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Originally Posted by Becksmom  I don't know the exact levels of the bile acids. I should've asked...I'm a nurse. I was just in a state of utter shock. The vet did say that the levels weren't just borderline. They were definitely high and he didn't think that it could be anything else. What is MVD? Do I need to get the x-rays here and them forward them to Dr. Tobias? I've been doing some research and TN seems to be the Mecca for this type of surgery. What are the steps that I need to take and what type of food & supplements do I give him in the meantime? Will it be really costly? Everything seems to be adding up so fast!!!
J |
MVD or microvascular dysplasia is small shunting throughout the liver instead of one big shunt.
I would do a Protein C test next most likely (blood test sent to Cornell). It helps determine if it is LS or MVD. Then I would go to scintography. If the Protein C test points to LS, you might want to do scintography at UT. I'm not sure how that works with sending them test results. Some vets will try to talk you into an ultrasound. They are great if you want to see the size of the liver and if there are bladder stones secondary to liver issues but as for diagnosing shunts, they are only 60-80% accurate.
Dogs with liver disease who have neurological symptoms/hepatic encephalopathy should be on a low protein diet. Vegetarian protein is preferred. I would not give red meat, pork or exotics at all. Natural Balance vegetarian is okay but if he is having neurologic symptoms, you might want to go with a prescription food. The ones to consider are L/D canned and Royal Canin LS 14 kibble (makes some Yorkies itchy).
Since he is symptomatic, he should probably be on lactulose, denosyl or vetri dmg, milk thistle, vitamin e and fish oil.