Help me before I loose it!

[janetvav]

So I spent my whole day at the Unniversity with Tucker trying to find out what is going on with him. They did doppler on his abdomen to check his liver and vessels around it and everything looks normal for size and everything so they said that the liver is not the issue so they wanted to do an upper ultrasound around his heart since they detected a slight murmer. They said everything looked normal except for the trachea around the bottom they don't know if it is something or just a shadow so they have to wait until tomorrow for the radiologist to read it.They did more bloodwork and all looks good which is good. So he hasn't eaten since last night so I brought him home and got him some food and loy and behold he STICKS HIS NOSE UP AT IT and walks away. I don't know what else to do I'm about to loose it. My check book is going broke and I don't know any more than what I did months ago. Someone please help me.

[107barney]

I have not read much on Tucker until this post so I don't know what his symptoms or issues are. But, maybe he just does not like the food if he is turning up his nose?

[107barney]

I just went back to your other post and now I remember that his BATs were slightly high. If an ultrasound was done and the liver is normal in size etc, that is not necessarily enough to rule out an MVD situation. MVD is only confirmed by biopsy, but many dogs are thought to have MVD based on the prevalence of mvd and liver shunt in our breed. What did the specialists recommend for Tucker for diet? Did they suggest a biopsy to rule out MVD? Is any other diagnosis on the table for consideration?

[janetvav]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I just went back to your other post and now I remember that his BATs were slightly high. If an ultrasound was done and the liver is normal in size etc, that is not necessarily enough to rule out an MVD situation. MVD is only confirmed by biopsy, but many dogs are thought to have MVD based on the prevalence of mvd and liver shunt in our breed. What did the specialists recommend for Tucker for diet? Did they suggest a biopsy to rule out MVD? Is any other diagnosis on the table for consideration?

She said that his liver is good and not to be concerned about a shunt. Didn't say anything different about his food. I am supposed to get a call from them tomorrow to let me know about the up chest throat ultrasound that they took. I have tried so many different foods that I don't know what to do next. We got home and he is just laying around which is very adnormal for him. I did get him to eat a couple of raw medalions which I am not sure if those are good for him but I am trying to keep something in him. I thought at least we could get some answers other that everything looks normal so far. I asked about a scinography and she said that it was the same thing as what they were doing. (?) If it could be MVD would they at all be able to tell by the size of the liver? Hopefully we won't be dealing with other issues with his trachea but will know more about that tomorrow. He just doesn't seem like himself but no one can seem to help me, other that take my money. She did suggest maybe they scope this throat into his stomach if everything else seems normal. The only other thing that we could think of is when I gave him peroxide when I thought he got into my medication that maybe that could have done him some harm. Trying to consider everything at this point.

[terlis]

Can't help you out, just wanted to wish you well and hope you get some answers soon. Will be thinking of your little guy.

[Ringo1]

Is he still not eating? What are you feeding him now?

[janetvav]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Is he still not eating? What are you feeding him now?

He isn't eating much. I have tried several foods tonight after not eating all day I offered him dry kibble Royal Canine, not a bite then mixed some chicken with it still no way and finally got him to eat 3 or 4 NV raw medalions but probably not the best for him right now but I am willing to get him to eat whatever providing it isn't too off the wall.

[janetvav]

Originally Posted by terlis

Can't help you out, just wanted to wish you well and hope you get some answers soon. Will be thinking of your little guy.

Thank you it is getting very old. This little guy is giving me a run for my money. My dh is heading up your way for his yearly fishing trip next week. Lucky him.

[kjc]

Sorry you didn't get any answers yet... will keep him in my prayers...

[ladyjane]

I am sorry it is taking so long to find an answer. I hope they find out what is going on very soon.
Prayers for Tucker.

[kjc]

Maybe offer him some Nutrical... it can act as an appetite stimulant, and will help keep his glucose/sugar up.

A bad diet eaten is better than a good diet not eaten...

[mojo]

Originally Posted by janetvav

She said that his liver is good and not to be concerned about a shunt. Didn't say anything different about his food. I am supposed to get a call from them tomorrow to let me know about the up chest throat ultrasound that they took. I have tried so many different foods that I don't know what to do next. We got home and he is just laying around which is very adnormal for him. I did get him to eat a couple of raw medalions which I am not sure if those are good for him but I am trying to keep something in him. I thought at least we could get some answers other that everything looks normal so far. I asked about a scinography and she said that it was the same thing as what they were doing. (?) If it could be MVD would they at all be able to tell by the size of the liver? Hopefully we won't be dealing with other issues with his trachea but will know more about that tomorrow. He just doesn't seem like himself but no one can seem to help me, other that take my money. She did suggest maybe they scope this throat into his stomach if everything else seems normal. The only other thing that we could think of is when I gave him peroxide when I thought he got into my medication that maybe that could have done him some harm. Trying to consider everything at this point.

I don't think peroxide would harm the dog?. If he has a problem with his trachea, that could possibly explain the loss of appetite? maybe it is hard to swollen or causing discomfort. Maybe that also explains the panting?
Have you tried scrambled eggs? Maybe give a little with some kibble and see if you can get him to eat. The other thing I do as my girl has not been eating real well lately is sprinkle a little parmesian cheese on the kibble.
This just gets more frustrating, can't believe they don't have an answer for you yet.

[Ringo1]

My Lucy has MVD and does fine with scrambled egg; she loves it on her food. She also likes the finely shred cheddar cheese on top of her food; it might not be the best for her but it does get her to eat. Right now she is eating Natural Balance Vegetarian which she doesn't LOVE, but she will eat. She also loves some cottage cheese on her food . . . just trying to give you some ideas that won't stress his liver - until you know for sure what is going on.

I hope they can give you further answers and suggestions. I know that my Vet does not think that ultrasound is as efficient as scintography for diagnosing shunt . . but scintography IS way more invasive. Though she does not have a shunt, she could have MVD with her elevated bat's . . . which we control with diet and supplements.

My Lucy does not have a shunt, but she does have MVD with mildly elevated BAT's. She is a VERY picky eater. We just try to limit her protein as best we can; she is able to tolerate chicken (some dogs aren't) but not beef.

I hope you get definitive answers soon! Please keep us posted.

[107barney]

A normal size liver does not determine that the dog has or does not have MVD. As I indicated earlier, MVD is only diagnosed by biopsy. A small liver could support an MVD theory but it's not enough to say if it is or is not MVD.

As for foods that might get your dog to eat more I think Ringo gave you some good ideas although I would not feed cheese to my dogs for various reasons. My dog cannot eat any of the typical suggestions for MVD dogs but each dog is an individual. Another suggestion is to microwave a sweet potato and cut it into small bites and mix it in her food - my dogs love sweet potatoes and the dog with liver disease eats it as her staple carbohydrate so it's a good one for liver comptomised dogs. It does add fiber so make sure you check with your vet that increased fiber is ok for your dog.

[janetvav]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

My Lucy has MVD and does fine with scrambled egg; she loves it on her food. She also likes the finely shred cheddar cheese on top of her food; it might not be the best for her but it does get her to eat. Right now she is eating Natural Balance Vegetarian which she doesn't LOVE, but she will eat. She also loves some cottage cheese on her food . . . just trying to give you some ideas that won't stress his liver - until you know for sure what is going on.

I hope they can give you further answers and suggestions. I know that my Vet does not think that ultrasound is as efficient as scintography for diagnosing shunt . . but scintography IS way more invasive. Though she does not have a shunt, she could have MVD with her elevated bat's . . . which we control with diet and supplements.

My Lucy does not have a shunt, but she does have MVD with mildly elevated BAT's. She is a VERY picky eater. We just try to limit her protein as best we can; she is able to tolerate chicken (some dogs aren't) but not beef.

I hope you get definitive answers soon! Please keep us posted.

Do you know if NV lamb raw medalions would be considered a low protein or would it be way to high? I looked on the bag but didn't seem to see it.