Miko has an all day appt tomorrow at vet school

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Miko goes back to The University of Missouri vet school tomorrow. He's going back for the full battery of tests again to see if he's improved any.

Heart ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound (this is new to check for kidney disease), opthamology re-check, some test to see if his collapsing trachea has gotten worse, blood work, etc....

The heart ultrasound is free because they are checking to see if he's worsened to the point that he can qualify for a new drug study for pulmonary hypertension.

This will be the first thorough, formal testing he's been through since he starting taking the Chinese herbs, detox, pro-biotics and got switched to a raw diet - all about three months ago. I am extremely interested in seeing if there's been any positive changes.

[Luvmyjob]

Have a safe trip and I am also curious in the results of testing.Make sure they warm up that gel they use for the ultrasound! Hugs Miko buddy!(())

[Blaze]

I hope there has been improvement for Miko! Give him a hug from us too!

[frankie]

Will be thinking of you and Miko. Best wishes heading your way

[weezyNollie]

How did it all go?

[frankie]

Hi Debbie. Any update please

[Luvmyjob]

I'm sure it was a long day for you and Miko. Just wondering how he did?

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Well, he's not any better nor any worse. All his numbers look just about the same as three months ago.

That means he remains just outside the criteria for the pulmonary hypertension drug study.

The new test done today, the abdominal ultrasound, showed no definitive kidney disease. So, although his urine is not concentrating well, it's not causing damage at this point.

He had a few very small stones in his bladder, for which they recommend no treatment at this point. He also has some mineralization of his kidneys, which is age-related.

The only change showed up on chest x-rays. He has a mild increase in the density of his lungs, which could mean his tracheal collapse is worsening.

So, the next test they are recommending is something called a bronchoaveolar lavage. Under anesthetic they would look at his airways with a broncoscope, and collect fluid from his lungs for microscopic evaluation and bacterial culture. All this is to obtain a definate source of Miko's coughing so the right treatment can be prescribed. However, she said sometimes this test shows nothing. It costs $700.00

I'm a bit discouraged because I have spent soooooooo much money on Miko this year and I feel like I'm chasing my money down a never-ending rat hole. She knows Miko is on all the Chinese herbs, detox, cardio homeopathy and a raw diet - all for the last three months. She doesn't feel they're helping/working. I said maybe they're keeping him stable. She said, "Whatever" (obviously not a holistic fan). In Chinese herb land, I don't think 3 months is long enough, but it does begin to raise an eyebrow. I'm going to talk to the holistic vet this week about his results. Us westerners want immediate results!!

The vet school doesn't want to re-evaluate Miko for his heart problems for 6 months unless he worsens. It may be too late to get into the study by then.

For everything else, we have been "turned over' to a pulmonary specialist for the bronchoaveolar lavage. I was told he should have it in the next 2-4 weeks. I need to research it before deciding. Has anyone heard of this test??

Thanks for asking about Miko. I'm sure this was more than you wanted to know!

[frankie]

No debbie. To know more is to get more answers from the experienced people on the forum. Unfortunately I am not one of them although I can only wish you and Miko the best whichever treatment he has.
Thinking of you both

[Luvmyjob]

Hugs to you and Miko. You have gone above and beyond for the little guy, he is lucky to have you!