Just diagnosed with Microvascular Dysplasia!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Liver shunts aren't as common in Maltese as they are in Yorkies, but we've got a number of MVD dogs over on Spoiled Maltese. We discuss diet a lot over there.

Dr. Center doesn't think asymptomatic MVD dogs need a special diet, but every single one of our members who have compared ALT values on regular or raw diets to values on diets designed for liver compromised dogs have seen huge differences, usually several hundred points higher on a regular diet.

That is one thing that I really question...no special diet for asymptomatic dogs. I don't think you need to go very low protein with them but I also don't think it is a good idea to feed even asymptomatic dogs things like red meat.

Ellie's ALT was up (not much...118 rr no higher than 100) after her first bile acids tests. It came down after changing diet. Now at 24% protein, it is fine... I think it was a coincidence with her though but who knows.

[Hannah3183]

Does anyone have a kibble that they would suggest to an asympomatic(i use that loosely...I discovered the problem b/c she was vomiting, but she's been symptom free since May) yorkie with MVD? I was prescribed Hills i/d since it has 21% protein over the l/d. My dog has been on this for quite a while now, and has done very well. However, I've noticed her coat has become extremely dry and dull.
I found Wellness Healthy Weight that looks like it would be good for her, but it only has 17% protein. Anyone know any mid 20s out there that are ok for our MVD babies?

Thanks,

[Yorkieluv]

Natural Balance Vegetarian is a good one....It's NOT a prescription food and is given to healthy dogs, but is appropriate for asymptomatic MVD dogs...Avoderm Vegetarian is also given to asymptomatic dogs. There's also Petguard Organics (the vegetarian one) which may be found in health food stores.