dog #1: Oscar
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 12 Mar 2010
- Dog #2: Winston
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 16 Mar 2020
- zeta1454
- Moderator
- Posts: 5185
- Joined: 19 May 2011, 16:58
- First Name: Leigh
- Dog #1: Magic
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 20 Apr 2010
- Dog #2: Trilby
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 15 Mar 2012
- Dog #3: Pip
- Born: 21 Feb 2014
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Location: North Yorkshire
- Contact:
Re: Liver problems
Welcome to the Forum, EmmaEmma_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.
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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.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Pip - Darksprite Too Darn Hot
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
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Pip - Darksprite Too Darn Hot
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
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- Dinkum
- Tech Team
- Posts: 2582
- Joined: 10 Jan 2011, 12:47
- First Name: Dean
- Dog #1: Rupert RIP
- is a: Black Mini Dog
- Born: 24 Dec 2010
- Dog #2: Watson
- is a: Black Mini Dog
- Born: 21 Feb 2012
- Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Re: Liver problems
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.
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.
Dean (Dog dad)
Rupert, black mini, 24/12/10 - 01/03/24
Watson, black mini born 21/02/12
I offer my advice freely, but I am not an expert, breeder, groomer or behaviourist. It is simply my experience of raising pups in a way that seems to make sense.
Rupert, black mini, 24/12/10 - 01/03/24
Watson, black mini born 21/02/12
I offer my advice freely, but I am not an expert, breeder, groomer or behaviourist. It is simply my experience of raising pups in a way that seems to make sense.
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- Member
- Posts: 1592
- Joined: 02 May 2017, 11:28
- First Name: Julie
- Dog #1: Oscar RIP Sweety
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 21 Dec 2002
- Dog #2: Otto
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 04 Jul 2017
Re: Liver problems
Hope you get some positive news. Sending hugs.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
we also need a schnauzer.
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- Puppy
- Posts: 40
- Joined: 19 Aug 2020, 09:08
- First Name: Joy
- Dog #1: Tilly
- is a: B/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 26 Jun 2020
Re: Liver problems
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.
- zeta1454
- Moderator
- Posts: 5185
- Joined: 19 May 2011, 16:58
- First Name: Leigh
- Dog #1: Magic
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 20 Apr 2010
- Dog #2: Trilby
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 15 Mar 2012
- Dog #3: Pip
- Born: 21 Feb 2014
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Location: North Yorkshire
- Contact:
Re: Liver problems
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

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

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Pip - Darksprite Too Darn Hot
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
https://www.facebook.com/people/Darkspr ... 526061248/
Pip - Darksprite Too Darn Hot
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
https://www.facebook.com/people/Darkspr ... 526061248/
- Schnauzerluv
- Member
- Posts: 590
- Joined: 21 May 2020, 21:31
- First Name: Kat
- Dog #1: Ozzy
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 30 Jul 2020
- Dog #2: Lily
- is a: Black Mini Bitch
- Born: 12 Aug 2022
Re: Liver problems
Great, so happy to read Tilly is feeling better! May she continue to improve! Have a wonderful trip 
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- Puppy
- Posts: 40
- Joined: 19 Aug 2020, 09:08
- First Name: Joy
- Dog #1: Tilly
- is a: B/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 26 Jun 2020
Re: Liver problems
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!!
- Schnauzerluv
- Member
- Posts: 590
- Joined: 21 May 2020, 21:31
- First Name: Kat
- Dog #1: Ozzy
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 30 Jul 2020
- Dog #2: Lily
- is a: Black Mini Bitch
- Born: 12 Aug 2022
Re: Liver problems
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!
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!
- schnauzer
- Member
- Posts: 1430
- Joined: 28 Sep 2008, 20:28
- First Name: Christine
- Dog #1: Suzi (RIP) 13/4/17
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 15 May 2004
- Dog #2: Gino/Siglette Shadow
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 09 May 2017
- Location: East Kilbride, Scotland
Re: Liver problems
Good to hear Tilly is back to normal, sorry this is late but just catching up on the forum. Welcome to the forum.
Christine & Gino (Siglette Shadow (born 9/5/17 ---
Suzi (15/5/04---13/4/17) (Sugarbabe) RIP loved you to the moon & back, miss you so so much precious girl
Suzi (15/5/04---13/4/17) (Sugarbabe) RIP loved you to the moon & back, miss you so so much precious girl