GI problems

[Smann]

Thank you for asking! He had an ultrasound on Tuesday and I am anxiously waiting on the vet to call me with the results! I'll let you know when I hear from her.

[Smann]

Finally heard from vet. They think he either has a portosystemic shunt or micro vascular dysphasia. More expensive tests to be done. I have also made an appt somewhere else for second opinion. Either one of those means a shortened life span. I'm pretty upset right now!

[JakeysMama]

Originally Posted by Smann

Finally heard from vet. They think he either has a portosystemic shunt or micro vascular dysphasia. More expensive tests to be done. I have also made an appt somewhere else for second opinion. Either one of those means a shortened life span. I'm pretty upset right now!

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. Hugs to you and your little baby. Glad you're getting a second opinion, let's hope they are wrong and it is not that serious. Sending prayers.

[Smann]

The vet that gave me a 2nd opinion agrees completely with my vet. He had a Protein C test today that is being sent to Cornell in NY. We should have the results back by the end of this week. If that shows nothing(which would be great), then we'll do a GI panel. He is eating and drinking much better now.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Smann

Finally heard from vet. They think he either has a portosystemic shunt or micro vascular dysphasia. More expensive tests to be done. I have also made an appt somewhere else for second opinion. Either one of those means a shortened life span. I'm pretty upset right now!

Neither of those diagnoses means a shortened life span! The only way it would be shortened was if there was a shunt and the owner did not have it repaired....OR if it were inoperable.

MVD is fairly common and I know many yorkies with it who are older.

Take a deep breath and try to think positive. The things we worry most about usually don't happen anyway! Just take it one step at a time...hopefully it will be a simple thing.

[Smann]

I have posted 2 responses that don't show on here. I don't know what happened. Anyway, I finally have a diagnosis. He does have a liver disease, it's called micro vascular dysplasia. I caught it in the very early stages so the vet is hoping it can be controlled by a special diet. It's possible, even probable that in 5 yrs or so, it will get worse but we can't know for sure. In other words, I don't know if this is going to affect his lifespan or not. I can't think that it will or I couldn't handle it.

[Smann]

This is inoperable.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Smann

This is inoperable.

Well, all pups who have liver shunt repairs have some degree of MVD after the surgery.

Your puppy will be fine! There are a lot of people on here with MVD pups...I have one who was diagnosed with a shunt as an adult and who had surgery to correct it.

They also often have some issues with IBD. My pup, Teddy Bear, is on Hill's Z/D and doing very well.

[ladyjane]

Here is a great link that you may find helpful. It is a publication written by Dr. Tobias at the University of TN. She is a leading researcher of liver disease in dogs.

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

[Smann]

Ladyjane, thank you for the link. It was very informative and encouraging. I'm just gonna take one day at a time and enjoy every minute with him. Hopefully for 15 or more years!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Smann

Ladyjane, thank you for the link. It was very informative and encouraging. I'm just gonna take one day at a time and enjoy every minute with him. Hopefully for 15 or more years!

That's the spirit!