[QUOTE=kjc;4015010]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 ????

[quote=aksm4;4015012] 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.

[quote=kjc;4015050]
thank you , you are a sweetheart oxxooxxooxoxo

[quote=aksm4;4015083]You're so very welcome... just wish I had better answers for you. I know it's very overwhelming and there's so much info to read. I helped a few others, but when it came time for Tink, I lost it! I couldn't think straight or make any decisions... then one person I helped came back and walked me through it, lol.

How is Becky doing today? Still eating her new food?

[quote=kjc;4015100]
I was just reading your story wow !!!! so in the end what does tink have mvd or shunt ??? how did you first realise symtoms were what??? at what age ??? sorry do not want to bring back bad memories for youy but im confused its a bit overwhelming you are right !!! Becky has no symtoms besides not wanting to eat i have been force feeding her now for 3 days but then again i do not wait to see if she will eat on her own????worried i will make her sicker :( is sweet pataotoe ok to give them ??? she loves her sweet patato chews??

[quote=aksm4;4015104] Tink has both MVD and a shunt, and acquired shunting (from her gall bladder being backed up). My vet did her spay (before I owned Tink) and noted she was slow coming out of the anesthesia. I got her when she was 2.5 years old, and started doing bloodwork and tests.

You can't tell she's sick. She's a hyper, playing mess, lol. Some days she does slow down, but not for long. She was thin when I adopted her from the Humane Society, like no fat under her skin at all.

The sad part is the vet couldn't fix Tink, so she's still on a special diet and meds (Lactulose and Denamarin). He couldn't find a large shunt, just a bunch of little shunts that were all over the place, so he cleaned out her bladder and stitched her up. She's a very rare case, I had never heard of any dog like that before her. She just turned 6 years old on Sept 4th.

that is wonderful , god bless your little angel , i pray for a good outcome for my Becky!

Thanks, and I'll keep you both in my prayers....

Oh and about the chews, as long as they are not made in China, and not high in protein, in moderation may be okay, but I would only give them after she eats her real food.

Good afternoon Kjc,

how are you?

i got a copy of my Becky ultrasound and this is what is sais

the liver has a normal structure and not enlarged , maybe slightly small, the portal vein is normal and no eveidence of portosystemique shunt is noted, gsll bladder is normal, no eveidence of stones in the bladder, digestif system is normal , the rest of the abdomen is normal .......


Anna xoxox

Fantastic!
I recently had a scare with my Bella (vomiting bile) so I know what you've been through. It can be very nerve wracking when our pups are sick. One thing I learned is that the BAT it's self can be skewed slightly if the blood/testing isn't done just right.

You can exhale now :thumbup:

Excellent! WooHoo! But, now why isn't she eating? Did you get copies of all her bloodwork? Does your vet have any ideas?