Tibbe's MVD Hepatic Diet Causing Allergy Symptoms & He's Nauseated More

[yorkietalkjilly]

Poor little Tibbe. He was diagnosed with probable MVD this late Spring (high BAT, but no liver shunt per his nuclear scintigraphy/abdominal sonogram) at age 5 3/4 years. He did well as far as nausea/lethargy for a while on his half hepatic, half Hill's I/D GI diet except it immediately caused itching, then this summer, little bumps on his back, rump and now he's shedding a lot, which he's never done before. This fall, he's nauseated every two - three weeks, clingy and it takes a Cerenia 8 mg. to get him past the nausea and spitting up yellow watery bile. The vet only suggested a medicated shampoo and spray with Benadryl in it, continuing the Cerenia for the bouts of nausea but I feel it's time to see a specialist. Except for when he's having the bouts of nausea, he's a good eater.

Does anyone in the Dallas area have a Yorkie with MVD who has an Internist or Dermatologist who has managed their dog with probable MVD and allergies, likely from the hepatic diet? The first meal of his Hill's I/D Hepatic canned food mixed with his Hill's I/D GI caused him to begin to scratch and he's been scratching since. Late summer he began to break out in bumps and shed which continues. He's not a big scratcher but at times does rub his head against the furniture or wall when he's itching. He's always done that since I got him - rubbing his head sporadically on things.

In September/October/November, he has had nausea, non-eating of his breakfast and just lying about about every two weeks or so and was fine within a couple of hours of taking Cerenia 8 mg. per oral for the nausea. He had a bad bout of nausea/diarrhea after scarfing up two kernels of corn in a bit of soy milk that had splashed onto the floor from the cooking pot in late August/early September that had to be treated with Metronidazole.

I took him to the vet to see if there were anything we could do for the bumps, itching, nausea and she placed him on Clavamox(as some of the bumps were crusty and she was fearing infection) and Benadryl. After a 10 day trial of the antibiotic which ended this past Monday, he got nauseated, spitting up bile Tuesday evening and limited diarrhea which began Wednesday. After Kaopectin doses, that cleared up Thursday and Friday but is back to a small degree this morning. He's lost a pound and a second vet suggested a giardia test but I'm thinking as he has no fever and it's not copious diarrhea, it's probably related to his liver disease and the antibiotic he was just on.

Those who have had experience with MVD and allergies with bumps, shedding, what would you do for him at this point? Any specialist recommendations would also be appreciated.

(Haven't been posting much lately due to a lot of back, hip problems but sure have missed you all!)

[yorkietalkjilly]

P. S. I forgot to add he's started having eye goop these last 4 weeks and Tibbe has never had that before in his life. Plus, his Frito Feet are extra smelly, even just after a bath.

[sandy simpson]

Time to pray for a good vet for Tibbe and better health for you. I have missed you and wondered why I haven't seen your posts lately.There has to be a specialist in this field. Poor Tibbe needs some expert help.

[MauiGirl]

So sorry Tibbe (and you) are having problems. I hope things improve for both of you soon.

I don't have any help for Tibbe, darn. My Tiki (5 1/2) was also diagnosed with MVD at 7 months, but it must be mild and she has improved to the point I almost forget she has it. After trying various foods, I found she does best with Wellness Small Breed Healthy Weight (which I got initially for Meika to trim down). Tiki is thin and doesn't need to lose, but this food seems to have the best protein/fat content for her, and she is thriving in the last year on it. I am thrilled that she has more energy, is more perky and playful, and very seldom has vomiting or diarrhea. She needs no meds or supplements now.

I'm not suggesting that you try it, just sharing that I do hope you find the magical combo for Tibbe so he too can thrive. I know it is such a worry trying to figure it all out.

[lisaly]

I'm so sorry, Jeanie. I know how much you love Tibbe and how you would go to the ends of the earth for him. I wish I could help you more. If you can't find a proper food, maybe a consult with a vet nutritionist could help. I home cook once each day, but many people cook weeks worth of food at a time and freeze it. I supplement Katie's food with BalanceIt, so I know she is getting a nutritionally balanced diet. It's an option if you can't find a proper prescription food.

I think of you and Tibbe so often, and I always pray that you are both healthy and happy. Be well, Jeanie, and give your precious little boy some extra kisses from me.

[kjc]

Skin issues go hand in hand with liver problems. Due to this late onset and diagnosis of MVD, I suspect this might be a Bile Duct problem (sludge/ thickened bile acids blocking the flow of bile from the liver to the gall bladder). Discuss a round of ursodiol with your vet. Ursodiol is a bile acid and improves the flow from the liver to the GB and restores normal functioning to the liver. Symptoms present the same as for LS.

[gemy]

I was going to suggest an internal medicine specialist, and also think about home cooking. You can better control the ingredients this way, and in consult with the vet nutriontist create a diet that is just right for him.

I am so sorry he is not feeling up to par. (((Hugs to you both)))

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

P. S. I forgot to add he's started having eye goop these last 4 weeks and Tibbe has never had that before in his life. Plus, his Frito Feet are extra smelly, even just after a bath.

Sorry Tibbe is going through these issues...I don't have any experience w/MVD, so no advice to give there, but I do know yeast!
He can have a secondary infection from the itching & scratching OR he can be allergic to clavamox. I would do a skin scraping w/cytology to determine if it's bacterial or fungal & treat it accordingly. The cytology will also determine which antibiotic will be the most effective. If it's ok for Tibbe to have, I would ask the vet if he can have probiotics after the antibiotic treatment.

I hope you're not in too much pain!

[Ellie May]

He needs to come off of the allergy inducing food. Not uncommon for all of these symptoms to occur with.MVD.

Homecook or Purina HA with added fiber.

[Lolasmom1211]

My Lola, who will be 6 in January, had a liver shunt and then was diagnosed with MVD. Dr. Tobias closed the shunt in 3/09 and she has done great since. She has done well on Royal Canin HP prescription food - (Hypoallergenic) along with prescription shampoo from her dermatoglogist - Chlorhexidine 4% + PS Shampoo. It is an antiseptic shampoo with penetrating agents & emollients. You must leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Lola is only 3.5 lbs and had terrible itching and flaking skin. I started out by bathing her 2 times a week, but now just once every 2-3 weeks and she has done super on this regime. SHe is on no other meds. I hope this helps! Just another opinion, but it sounds like we had similar problems....Good luck!

[ladyjane]

Teddy Bear's shunt was repaired in February. They did not put him on RX food at first (this was on the advice of a vet nutritionist who did not feel a liver diet necessary for him). but he had some issues and his BAT's were mildly elevated. He was having GI issues and they said it is common for the LS pups to also have some IBD, so they put him on Hill's Ultra Z/D and he is doing very well now.

You might want to do a consult with a vet nutritionist. If they don't have one up that way, you could have your vet do a tele consult with Dr. Lenox at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston http://mygcvs.com/specialties/nutrition/nutritionists

[Maximo]

Jeanie, I am thinking of you and your precious Tibbe. Wishing you both brighter days ahead. Praying you can find the right diet for his allergies and MVD.

[ladyjane]

Hills Ultra Z/D is used for allergic pups. http://www.petfooddirect.com/product...-Free-Dry-Food
As I said, Teddy, is on it. Most pups have some form of MVD after LS surgery.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I am so sorry Tibbe is having problems. I home cook and I freeze 2 weeks worth at a time. Maybe consult a vet nutritionist to see about his food? Sending prayers for both of you.

[yorkietalkjilly]

I'm so sorry to post and disappear for days but my back got so bad Sunday and Monday, I had to see the orthopedist and get injections into the back and hip yesterday and now waiting for them to kick-in. Will respond to those who have posted just as soon as can sit up a bit. Thank you so much for responding but will respond just as soon as there's a bit of relief!