I don't how many of you are aware of this, so I thought I would share this information with everyone. Dr. Sharon Center of Cornell has applied to the AKC for a grant to look for a genetic marker for liver shunts. Many of you probably know that Dr. Center developed the bile acids test and is considered one of the leading authorities on liver shunts in the US.
Dr. Center is particularly looking for samples from Yorkies since they are the most highly effected breed. According to a study done by Dr. Tobias at the University of Tennessee,
Yorkies are thirty-six times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined.
http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/shunt/faq.shtml
She will be lecturing during the February 2008 specialty. You can read the letter from the YTCA about this grant here:
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us
Please remember that until a genetic marker is found, Dr. Center recommends that all Yorkie puppies have a bile acids test before going to their new home. It's a very inexpensive test, about $40-80 depending on where you live. Please insist that your breeder get this simple test done if she isn't already doing it. Dr. Center no longer recommends a twelve hour fast so there is no reason not to get it done.