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Originally Posted by kjc  That I'm not sure of, because MVD is just like a shunt, but there is no shunt. So I think the bloodwork may be similar? When the Bile Acid Test is repeated, if her numbers stay above 100, then it is most likely a shunt. I think a Scintigraphy(sp) is more specific, but Tink had her surgery after the U/S bc exploratory surgery is the only way to tell what's really going on, at least is was for her. Tink's BAT was in the 300's pre and post. Plus Gall bladder problems can raise the BAT, but that usually shows up in the bloodwork (liver enzymes) too.
The only way to verify MVD is by doing a liver biopsy. A needle biopsy is not big enough to tell, the sample should be taken during a surgery, either exploratory or sometimes is done during a spay.
Even if the parents are tested and are shunt free, they can still produce a pup or pups with LS. The Univ of Tenn even bred two dogs proven to have LS, and they produced a litter with no shunting. This is why it's so hard to isolate it enough to avoid producing LS pups. They are doing research now on a genetic marker, which will make testing for LS and carriers easy (Hopefully).
I would wait until you get a definite diagnosis on her, right now it's just a possiblity she has a shunt. Plus it's a big blow for a breeder to hear that their dogs produced a LS pup ... give her a little time to digest the info, sometimes they come around and do the right thing and offer to help.[/QUOT
sorry im just upset right now , i did go to a breeder to avoid all this and all my riends thought i was crazy and they got their dogs from pet stores etc... all healthy ...protein c test is it worth it ???? |
I'm sorry this is happening to your pup and you. You did do the right thing by going to a breeder, at least you're not supporting puppy mills. I think at this point it's more of a breed (Yorkie) issue. Some other breeds do get shunts, but I believe Yorkies are the highest number on the list. At least it's a treatable condition. But I know I was scared for Tink when I found out she was in fact very ill. Until the docs find and make a test for this disorder, it will remain.
The Protein C test costs $35. US, so yes, I think it's well worth it. You will have to pay shipping and packaging and blood draw fees, but it will give you more information. It's been a while since I looked at a Protein C test, I'll find one and see if I can learn more about it.