Elevated liver enzymes

[RosieA]

When our 7 month old minature poodle went for her spaying at 6 months of age, the pre-op lab work showed elevated liver enzymes.  The vet did not do the surgery due to concerns of the anesthesia being cleared by the liver.  We were referred to a specialty clinic.  Both abd ultrasound and nuclear scan have been negative for a shunt.  Repeat lab work remains elevated.  The recommendation now is for a liver biopsy to be done at the time of spaying.  Questions:  Is this surgery relatively safe?  What anesthesia precautions would need to be taken?  What is the risk of bleeding after the biopsy?  Any other recommendations?

Thank you.

[vetbilal]

ur vet is right and fallow his advice and its possible to do surgery with impaired liver but its risky specailly the anesthesia.

[Jaybay]

And don't forget to post back when you get some answers.  Good luck!

[RosieA]

Thank you for the response - I'll review the anesthesia issue with the vet.  
RosieA

[Jaybay]

You would be better served to write these questions down and run them by the vet who will do the surgery and anesthesia.  All I know is that there are anesthesia options for dogs with liver trouble, so she should probably be OK.  Spaying is certainly safe, and the liver biopsy only involves taking pin-sized bits of liver tissue, so it's also safe.  You and your vet are correct to be concerned about the anesthesia, as that is the most dangerous part of any surgery whether on animals or humans.  All you can do is trust that your vet is giving you good advice, so clarify these questions with him before the surgery.