Yorkie Chorkie with probable liver shunt

[Specs]

Originally Posted by NicoleMarie

Glad to hear that the seizures have stopped. I was headed down a similar path with my Cruz a couple months ago. Last July, he had his first seizure,then another in October. His bile acids after both seizures were not extremely high but still above the normal (1st Test were pre-3.5 & post-29.8. The results after the 2nd Test were pre-28.2 & post-58.6). This is when we were referred to a specialist where we had an ultrasound done. The ultrasound did not show any visible shunting outside the liver so they suspected Cruz had MVD.We started him on Hills prescription L/D and eliminated all treats. He has not has a seizure since! After 2 months of being on the diet completely we retested his bile acids and his numbers went down to pre-1.9 & post-45.4.

I hope the diet continues to work for Toby! One thing the specialist told us to keep in mind was that MVD can only be truly diagnosed by a liver biopsy and there is no surgery to fix MVD only diet & meds. I also read some things about a Protein C test that can be done to rule out PSS.

This forum was SO helpful when I need information. Just like others have suggested search MVD or PSS. Some members who have been through this with their little ones were so nice to share their stories with me. It was the only thing that gave me peace of mind! Best of luck to you & Toby!

Thank you so much and it was great to learn what Cruz has been through! You are very luck to have caught up with his problem early and it sounds like he is well under control with his MVD! I agree this forum is a great place to learn and connect with others going through the same problems! We are still very worried about Toby and know that we need to eliminate his allergy at the same time as treating his LS/MVD, we find it is a real day to day process and hopefully our dedication to him will pay off some day. Thanks again and all. The very best to you and Cruz!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Specs

The mild antihistamine stopped all chop licking, chin rubbing, pinky cheeks/lips and we now have a completely transformed, playful, normal acting dog...amazing! After trying to determine what could cause an allergic reaction we finally found one common thread in all his previous diets....chicken fat? Has anyone heard of a dog being allergic to chicken fat? They say it has no protein and protein is required to trigger an allergy but we have read that if a dog is allergic to chicken protein then you need to remove the fat also? Does anyone know about this?

Could be an allergy to the preservatives... test by home cooking to see if he has any reaction to fresh chicken fat.

[Specs]

Originally Posted by kjc

Could be an allergy to the preservatives... test by home cooking to see if he has any reaction to fresh chicken fat.

Thank you so much....we are now experimenting with a new home made diet.

[Specs]

Virtually all signs of probable LS/MVD have now disappeared. Urine crystals gone but urine ph up a bit (8). Toby has returned to his normal, robust, happy little character! Allergy meds completely eliminated all allergic reactions (pink puffy muzzle, chin rubbing, face scratching, lip licking). Now on a diet of RC Hepatic Dry and veg, Hepato Support, probiotics, Neomycin (every other day) and Lactulose (daily). In an effort to eliminate allergies (chicken fat?) we are switching to a human grade home made diet next week. Next steps...wait for LS examination at vet med school, slowly eliminate all meds, switch to home made and retest bile acids when he is stable. All the best to everyone, stay tuned....

[kjc]

Great news!

[Buster Brown]

Originally Posted by Specs

Virtually all signs of probable LS/MVD have now disappeared. Urine crystals gone but urine ph up a bit (8). Toby has returned to his normal, robust, happy little character! Allergy meds completely eliminated all allergic reactions (pink puffy muzzle, chin rubbing, face scratching, lip licking). Now on a diet of RC Hepatic Dry and veg, Hepato Support, probiotics, Neomycin (every other day) and Lactulose (daily). In an effort to eliminate allergies (chicken fat?) we are switching to a human grade home made diet next week. Next steps...wait for LS examination at vet med school, slowly eliminate all meds, switch to home made and retest bile acids when he is stable. All the best to everyone, stay tuned....

Best wishes. I hope all your efforts pay off with a healthy, happy, and non itchy Toby!

[Specs]

Thank you so much! We try everything we can! It is a long time consuming process but I think it will pay off!

Everyone on this forum is so so nice!