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Originally Posted by jvwheeler  These tests aren't conclusive though, are they? Even if a pup/dog is not currently exhibiting signs of liver shunt or luxating patella, isn't there still a chance it can develop? |
Most liver shunts that yorkies have are congenital and are Born with it. So, by 12 weeks, a bile acid test should show if the dog's bile acids are elevated signaling a problem in the liver. There are Acquired shunts as well, but Most yorkies that get liver shunts are born with it...Sometimes, they don't exhibit symptoms, but as far as the test goes, it should be able to say if bile acids are out of range.
I highly recommend that any yorkie be bile acid tested. It's too common in the breed and brings a lot of heartache.