Yorkshire Terrier with Possible MVD I own a six month, 3.8lb male. At 10 weeks old, the breeder performed a Bile Acid Test (BAT) and everything came back normal. Pre- was 1.9 where recommended is under 13 and Post- was 20.2 where recommended is under 25. He is a happy puppy and shows no clinical symptoms. He eats Royal Canin Yorkshire Puppy food and it is available all day at his leisure. This week, I took him into the vet to perform his neutering, teeth pulling and microchip. During the pre-op bloodwork they found that his ALT records were high (196 and recommended is below 140) and recommended to do a BAT which also came back high. Pre- was 16 where recommended is below 6.9 and Post- was 38.7 where recommended is below 14.9. I'm not sure why the recommended ranges is different than the first test he received from the breeder's vet. An abdominal ultrasound today showed that there were no obvious extrahepatic shunts, which the vet said could mean that he has MVD. The vet recommends doing a liver biopsy during his neutering this week to prove the diagnosis since he will already be under anesthesia. Thus far, she has not recommended any dietary changes because is not clinically showing signs and is still a growing puppy. Question: Should I take him to a specialist instead of a general vet? Colorado State University is a possibility. Also, should I also consider a stintigrophy instead of the liver biopsy? This sounds more conclusive of a test and both require anesthesia. I feel like I only have one shot at anesthesia (hopefully he doesn't have to go through more). Since he isn't clinically showing any signs, it seems silly to do more but I'd like to know so I can monitor his diet/meds/etc. accordingly and be confident of how to keep him healthy. Thanks so much for your advice!! Mallory & Crosby |
Hello There- I have two Yorkies with MVD- one was diagnosed as a puppy and had a liver biopsy at the time of spay, the other was diagnosed at about 2.5 years old- so we have never confirmed it with any further testing. My regular vet did the liver biopsy and there were no complications. Both are on a lower protein (although not super low) diet and they continue to thrive and be very healthy. Good Luck |
Personally, I would go to a specialist...probably the university. Just my personal preference when dealing with issues that could be complicated. |
Our 1 1/2 year old shih tzu is also going in for a bile acid retest. He was tested about 3 months ago because his count was high. He has shown no signs of any problems and the only reason we found out was because he went for a screening before being neutered The vet would not neuter him at that time. |
I'd wait... IMHO... the ALT could indicate something other than LS/MVD. More likely two liver enzymes would be high if LS/MVD were present. What are you feeding him? What treats does he get? (include any type of chews) Has he gotten into anything recently (trash can, something in the yard, etc?). When was he last vaccinated? Has he been on any medications recently? |
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I would have the biopsy done since the dog will already be under anesthesia. Your vet sounds knowledgeable. I have a dog now 12 with MVD and well managing her for the last 7 years has paid off. My early vet wasn't knowledgable and neither was I. If I were in your shoes I would not wait - conditions don't just disappear and are best managed early. I would consult with an ACVIM specialist as my first step though. |
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THANK YOU for being so supportive everyone! |
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