Here is a perfect example. Roxy and TJ show NO signs of liver shunt. I never even knew what MVD was. Both have had routine blood work and nothing strange about it.
My groomer purchased 2 yorkies from the same place mine came from, she also told me that a customer also purchased a male from them too. The male died after 9 months, and one of her females has a compromised liver.
So, off to the Vet we went to get Both Roxy and TJ Bile Acid Tested.
Well, THANK GOD I did, and my Vet said that as well too, b/c he would have NEVER suggested it.
Roxy's post # was 100.9 - That's very high, I think it should be under 20 - They say 100 and above is LS territory
Thankful, after some testing, etc...We do believe that Roxy has MVD, although I won't know for sure, I'd have to get a liver biopsy and I am not sure about that just yet.
TJ's post # was 43 - High again too
I retested BAT 2 months after. Roxy's post # came down to 67 and TJ to 21.5
Since August they have been on a special diet and supplements. I have an appt to retest BAT again on 1/21 - I am hoping that TJ's # stay low. Roxy I am sure will still have a high #, but I am hope for as low as possible.
So, YES - I too recommend BAT - It's relatively inexpensive. It's $80 here on Long Island, NY