Need Advice on Liver Issues
 

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I'll keep this as short as possible, I just knew I could come here for advice.

My furbutt is Lucas, turned 1 on September 14th. Happy, healthy, rambunctious, playful, hilarious, and (on occasion) a naughty little yorkie. We have never had any problems with his health or his behaviour, to us he is perfect and we love him more every day.

This week, I took him to get groomed by our breeder, who informed me at our appointment that his brother/littermate has been diagnosed with Liver Shunt. The breeder also has Lucas' sister/littermate and suggested to me that we get them both a Bile Acid test to ensure that they do not have it as well. Of course I agreed and yesterday, we took them both to the same vet we both go to. Today the breeder left a message on our machine saying she was going to a town outside our city to another vet based on the results. We were very confused so we called the vet and got Lucas' results.

The vet said that it is unlikely that he has liver shunt,especially since he has had no signs or symptoms that anything is wrong. But his levels are much higher than a normal dog's functioning liver 75 versus 25. She thinks it is probably "microvascular", which she said is common in small breeds. I'm so upset and worried that my little guy is sick, and I really don't know enough about liver conditions.

I just need some advice on what exactly this could be, and what I should do. They say they can do a biopsy to find out exactly what is wrong, and that it would be done maybe by ultrasound or they may have to cut him open which I would really not prefer.

Should I pursue further testing? Is there anything in his day to day life I should be changing?

They also suggested a supplement of amino acids that may help, and I was wondering if anyone is familiar with this?

Is this something my breeder should have tested his parents for before breeding? Or is this a fluke that no one could have done anything about? I don't want to blame her at all, we think she is so awesome, I just do not know how this occurs.

I'm just devastated and I think it is because I do not know enough about it. Any information or experience with Liver shunt or "microvascular" would be very helpful, since I know there are bound to be some resident experts with this.

Thank you so so much.

Yes, microvascular dysplasia (small shunting throughout the liver) is very common in Yorkies. High bile acids are an indication, but it cannot be diagnosed without a biopsy. However, biopsies are a bit risky and there is likely no need to do it.

Liver shunt is still possible with that number even with no symptoms. Did the vet mention anything about a Protein C test?

If you mean SAMe (Denosyl, Denestra), yes, it is highly recommended.

You have never seen any symptoms?
Lethary, GI problems, Polyuria, polydipsia, inappetance, staring, drooling, seizing, circling, head pressing, medication reactions, UTIs?

I will have to ask about the protein C test. And the amino acid supplement is Zentanyl (sp??)

No I have never seen any of the symptoms you mentioned at all.

Is there anything I should be changing about his diet/everyday life?

He probably needs to be put on a low protein diet. Mine is on Royal Canine Hepatic LS 14, this is a prescription diet that your vet can order for you. She also takes supplements that my vet has prescribed. Her post bile acids were 116 in April and she has done very well since we have started all of this. She had no problems until around her 3rd birthday a year ago.

Denosyl is just a different brand, I think, and it is cheaper.
If it is microvasculr dysplasia (MVD) and there are no symptoms, some vets wiill have you change the diet and others will not. If he were mine, I would not do anything too high in protein, no red meat, no exotic meats, and it may also be a good idea to avoid organ meat.

Cali has MVD and her tests were around what your baby's were. I did have the ultrasound and the liver biopsy and she was diagnosed with very mild Liver shunt (MVD) and needs no treatment. I do watch her protein intake and the vet treats her as liver compromised just to be on the safe side. I hope your outcome is fine.

Can Cali still have bully sticks and that type of thing? What kind of food does she eat?