Monday, January 12, 2015

Update on Benny and his liver values

A month ago, I posted that we got some disturbing news about Benny's ALT liver value. Here's that post if you'd like to read it. On Friday, Benny had a liver blood panel, and the results were mixed. His ALT went up to 228 (from 181 last month), despite giving him the Marin supplement (which is primarily milk thistle). However, his bile acids are very good--2 (range of 0-40). The doc said these are a good indicator that the liver is still doing its job.

The vet had suggested a biopsy could be in his future, but given that he is overall acting normal, I am hesitant to do this. (He is also 14 and has a mid-grade heart murmur, which also are concerns.)

 She suggested a "stronger" supplement in the same family as Marin called Denamarin. Reading the reviews on Amazon, they are overwhelmingly positive (especially compared to the Marin).

The vet feels that Benny can still be helped by supplements and that this isn't a tragic case. I am ok with this news. He will be rechecked in three months with blood work.

As always, if anyone can offer advice or opinions, I'm all ears.

12 comments:

Fuzzy Tales said...

Unfortunately we can't offer any help, but we sure can offer our purrs. It's good that he's in need only of the supplement at this time. Paws crossed the "stronger" version works well for him.

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

We hope the new supplement helps.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

No advice here - but I do hope the new supplement does the trick for Benny!

Marg said...

WEll we sure send lots of purrs to Benny do that the supplements work. As long as he is still feeling all right, they must be working a little bit. We sure wish him the best.

Saku said...

I've no idea but I hope the supplements help. Lots of purrs from the kitties.

The Island Cats said...

We hope the new supplement helps.

Katnip Lounge said...

Paws crossed the Denamarin does the trick.

Fur Everywhere said...

I'm so glad to hear the good news for Benny! I hope the new supplement helps bring his ALT down some. <3

pilch92 said...

Glad to hear the supplements help and I hope the new one does too.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

we can't offer help per se either, but are sending purrs and positive thoughts!

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Purrs for Benny AND for you.. do not forget to enjoy him while you are going through this 'what if' phase..

Roberta said...

Sending purryers your way. We love you, Benny.

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