Dorian going in for liver lobe torsion surgery

[prince dorian the bun]

Poor little boop didn’t eat his breakfast and I initially suspected just another case of gas. But at one point he flopped and started shivering and I knew something was wrong so I called the vet immediately. Luckily they could get us in within an hour (which is how long it takes to get there). Vet also thought just gas initially, as xray showed a small amount,  but his blood work showed his liver was struggling. I agreed to to an ultrasound and though not conclusive it looks like he may have early stage of liver lobe torsion. I just came back from visiting him at the vets. Now just anxiously waiting for the call to hear how it went. I know nothing about this,  so hopefully it all goes well. If anyone has gone through this with their bun would love info on recovery time and if any long term effects.

The surgeon did come talk to me and he will have her and 2 other doctors assisting, as well as the anesthesiologist. She said she has done several of these surgeries. I felt he will be in good hands,  but still worried as can be!

[Bam]

(((((Dorian)))))

I have no personal experience with LLT, but we have had several members whose buns survived it. It’s wonderful that your vet has done LLT surgery before.

The prognosis depends a lot on how big a portion of the liver that is affected. Early detection is very important, and you did detect it early.

I guess you have already found this article on LLT, but its really good so I’m adding the link:

https://www.theveterinarynurse.com/review/article/clinical-presentation-and-management-of-liver-lobe-torsions-in-domestic-rabbits

 

 

[prince dorian the bun]

Thanks Bam.

He got through surgery.  There ended up being no torsion so they just took a biopsy.  Not sure what is causing elevated liver enzymes yet. There didn’t appear to be any tumors or such that they could see. I feel a bit bad making him go through surgery,  but if it was a torsion it would have been better to catch it early and maybe the biopsy can give more clues.

Felt bad putting Miu to bed on her own, she looked confused about him not being there.  She did at least eat without any problems. Exhausted myself so going to try and sleep and hope he starts eating and recovering soon.

 

[Bam]

Fingers so crossed for his swift recovery!

Stasis it itself commonly causes elevated liver enzymes. It has to do with the body starting to consume its own body fat for energy. This can easily overwhelm the rabbit’s liver.

My bun Vilde had elevated liver enzymes when he had stasis. I too took him in the first day he presented with symptoms (inappetence). The vet clinic did an ultrasound (they have an ultrasound specialist), but found nothing wrong with the liver. Radiographs confirmed this the next day. The liver values went back to normal with support feeding.

You should definitely not feel bad for putting him through surgery. I would have done the same thing. I’m sure all of us here would.

 

[LBJ10]

Oh no! I’m sorry Dorian has been unwell! Poor little guy. 🙁  I agree with Bam. Don’t beat yourself up about “unnecessary” surgery. I think anyone here would have done the same thing given the information you had.

[prince dorian the bun]

Thanks. He’s still not eating or pooping, so no chance of taking him home until that changes. I  mean I could, but for best outcome I think keeping him there where he can get IVs and emergency care seems like the safest course. I’m hoping he has some poops soon. So scary.

[DanaNM]

I saw this on insta,  so sorry you are going through this! Hopefully he starts eating soon. I would have done the same thing, especially because liver torsion often presents as stasis. Sending many good vibes for Dorian <3

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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