morkie liver problems
I think the Maltese Yorkie mix is a delightful blend of adorableness, a great personality and a coat that is relatively easy to manage. Hepatic microvascular dysplasia is often found in dogs that have other liver problems, such as a portosystemic shunt (a condition that prevents blood from being filtered by the liver). Go ahead and browse the sections we have about their looks and temperament! Keeping towels under the dog may absorb messes. This isnt a massive problem, but something that breeders should make you aware of. It is caused by low blood sugar, and can result in listlessness, coldness and, in severe episodes, seizures. The portosystemic shunt or liver shunt is a common health condition between Yorkies. Be sure to find the appropriate kibble size. A Liver Shunt occurs when part of the puppy's blood vessels to . Some common Yorkshire Terrier health issues include diabetes, brachycephalic conditions, such as tracheal collapse, and heart defects, such as patent ductus arteriosus. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. She wiibe 3 Sunday! When it came time to settle the bill my wife had forgotten the money in the car. Over the past decade, even smaller mini, micro or 'teacup' versions of these breeds have become increasingly popular. Were not finished yet with this adorable hybrid. Northeast Ohio 216.444.7000. He was housebroken when we acquired him at 10 weeks! However, we can look at some of the common issuesexperienced by the parent breeds and use that as a basis. According to this study, soy protein is a successful protein alternative for dogs with liver shunts as it supports liver functions. If you have any doubts about your Morkies health or need guidance on any other issues, always speak to your vet. Cirrhosis. to bother them with small trivial matters than to avoid asking and miss a problem. She was suppose to be 5-7lbs based on parents. Though small, the Yorkshire Terrier is active, loves attention and is protective of his owners. When Im off from work we sit and watch tv together. : where an accessory blood vessel disrupts normal circulation. Be ready to pay for anywhere between $850 to $3,700! The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances. The vet may want to do blood tests and X-rays or an ultrasound to get a picture of what is going on with your dog's liver. With plenty of praise, patience, and some delicious treats, your Morkie can be a good student.. Often, the liver's interior blood vessels aren't well-developed, so they can't open easily. It loves to run, play and fetch toys, despite its tiny size. The whole teacup idea is a con anyway and best avoided. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. That might be good news, but theres a catch with dealing with their coat. You will also want to bathe your canine companion once-a-month with a high-quality doggy shampoo and conditioner. Review/update the We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Magnetic resonance elastography of liver-Current update. The more you do now to limit the possibility and provide a healthier lifestyle, the better. Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice), Fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications, Exposure to other people's blood and body fluids. Other less common signs include drinking or urinating too much, Either way, this is a very small dog. AskMayoExpert. . In dogs with hepatic encephalopathy, treatment typically relies on two major components. If you want your Maltese Yorkie mix hair trimmed, its best to have a professional dog groomer do the job, at least until your pup gets used to the clippers, combs, scissors, and procedure. Additionally, some Yorkies show these signs after getting older or if they had urinary problems such as stones or bladder infections. Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulceration, diarrhea, seizures or other neurologic problems, fever, blood clotting problems, jaundice (a yellow tinge noticeable in the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes), fluid collection in the abdomen, excessive urination and thirst, changes in liver size, and weight loss. your chances of avoiding the worst health problems. Death is the collapse of the dog's cardiovascular system, which translates into the failure of oxygen delivery to the tissues, cells, and vital organs of the body. Goldman L, et al., eds. Puppies with hepatic microvascular dysplasia may show what is referred to as a failure to thrive. They may be abnormally small and slow to gain weight. However, many owners can't afford it. A mild elevation in liver enzymes can be a sign of many things like dental disease, intestinal disease, general inflammation, as well as liver disease of course. Prolonged sneezing can cause irritation and possible damage to the throat. So, it is vital that you stay on top of any problems by providing effective tooth brushing as part of a regular grooming regime. It can be a condition that the dog is born with but it could also be the result of trauma to the head. In this study, we characterized changes in liver pathology, hepatic lipid composition, and hepatic iron concentration (HIC) occurring in rats given fructose-enriched diet (FED), with and without therapeutic maneuvers to reduce blood pressure and plasma triglycerides. While some fat is crucial, too much fat in a Yorkie's diet can cause serious health problems, like pancreatitis. Liver shunt is a blood vessel that carries blood around the liver instead of through it. OurYorkie.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As in any breed, Yorkie Poos have some hereditary diseases such as anxiety, atopic dermatitis, and Cushing's Disease. This test measures the concentration of bile acids in your dogs blood before and after a high-protein meal. But Only if Scared or hurt they are great with children after the toddler stage. When the liver isn't functioning as it should be . Antibiotics, other medications, and dietary control are primary treatment options. I have 3.5 year old morkie she is 11lbs. This content does not have an English version. Examples of commonly used hepatoprotectants include S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), vitamin E, milk thistle, and ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol). Many breeders and pet experts recommend puppy kindergarten or puppy training classes. Yorkie Maltese enthusiasts hope to make someday them a true breed in the eyes of the. Secondly, antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, amoxicillin, or neomycin) or other medications (e.g., lactulose) are used to alter the bacterial population within the intestines and further decrease the production of certain protein metabolites. Ammonia level is another common test to perform. Morkie puppies come in a variety of colors that include white, brown and shades of black and tan. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This will provide your pup with the required nutrients for growth, health and a beautiful coat, as well as protect its teeth from plaque and tartar buildup. A liver shunt acquired outside of genetics is usually seen as a secondary problem of the liver. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). But,you need to be prepared for them. Other liver problems may be treated with medications or may require surgery. These concerning signs appear because the liver is less and less able to metabolize protein properly. To tell if your dog has liver disease, the vet will examine . These include unusually small size -- even for a tiny Yorkie -- lack of muscle development, weight loss or failure to gain weight. However, before you rob your piggy bank, you will want to be prepared for what lies ahead with this canine companion. Every morning she zooms from office to office to greet my colleagues one by one. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (adult). [The Ultimate Guide], The Ultimate Guide to the Maltipoo (AKA Maltese Poodle Mix), 27 of the best heated dog beds (Options and Reviews) in 2022, 31 of the Best Heating Pads for Dogs (and other Pets). Morkiescan develop eye problems as they get older, with glaucoma being a big issue. My little Yorkie was diagnosed with a liver shunt when she was 16 months old. Options . The most common signs of liver disease in dogs include gastrointestinal problems, like vomiting and diarrhea, jaundice (when the skin, gums and whites of the eyes look yellow), malaise (a sense of generally feeling unwell and fatigued) and poor appetite. Sometimes, Yorkie seizures and vomiting go hand in hand. When we went to pick up our first (Bear) we sat down at a picnic table outside the breeders home. First, the protein content of the diet is decreased. If your dog is genetically predisposed to this condition then there isnt too much that you can do to prevent it. Also, goodportion control and exercise plans will reduce the risk of them becoming overweight. Both the Maltese and Yorkie are known to be low shedders, which the Morkie will inherit. Are you also aware and prepared for the health issues that this fido may have? Five things you should know about dietary supplements for hepatitis C. National Center for Complementary Integrative Health. Our Bella shown in this video died after a stage 3 hepatic encephalopathy episode. Some Yorkies might experience vomiting or diarrhea, as well as constant thirst, drinking and peeing.Your Yorkie might not exhibit all of these symptoms -- if he does, he's an obviously sick puppy -- but it's obvious that something is not right with your dog. Mayo Clinic. She sleeps next to me every night! Liver disease is a general term that refers to any condition affecting your liver. It is common in toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. Your vet can help you understand some of these conditions a little better and provide the testing and examinations to help. Evolution of NAFLD and its management. There are different kinds of shunts, but in Maltese the most common form seen is the extrahepatic (outside the liver) shunt. Yorkies that suffer from liver shunt can not metabolism the proteins well causing neurological, systemic, and behavioral symptoms. Even though Yorkie Poos are healthy dogs, some of them might be born with several genetic diseases. Elastography in chronic liver disease: Modalities, techniques, limitations, and future directions. I have a Morkie. Radiographs (x-rays) can show a small liver. She knows most everything I say to her. While this sounds cute, it is actually very unpleasant for the dog. The skin and coat appear unhealthy. Common Yorkie Health Problems Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), is a common issue in small breed dogs. Make sure that you get your Morkie from a reputable breeder if you want a puppy. Hepatic means inside the liver. However, the liver shunt hinders the normal function of the liver. The Morkie is not hypoallergenic, but they do have hair instead of fur. He is a pick pocket, so I have to keep my pockets zipped or empty. Its been a lot of fun caring and learning about our new puppy but we definitely have had our share of growing pains along the way. Hes at home all day, while Im at work, and he doesnt bark. Most affected dogs show few clinical signs, and the disease may go undetected until adulthood. This is a list of products that I use or have been recommended and have found to be a great combination of cost and value. American Liver Foundation. Some diseases and medications can hurt your dog's liver. Prolonged fits of sneezing may also cause these little dogs to panic. How often does a Morkie need to be groomed? How Does The Vet Diagnose Yorkie Liver Shunts? Despite Their Small Size, They Can Eat, 7. Yes, it does tend to have a stubborn side, but that only makes pet parenting a Morkie all that more fun. This separation anxiety is best controlled by having a person home most of the time or one that can bring the dog with them wherever they go. Since this dog is a Maltese Yorkie mix breeders know that they are susceptible to the following conditions; Regular veterinarian checkups and a good diet can help catch these conditions before they become a problem. Or you could adopt a Morkie in need of better love and care instead. It is said that they are hypoallergenic because they have hair and not fur. My brother and sister in law have had Jelly since she was 4 weeks old. Health testing. A little wax and dirt are healthy, just like with o. ur own ears. He loves everyone and everyone loves him. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Mayo Clinic Q and A: How to manage symptoms of liver disease. This price range is expected in some crossbreeds, and its up to you if this rundown of facts about Morkies is something you can tolerate. A common cause of this issue is a strain from collars and leashes and obesity will only make the situation. Symptoms include altered gait, hobbling and refusal to put weight on the affected leg. In Yorkies affected by liver shunt, this closure doesn't occur and their blood doesn't filter through the liver. She is potty trained but I still take her for her daily walks. Accessed Dec. 20, 2019. Morkies coats can be black, brown, white, or a combination of these colors. I have a Morkie. Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. There is no guarantee that your pet will develop these conditions. Hepatitis A. My yorkie was diagnosed with having liver shunt I researched like crazy on what I could feed her because everything she . Set up your myVCA account today. Hepatoprotective supplements intended to protect the liver are also frequently used in the management of hepatic microvascular dysplasia. The more you do now to limit the possibility and provide a healthier lifestyle, the betteryour chances of avoiding the worst health problems. Neurological problems, including seizures and temporary blindness, may ensue. Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. What About Yorkie Liver Shunt Life Expectancy? It is commonly seen in puppies with round skulls and short muzzles. It is recommended to take your pup on a brisk walk around the block or for playtime at a park. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, typically as part of a medical program that includes careful monitoring of liver function. Treatment. Portosystemic shunt: where an accessory blood vessel disrupts normal circulation. Yorkies are active, bright little dogs with very big personalities. It is the result of a metabolic disorder. Signs of the disorder are most noticeable after meals. The clinical signs of hepatic microvascular dysplasia vary significantly. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. On the other hand, the liver shunt of large breeds is present inside the liver (intrahepatic). Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. As far as having them to become a part of your family..10 stars! A vet will need to see how much damage there is to the liver. ", Canine Liver Disease Foundation: "Types and Causes of Liver Disease.". But,it is still very important to prioritize eye health. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. I hate to hear that your baby is sick I personally don't know anything about yorkie liver disease, but I do know that small breeds such as yorkies are suceptible to liver shunts. She loves to walk with me and is very good on a leash. Inexperienced dog owners dont always think to clean the ears regularly to remove any waxy build-ups or deal with any discharge or problems. Shes not a service dog but definitely brings me pleasure. It is betterto bother them with small trivial matters than to avoid asking and miss a problem. Mayo Clinic. Especially the little two leggeds! Next, carefully pull back the bottom lip and get the lower teeth. I serve Tess 1/4 cup of meat and top off the 1/2 cup measurement with a vegetable or veggie/ pasta mix that has been cooked. These tiny specimens aside, the average Morkie weighs around 2.5-4.5 kg (6-10 lb), and stands 20-25 cm (8-10 in . eyes for signs of discharge or ill-health during your grooming regime(, Ear problems are a possibility with a lot o, f dogs with floppy ears, which is a likely trait with aMorkie. Seizures. twitching in the facial muscles weakness drowsiness vomiting fast heart rate tremors quick breathing Treatment Apply a sugar syrup to the soft tissue surrounding your pet's mouth. He loves to tear up paper towels and kleenexs if he gets a hold of them. This recipe will make about 3 cups of dog food. Make sure your vet is aware of any drugs or supplements they may take. Here are some issues to watch out for and some tips to help. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Here are some issues to watch out for and some tips to help. Be sure someone is home to keep your pooch out of trouble. (Endogenous means it comes from inside your dog, not external factors.) In serious cases, the dog collapses and dies. Morkies are relatively small dogs at about 6 to 8 inches tall, weighing around 4 to 8 pounds, while Teacup Morkies are tinnier. It's unfair that the last step to resolving this issue in 85% of the cases is surgery. They concluded that dogs that were treated surgically could survive for longer periods than those who were treated medically with no ongoing clinical signs. Other signs include odd behaviors such as pressing the head into a wall or other solid object; frequent staring into space; circling or pacing and lack of energy in a young animal. Top Yorkie Recipes Revealed! They can be solid black, white, tan, or a combination of all three. They are Happy-Go-Lucky, But a Bit Barky, 5. Hepatic microvascular dysplasia (sometimes called portal vein hypoplasia) is an inherited abnormality of the liver. We also run special diagnostic tests. Proteins are the basic nutrient in your pets meal, however, you have to reduce it a little to manage the liver shunt signs. Hepatic microvascular dysplasia can also cause urinary problems. Infectious hepatitis can be caused by viruses and bacteria. I n ow know what different sounds of her barks are for. Tumors in the liver can cause elevated liver enzymes as they begin to affect the organ's function, some tumors can take a long time before changes are seen in bloods meaning the tumor can be quite large at diagnosis. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Foods that contain less artificial dyes and preservatives are your wisest choice. Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. This social pup even does well with cats and other small dogs. Sometimes liver disease can happen as a result of aging. She is stubborn FOR SURE but its in the best way. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Catherine Barnette, DVM. But it can also be brought on by infection or trauma to the area. Other causes of liver disease may include: If your dog has some symptoms of liver problems, your vet may ask you about their diet and medications. Check their eyes for signs of discharge or ill-health during your grooming regime(How often does a Morkie need to be groomed). How To Clean And Prevent Morkie Tear Stains, How often does a Morkie need to be groomed. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, How to Spot Pancreatitis and Get It Treated, Dog Drooling and Salivary Gland Problems in Dogs, Ascites (a buildup of fluid in the belly), Some plants and herbs such as ragwort, certain mushrooms, and blue-green algae, Leptospirosis, a bacterialdisease dogs can getthrough direct contact with urine from infected animals or through water, soil, or food contaminated with their urine. If you have a Morkie, please feel free to share your thoughts and information in the comment section. Lack of Heartbeat and Breathing. The liver is responsible for removing the toxins from the blood and body. The Morkie might be little, but man, can he eat. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The liver shunt is a disease that is bad and can take away the joy from your Yorkie. When your dog was in utero, his mother's liver filtered out her fetuses' toxins via a bypass of their portal blood vessel. Toy breeds are often prone to poor temperature regulation and injury through rough treatments. While some dogs are treated medically for liver shunt, surgery offers the best option. Lift the top lip to get the front upper teeth and brush slowly and gently. Work closely with your vet to manage the disease and avoid liver failure. If you have any doubts about your Morkies health or need guidance on any other issues, always speak to your vet. Signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs: One of the earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs is urinating and drinking more (polyuria/polydipsia or PU/PD). The small size of aMorkiemeans that it is understandable for owners to become concerned about their health and welfare. Check out the pups and parents before you buy and get a run-down on their medical history. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. Once your Yorkie knows the toothbrush and paste, you can gradually introduce the brush into her mouth. Your own vet might refer you to a specialist for your Yorkie's liver shunt surgery. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. But,it is still very important to prioritize eye health. ducts, foods, and other items to make Morkie health care even easier. Why is she bigger than the average morkie? It isa bigger issue if there are already problems with the throat and trachea. Then he/she will perform some lab tests and additional diagnostic tests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'ouryorkie_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ouryorkie_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'ouryorkie_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ouryorkie_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-114{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. A harness puts less pressure on any one area of the body and poses no risk to the throat. Some Yorktese dogs tend to bark too much. RadioGraphics. Eye Irritations The prognosis of small breed dogs with liver shunts is better than those of large breeds. It isnt possible to predict precisely what health issues your belovedMorkiemay face. University of Tennesse: Portosystemic Shunts, Pet Care Veterinary Hospital: Your Yorkshire Terrier, Veterinary Partner: Portosystemic Shunt (PSS), Vetstreet: What You Need to Know About Yorkshire Terrier Health. Weakness. Increased need to pee. Also, make sure that you schedule eye exams for your dog so your vet can get a better idea of their health and vision. Prolonged sneezing can cause irritation and possible damage to the throat. The Morkie will need to be brushed several times a week to prevent the hair from tangling or developing mats. 2016; doi:10.1148/rg.2016160042. The Maltese parent may be to blame for goniodysgenesis, which can lead to excessive pressure and sight loss. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. But liver disease can often be treated and managed. 3) Brush the teeth and gums. These are controlled environments where your Morkie can learn from other dogs, go over some basic training and maybe even make some lifelong doggy friends. She is more black like a yorkie but she has a super personality and was so easy to train as far as behavior. The liver is your largest internal organ. Additionally, some Yorkies show these signs after getting older or if they had urinary problems such as stones or bladder infections. What Are The Reasons For Yorkie Coughing and Gagging? As with any dog, there can be health issues involved. It's easy to miss the symptoms of liver disease. Accessed Dec. 20, 2019. Also known as a portosystemic shunt, a liver shunt doesn't allow your Yorkie's liver to adequately remove toxins from his bloodstream. She is really like a service dog and I did not train her in any way to be one. Although my Morky is absolutely delightful, he is giving me nightmares! 2018; doi:10.1097/RMR.0000000000000177. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is common in small breeds, including the yorkie. Posts: 7,149. Inexperienced dog owners dont always think to clean the ears regularly to remove any waxy build-ups or deal with any discharge or problems. Hi, Im Joe and that is Bella(my co-author). Appointments & Locations. Portosystemic shunt appears when there is an abnormality of the portal vein which brings the blood to the liver and the . Dogs with hepatic encephalopathy often show behavioral changes, such as head-pressing, abnormal vocalization, and ataxia (acting wobbly, as if drunk). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. But, what about the otherMorkiehealthissues that we need to consider? It is better. In some cases, your veterinarian may instead recommend a surgical biopsy of the liver. While Yorkies can experience other liver issues, only liver shunt is common in the breed. I don't know where you live but I am in Texas and my vet sent us to A&M for her to have surgery. The portosystemic shunt can be corrected surgically, however, there are some medications that can stabilize the Yorkie. Teacup Yorkie puppies are very cute, but are they healthy and happy? Here's an overview of several of the most common Yorkie health problems. It helps with digestion and blood clotting, and it removes toxins from their system. I have a 15 year old Morkie and she is a delight to have. This decreases blood flow within the liver, causing atrophy (decrease in size) of the liver and its cells. As lap dogs, theyre huge cuddlers! Liver disease is a distinct . Polydipsia (excessive thirst) Diarrhea. eds with high metabolic rates. You can check with your local animal rescue and leave your name at the front desk in case one were to come in or use a search on the internet. According to the University of Tennessee, about one-third of medically managed dogs do well and live a normal lifespan. Ioves everyone but my daughter. Hes learning very quickly how to sit, shake and stay. Crying when kneecap dislocates; Inability to walk; . Myself, Ive had her for 9 months, rehomed from my brothers family now that all the kids have grown up, graduated from college and moved out. The disease can be life-threatening for Yorkshire Terriers unless treated early. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. They are also prone to liver shunts, luxating patellas, and Legg-Calv-Perthes diseasea degenerative disease of the femoral head. Its the fact that she literally acts like an eager puppy. What Happens When a Yorkie Dog Has Liver Problems? Viral Or Bacterial Infections Can Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes Viral or bacterial infections can cause serious damage to a dog's liver. This dog can live in apartments quite nicely. Sometimes the colors on darker puppies will lighten as the pups grow. There is a problem with This little guy can bark up a storm, especially when left alone for long periods-of-time. Petfinder is an excellent place to start as you can narrow down your options to include the distance you want to travel.