Liver shunt or MVD

Hello Dr. Maria.

I have a 6 month old male Dachshund. He went in to get a neuter and his pre anesthetic blood work came back with high liver enzymes. So my vet called off the neuter and did further blood tests to see how the liver was functioning, this test did not come back with great results. We are trying to rule out Liver Shunt for my little guy. I live in Calgary, AB and this surgery I was told starts at $5,000 so I am looking for some information to avoid surgery. One due to the money, but mainly I don't want to put a dog through an invasive surgery on his liver.

First off Chandler's results showed low urea in his first blood test with high liver enzymes. Then the vet did a bile acid concentration test where she took a fasting blood work sample and then one 2 hours after a feeding. The vet said Chandlers results were at 58.

I am wanting to know is a result at 58 really bad? Would that indicate to you a Liver Shunt or just microvascular dysplasia?

My little guy shows no signs of a liver shunt or liver problems. He is happy, healthy and growing on par. The vet says he is not stunted in growth at all. He is 10 pounds at 6 months (his mom was a mini and his dad a standard). He is happy and playful with my other dachshunds. He does not stare off into space, he has not had seizures, he always wants to eat and play, he does not vomit or act drunk. He has no yellowing of the eyes, or any symptoms what so ever. The ONLY thing he does is drink a lot of water and go pee a lot which I know is a less common sign. The vet took a urine sample and all results were normal.

My vet has provided me with lots of information, I would just like a second opinion. Chandler is scheduled to go for an Ultrasound as I was told that was the only way to determine if Liver Shunt or microvascular dysplasia. I am looking for your medical opinion and what you would do if this was your patient. Also your treatment if results of ultrasound show microvascular dysplasia. I am also wanting to know what will happen to Chandler if he does have a liver shunt and we choose not to do surgery. I do not want to put down a 6 month old dog, but I do not want this animal suffering with the surgery if it goes bad or without. I am also scared if he will make the surgery.

I appreciate all information you have.

Yours truly,

Nicky