MVD (microvascular dysplasia) - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Melissa & Max · 11-21-2007, 01:12 PM

I am interested in adopting a yorkie from a rescue center with special needs but I wanted to look into what I am getting myself into. This yorkie is 1 year old, 2 lbs, and has MVD (microvascular dysplasia). They said that she will be on meds for the rest of her life to clear her liver of toxins. Does anyone else here have a yorkie with this issue? I have questions like how sick could she get? Will she always be real frail? How expensive does the meds cost? Should I even adopt her?

Ellie May · 11-21-2007, 01:39 PM

There are people here whose dogs have MVD. I know Denosyl is about $225 a year if you get it online. It depends on how bad her symptoms are. Does she have seizures? Lethargy? What meds is she on? She will have to have a special (low protein diet).

Melissa & Max · 11-21-2007, 01:46 PM

They said that she could have seizures if she does not take her meds every day and she will get lethargic. She is a picky eater and is on a low protein diet. I don't know what meds she is on yet. I read up on MVD and she does seem to have the more worst symptoms.

Ladymom · 11-21-2007, 02:03 PM

To be perfectly honest, I don't know if I'd adopt her unless you are totally prepared for a worse case scenario and big vet bills. I belong to a Maltese forum and we have several MVD dogs. Many are doing really well, but unfortunately, we have also lost some to MVD.

Mikey was one we lost at only five years old. Jackie took him to Cornell to see Dr. Center so he got the best care possible, but he didn't survive. You can read his story here. Jackie also has some great links in her health section about MVD.

http://jamimaltese.com/mikey.htm

My Lady has chronic illnesses (diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroid) and it can be very difficult emotionally. It is also very expensive to care for a chronically ill dog. Even if they do well, regular testing to monitor their condition is essential and the vet bills really add up. The cost of medications is minor compared to the vet bills.

If you are prepared emotionally and financially to take this on though, you won't find a more loving dog than a rescue.

Melissa & Max · 11-21-2007, 02:13 PM

thank you so much for your reply. I will read the articel you sent me. Your advise was very helpful.

Ladymom · 11-21-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissa & Max

thank you so much for your reply. I will read the articel you sent me. Your advise was very helpful.

I certainly don't mean to discourage you. My Lady is a rescue and I couldn't love her anymore if I gave birth to her myself. Her health problems started after I adopted her, though. I love her to death and am so glad she came into my life, but I honestly don't think I would knowingly adopt a special needs dog again. It is so emotionally draining at times and unbelievably expensive.

Melissa & Max · 11-21-2007, 02:23 PM

you make a good point though. you shed some light on the circumstance.

Babymax · 11-25-2007, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissa & Max

I am interested in adopting a yorkie from a rescue center with special needs but I wanted to look into what I am getting myself into. This yorkie is 1 year old, 2 lbs, and has MVD (microvascular dysplasia). They said that she will be on meds for the rest of her life to clear her liver of toxins. Does anyone else here have a yorkie with this issue? I have questions like how sick could she get? Will she always be real frail? How expensive does the meds cost? Should I even adopt her?

my baby max has severe mvd hes on quit a few meds it does get expencive its about $ 125 a month for all the meds and food also my vet put him on vitimine E and milk thristle you should google it. if there any other questions i can help with gust send a post ? i have gotten to know alot on this in a very short time

Yorkieluv · 11-25-2007, 09:13 AM

I have a yorkie with MVD as well. They can live normal lives, but it's important that they adhere to a strict protocol especially if she does have seizures when she doesn't take her medicine. That means she gets HE symptoms.
My biggest and most important piece of advice to you is to join http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/L...d_MVD_Support/
before you decide to adopt this baby so that you know what you will or could be dealing with.

Yorkieluv · 11-25-2007, 09:16 AM

These dogs need to have bloodwork done often to monitor levels...They need certain vitamins and supplements, special foods, and special attention. You have to learn to read certain signs that may indicate she's close to having a seizure. You will need to learn what to do in case of a seizure related to her liver...

Melissa & Max · 11-25-2007, 11:41 AM

thank you "babymax" and "yorkieluv." I will look into that MVD support as I continue to do more research.

Yorkieluv · 12-03-2007, 07:47 AM

Did you adopt the doggie??

Melissa & Max · 12-04-2007, 03:30 PM

No I did not. After doing research, I realized that I am not ready to have a dog with special needs right now and I am very blessed that my current Yorkie is a very smart, healthy dog. Thank you for your imput!

11-21-2007, 01:12 PM	#1
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	MVD (microvascular dysplasia) I am interested in adopting a yorkie from a rescue center with special needs but I wanted to look into what I am getting myself into. This yorkie is 1 year old, 2 lbs, and has MVD (microvascular dysplasia). They said that she will be on meds for the rest of her life to clear her liver of toxins. Does anyone else here have a yorkie with this issue? I have questions like how sick could she get? Will she always be real frail? How expensive does the meds cost? Should I even adopt her?

11-21-2007, 01:39 PM	#2
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,973	There are people here whose dogs have MVD. I know Denosyl is about $225 a year if you get it online. It depends on how bad her symptoms are. Does she have seizures? Lethargy? What meds is she on? She will have to have a special (low protein diet). __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

11-21-2007, 02:03 PM	#4
Ladymom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2,660	To be perfectly honest, I don't know if I'd adopt her unless you are totally prepared for a worse case scenario and big vet bills. I belong to a Maltese forum and we have several MVD dogs. Many are doing really well, but unfortunately, we have also lost some to MVD. Mikey was one we lost at only five years old. Jackie took him to Cornell to see Dr. Center so he got the best care possible, but he didn't survive. You can read his story here. Jackie also has some great links in her health section about MVD. http://jamimaltese.com/mikey.htm My Lady has chronic illnesses (diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroid) and it can be very difficult emotionally. It is also very expensive to care for a chronically ill dog. Even if they do well, regular testing to monitor their condition is essential and the vet bills really add up. The cost of medications is minor compared to the vet bills. If you are prepared emotionally and financially to take this on though, you won't find a more loving dog than a rescue. __________________ http://www.myladysdogbows.com/ High Quality Handmade Bows for the Pampered Pooch

11-25-2007, 09:13 AM	#9
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,835	I have a yorkie with MVD as well. They can live normal lives, but it's important that they adhere to a strict protocol especially if she does have seizures when she doesn't take her medicine. That means she gets HE symptoms. My biggest and most important piece of advice to you is to join http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/L...d_MVD_Support/ before you decide to adopt this baby so that you know what you will or could be dealing with. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

11-25-2007, 09:16 AM	#10
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,835	These dogs need to have bloodwork done often to monitor levels...They need certain vitamins and supplements, special foods, and special attention. You have to learn to read certain signs that may indicate she's close to having a seizure. You will need to learn what to do in case of a seizure related to her liver... __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

11-21-2007, 01:46 PM	#3
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	They said that she could have seizures if she does not take her meds every day and she will get lethargic. She is a picky eater and is on a low protein diet. I don't know what meds she is on yet. I read up on MVD and she does seem to have the more worst symptoms.

11-21-2007, 02:13 PM	#5
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	thank you so much for your reply. I will read the articel you sent me. Your advise was very helpful.

11-21-2007, 02:23 PM	#7
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	you make a good point though. you shed some light on the circumstance.

11-25-2007, 11:41 AM	#11
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	thank you "babymax" and "yorkieluv." I will look into that MVD support as I continue to do more research.

12-03-2007, 07:47 AM	#12
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,835	Did you adopt the doggie?? __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

12-04-2007, 03:30 PM	#13
Melissa & Max YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9	No I did not. After doing research, I realized that I am not ready to have a dog with special needs right now and I am very blessed that my current Yorkie is a very smart, healthy dog. Thank you for your imput!