Apparently, my vet is confused why I'm requesting for a Protein C test instead of going directly to UC Davis. I explained to her what you guys wrote as well as the info on the website. I don't believe she's familiar with the test. She adviced me to go talk to the UC Davis people and see what they say. I called UC Davis and my appt is not until June 29th. Another issue is that I'm leaving the country on Jul 10th and I will not be back until Aug. 2nd (three weeks). I'd like to have the Protein C test done but I'm not sure where to go. Judging by how my vet sounded, I believe I need to go elsewhere going forward.

The imagining test requires inserting radioactive dye into your pup. It is pretty safe but something that would be good to avoid if possible. The dog also has to be anesthetized which is fine as long as it's necessary. The Protein C test could just point you in the right direction. If it indicates a shunt, I'd go to UT. If it indicates MVD, you "may" be able to avoid the scintography. Sometimes shunts can be seen on ultrasound. They are only 60-80% accurate but if bladder stones are suspected (secondary to shunt), it may be a good way to go.

I really don't know why more vets haven't heard of the Protein C test yet.:confused: It seems like everyone has to tell their vet about it and it really shouldn't be that way at all.

Because the preprandial number was so high, I would be conflicted on whether to go to the Protein C test or just go to the scint. right away. An internist should be able to help you but as far as I know, there aren't very many who are into the Protein C test either.

It does not surprise me at all that your vet is unfamiliar with the test, or with knowing alot about the diagnosis and treatment of LS or MVD. That is why a consult with the specialists is so important.

The only way to tell FOR SURE that you are dealing with LS is by exploratory surgery because the ultrasound is unlikely to show a shunt or confirm MVD. Sometimes even scintigraphy does not show the shunt. If I were going to put my dog under anesthesia for exploratory surgery or for scintigraphy, it would be with the assumption that I would be correcting the shunt (if there is a correctable shunt). Therefore, I would take the dog to the place where I was going to inevitably do surgery.

If your dog is diagnosed with LS or MVD, you are going to have to put her on the Hill's L/D diet -- this is because it is the right kind of protein in a low protein amount. Since you are going to be out of the country for 3 weeks, you might want to go with a more vegetarian protein diet now in case it is LS or MVD. You can get something like Natural balance vegetarian or Petguard vegetarian which I know some dogs with mild symptoms and slightly elevated bile acids use. I'd also add bits of plain yogurt (stonyfield farms is good) to help absorb the ammonia. A couple of weeks on a lower vegetarian protein diet won't hurt your dog while you sort this all out. If you are feeding a puppy diet now, that is likely REALLY high in protein anyway so I'd switch to a regular adult food at the very least. Oh and avoid regular treats, too much protein and wrong kind of protein -- feed baby carrots, pieces of plain pasta, bits of apples (no skin) as treats instead and see if your baby can tolerate those.

This is just my opinion owning an MVD dog along with two other yorkies and others may disagree. :aimeeyork

elevated liver values
 

Hi
I know it has been a long time since these post were done but how are your dogs. I went to UC Davis 2 years ago and had the radioactive test and my dog does not have a shunt. He is on hepatic liver special food (low protein), denamarin and probiotics but his values are still rising. At 1000 I believe now.

Any suggestions? He goes back to UC Davis on Tuesday. 2 years ago they said the next step would be a biopsy and I am not sure I want to do that. I need to read more about MVD

Thanks Denise

Here is a link to the best article that I know of about liver shunt and MVD in Yorkies. They talk about the different tests and biopsies. It is written by Dr. Karen Tobias of the University of Tennessee, who is the foremost expert on these conditions in the United States. http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs...2013-04-10.pdf

High Enzyme Levels
 

I took Bentley in this morning to have his dental cleaning and tooth extraction. About an hour after dropping him off, the vet called and said that his liver enzyme levels are too high. I am very concerned. Can this be normal for Yorkies?

No, it is not normal. It could be a sign of liver disease. You should consult with your vet about diagnostic tests and perhaps get a referral to an internal medicine specialist if the liver tests continue to be abnormal.

Thx pstinard. They ran a bile test on Bentley this afternoon, and said that I should have the results back on Thursday or Friday.

Really praying for your baby.
Yes, the posts here are right. University of Tennessee is the best of the best. I've had dealings with UT but not with possible liver shunts. The times I was there with my little boy, which had GME, I met so many people there with their liver shunt babies. Everyone had such a sad case but, they were having very successful cure rates, or very successful surgeries, with very little complications.
Now I'm sure there were very bad ones, I think depending where the shunt is in the liver, that UT couldn't help.
Hope you get answers you need.
Good luck

Keep us posted on Bentley's health and progress!