YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Crystals in Urine--liver disease?

TLC · 05-02-2009, 12:23 PM

This is not a death sentence at all, but you do need to be prepared for the fact that she *most* likely has a liver disease. Either a Liver Shunt or MVD

The Blood fast test is called a Serum Bile Acid test (BAT) and the result are usually back at your vet within a day or two. You will get 2 numbers: A Pre and A Post.
Both are important, but the Post is the concerning one. A normal Post will be under 20.

I will explain Roxy's story to give you a better idea about all of this. Roxy is about 4.5 lbs She is a very good eater, but she would *lay* around too much, and she is quite docile compared to the average *Yorkie*

I have heard stories of liver issues with other pups that have come from Roxy's breeder, so I had her BAT done. Her Pre was 43 (normal is under 5) and her Post was 100.9 (normal is under 20). All her other blood work is normal. Her urine is clean. We did an ultrasound, but the only thing a U/S is good for is looking at the size and shape of the organs (which her liver was normal). And a U/S is good to look for stones, which she had none.

Without going thru a liver biopsy we can conclude that Roxy has MVD - which is managed thru a special diet and supplements to aid her liver.

I also had a Protein C test done. Again this is a special blood test (sent to Cornell Univ.) for the results. Under 80% indicates Liver Shunt. Above 80% leans towards MVD. This isn't an accurate and true test, but it does come pretty close and can guide you in the right direction. Roxy's was 165%

~~~~
Emma doesn't want to eat bc the foods you are giving her is making her sick (headache, tired, nauseous, etc)

In the meantime can you get Natural Balance Veggie Formula. Snacks can be watermelon, romaine lettuce and apple bits (no skin). Also, as a temp solution, you can force vanilla children's Pedisure (not a lot though). You need to avoid Animal Proteins and absolutly NO red meat and/or organ meat.

Keep us posted and ask any questions you need to - there are plenty of us with tons and tons of LS and MVD experience

P.S. With a proper diet and supplements, I have been able to bring Roxy's BAT done a bit: Pre 5 and Post 61

It won't ever be normal though

05-02-2009, 12:23 PM	#6
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	This is not a death sentence at all, but you do need to be prepared for the fact that she most likely has a liver disease. Either a Liver Shunt or MVD The Blood fast test is called a Serum Bile Acid test (BAT) and the result are usually back at your vet within a day or two. You will get 2 numbers: A Pre and A Post. Both are important, but the Post is the concerning one. A normal Post will be under 20. I will explain Roxy's story to give you a better idea about all of this. Roxy is about 4.5 lbs She is a very good eater, but she would lay around too much, and she is quite docile compared to the average Yorkie I have heard stories of liver issues with other pups that have come from Roxy's breeder, so I had her BAT done. Her Pre was 43 (normal is under 5) and her Post was 100.9 (normal is under 20). All her other blood work is normal. Her urine is clean. We did an ultrasound, but the only thing a U/S is good for is looking at the size and shape of the organs (which her liver was normal). And a U/S is good to look for stones, which she had none. Without going thru a liver biopsy we can conclude that Roxy has MVD - which is managed thru a special diet and supplements to aid her liver. I also had a Protein C test done. Again this is a special blood test (sent to Cornell Univ.) for the results. Under 80% indicates Liver Shunt. Above 80% leans towards MVD. This isn't an accurate and true test, but it does come pretty close and can guide you in the right direction. Roxy's was 165% ~~~~ Emma doesn't want to eat bc the foods you are giving her is making her sick (headache, tired, nauseous, etc) In the meantime can you get Natural Balance Veggie Formula. Snacks can be watermelon, romaine lettuce and apple bits (no skin). Also, as a temp solution, you can force vanilla children's Pedisure (not a lot though). You need to avoid Animal Proteins and absolutly NO red meat and/or organ meat. Keep us posted and ask any questions you need to - there are plenty of us with tons and tons of LS and MVD experience P.S. With a proper diet and supplements, I have been able to bring Roxy's BAT done a bit: Pre 5 and Post 61 It won't ever be normal though __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com Last edited by TLC; 05-02-2009 at 12:25 PM.