I'm sorry to hear that your baby does have a liver condition
Did he say he had a single liver shunt or several microscopic liver shunts....If it's several microscopic liver shunt and no single liver shunt, then that's called hepatic microvascular dysplasia (MVD/HMD). This is NOT operable and has to be managed with diet/supplements. If it is a single extrahepatic shunt, then it requires surgery.
I don't see a need in spending money on an ultrasound if your vet already checked the liver size, unless he/she wants to check for bladder stones which can usually only be seen on ultrasound (the kind of stones/crystals that liver compromised dogs usually get do not usually show up on x-ray).
Have them do a urinalysis to check for crystals instead.
My yorkie was diagnosed when he was a pup, and we were told that he would not survive...I'm happy to say that he will be 4 yrs old in April!!
There is definitely hope!!
I think the oldest dog with MVD that I've heard lived to be 16? I think...
Liver issues are not a death sentence, by any means as long as you keep them on the proper protocol.
No red meat of any kind(beef, venison, etc.). Quality, low protein food is important.
If your baby hasn't exhibited any symptoms, count your blessings!!
That's wonderful, and that makes it all the more important to make sure and follow the proper protocol so that he doesn't DEVELOP symptoms.
How did you find out that he had liver issues? Was he a picky eater or something like that?