[windsantz]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Bobbi, I was glad to see this post. I've been following along with Piper's story and although she could have underlying MVD, it is virtually impossible to determine this with everything else going on with her as result of her toxic exposure and/or infectious process.

The fact remains that the statistics in the breed are grim as to MVD -- now called PVH or Portal Vein Hypoplasia -- and liver shunt, and I recently posted an article that is very educational and informative in the health and diet forum from the Univ of TN who are leaders in this disease.

As for Piper's breeder, I agree that she should be knowledgable about the breed. But, the fact that she didn't know what it was could also illustrate that she has not had other dogs w/ this problem. Many of us here have also bought dogs with medical conditions - I myself have a dog with two concurring brain diseases, two concurring orthopedic diseases, and a rare bladder stone problem. So I certainly understand your fire and your fury and the strain of financial expenditures beyond what one thought they would spend on their pet. Despite this, I have learned over the last 5.5. years with my Teddy that my anger toward his breeder is wasted energy and a futile waste of my time. They are never going to change...we are the ones that have to...to find those very special breeders who do care, who do strive to do things right, and who do stand behind their dogs and their lines for the love of the breed and as smart business people. They are out there, but I know that they are few and far between.

I found it. Thank you.