MVD

[JMM]

I'm looking for info on prognosis for dogs with MVD (microvascular dysplasia) and/or a vet specializing in it (anywhere in the country is fine).

Thanks.

[Traci]

Two major things to ask your vet: 1) that it isn't confused with portosystemic liver shunt....and 2) is the dog asymptomatic? (absense of common clinical symptoms carries a better prognosis)

Ask your vet to refer you to an ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons) or ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Med) specialist, if you have a veterinary university nearby, your vet can refer or even consult with a specialist on your behalf.

For more info on MVD, see HERE

[JMM]

1. Jonathan was positively diagnosed with MVD by liver biopsy. It indicated some intrahepatic shunting as well (nothing fixable), but he does not have PSS. He had a laparotomy and nothing "fixable" was found.

2. He is symptomatic. He is generally lethargic and our first indication to check his liver was a seizure. He also has had episodes of lost motor control, not really a seizure, which is also a symptom.

Jonathan has been seen by a boarded neurologist, radiologist, and IMED person. We are still working with them, but I am also looking for someone who is particularly specializing in MVD, not PSS. I am waiting to hear back on a recommendation from somebody who does specialize in PSS.

My other dog may also be affected (they are closely related in case you were wondering) and has chronic GI problems which may be related if he is affected (his bile acids are elevated and he is being evaluated for PSS by ultrasound on Tuesday). Needless to say, I want the best of the best LOL Yes, I'm a demanding client.

I know I may be looking for an answer regarding prognosis that just isn't available, but I can certainly do my best to look. Thanks.

[Traci]

If your vet has access, he can log in to VIN and try talking with a specialist (If he doesn't have access, I'm sure there is a trial period he can opt for)....might want to try NOAH as well. Don't put too much focus on searching the net for a specialist, many vets move around frequently, change vocation from practicing to teaching/professorship, etc. This is where the team you are currently working with should be able to consult with the appropriate professionals for you. Any veterinary teaching university should be able to refer for you, ask specifically for board certified specialists in hepatology. It sounds like time is of the essence here.

[Traci]

You can also ask your vet to contact the following:

ACVS
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
4401 East West Hwy
Suite 205
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4523
phone: 301-913-9550
fax: 301-913-2034
Email: acvs@acvs.org
Web: www.acvs.org

Perform Search for specialist in your area:
ACVS Search
1) choose Acedemic, Private Referral or Private Practice
2) choose Small Animal General
(no need to fill in name or state)

------------------------

ACVIM
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
1997 Wadsworth Blvd.
Suite A
Lakewood, CO 80214-5293
Phone: 303-231-9933
800-245-9081 (in the US or Canada)
Fax: 303-231-0880
E-mail: ACVIM@ACVIM.org
Web: www.acvim.org

For Referral Information, Contact:

Joyce Pokryfke (Joyce@acvim.org)
Forum Registration
*Referral Requests
Label Orders
Membership Services and Dues
Address Changes

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Hope this helps.....

[JMM]

Thank you for all of the resources, Tracey. We'll see what we can find. Thanks!

[JMM]

Mikey gets ultrasounded today to check for a PSS and any other obvious abnormalities.

Dr. Tobias at U of Tenn who does liver shunt research gave me a name of someone at Cornell. I passed it along to Dr. Ken to contact.