Ginny's Medical Thread

Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:16 pm


The good news is that Ginny does indeed have cataracts - in both eyes. Dr. Funk did a blood test for diabetes, and her blood sugar was only slightly elevated. He said she still has some vision left, and actually suggested a surgical procedure to remove the cataracts (he gave me a referral to an animal eye care specialist).

I insisted on an x-ray and I'm very glad I did.

Ginny's heart sounded normal, and the radiologist said it looked good. Her lungs have an increased opacity, but overall, look good.

Her liver is "hugely enlarged", however.

Dr. Funk has scheduled Ginny for a needle aspiration this Thursday. He's almost positive that she has Fatty Liver Disease. He also wants to do more bloodwork.

Brandilynn
Who's your Branni?

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:28 pm


What would they do for her if she does indeed have fatty liver? (no more fois grais for Ginny!!)

Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:33 pm


I'm not sure. I received this news from the assistant doctor by telephone after we returned home. I was quite shocked to hear this. The probability of cancer was also mentioned, which is why they want to do more tests.

From what I've been reading on GL, the prognosis isn't good. Poor Ginny.

Brandilynn
Who's your Branni?

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:34 pm


*sigh*..

I am sorry for the crappy prognosis.

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lisam

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:52 pm


So the fatty liver disease would be the response from not eating, right? Does he have an idea of why she stopped eating? Does he think it's cancer?

Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:24 pm


"So the fatty liver disease would be the response from not eating, right? Does he have an idea of why she stopped eating?"

I don't know. I've got it on my list to ask him, on Thursday.

This time, we don't really know why she stopped eating. There haven't been any symptoms. She started eating pretty well last night, and today she's eaten many of her favorite foods again. She's even pulled a few right out of my hand.

Ginny is usually my best eater. She will try anything. It's her cagemate, Sakura, who is the picky eater.

"Does he think it's cancer?"

Cancer was 3rd on his list of possibilities (Fatty Liver Disease, Infection, Cancer, Dental Disease).

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:39 pm


It's my understanding a fatty liver condition is the result of not eating which is the result of something else. You might want to email Josephine about it for clarification and accuracy, but I don't think it just happens on its own. It's a result of something else, which causes inappetance, which causes liver damage. The something else could also cause liver damage directly.

Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:05 pm


Thank you, Talishan. I just sent Josephine an email.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:31 pm


I don't remember fatty liver disease being mentioned in the medical forum before. Do I have a bad memory?

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:46 pm


No. I think it's been called something else, which ... I can't remember. A longer, more medically precise term amounting to the same thing.

Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:50 pm


Hepatic lipidosis (I think this is how it is spelled).

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:54 pm


That's it! Thanks, Tracis.

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