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Originally Posted by Ringo1  Ok, thanks. I think I will end up going to a specialist because though my Vet is wonderful; I don't think he's up on all this. Otherwise, why would he not be changing her diet and adding the lactulose . . .
And he IS nervous about the spay so maybe he'll refer me to a specialist anyway and I'll get some of the prescription food (he didn't want to give me any) and some of the other things she might need.
OR - best case - we restest and her numbers are clear! Wouldn't that be so wonderful! In the meantime, I'll be armed with questions for him. |
Again JMHO: There's no reason to change vets or to see a specialist at this point in time. I think your vet wants to repeat the BAT bc the pre number is higher than the post number. I haven't seen this to date, so it is appropriate to retest in 2 weeks with no changes made as to diet or meds. Some pups will throw a higher than normal pre test due to the involuntary release of bile into the stomach in the middle of the night. Can happen often. The post number indicates a mild MVD, waiting two weeks to retest shouldn't put her in any danger. The Alpo episode is weird, I'm thinking the fasting from the BAT may have helped clear her system of the toxins, or it may have been a weird reaction to a preservative in the food, if not H.E. As has been said prior, mild MVD can successfully managed by feeding low protein quality food. This is usually the first step in beginning treatment, food change, no meds. If your pup should then start to show symptoms, the next step would be to add medications. This is rarely needed in cases of mild MVD, but your vet wouldn't prescribe them until your pup shows symptoms. If it were my dog, I would still ask for the Lactulose to have on hand, it is a laxative and also removes toxins in the bowel preventing them from reaching the liver, kind of easing the load on the liver.
The U of Tenn has a very informative site. They explain all the tests, medications and symptoms concerning Liver shunt and MVD. Here's a link:
Portosystemic Shunts FAQ They would also discuss your case with your vet to get your pup on a treatment plan, if your vet needs any assistance. They also have a clinical section on their site for vets to access. They would probably have a procedure/recommendation for doing a spay and could discuss with him.
And the Yahoo MVD/LS group is a great resource too.
Not trying to tell you what to do, but just stating my opinion resulting from my experiences with my own LS dog.
Wishing you the best...
Kathy
Oh and Nature's Recipe also makes a vegetarian diet, 20-22% protein (I think).