[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

My vet in Dallas works with Dr. Centers.....Bile acid testing prior to the age of 6 months will give you a false sense of security.....pups are going through many changes, especially with their diet...It has been discussed that yorkies are an anomily and the normal bile acid test performed can give you false readings...urinalysis testing can give you a better reading.

OFAing is a great test for your breeders as well as CFA. But, having eyes tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, as well has hearing checked. Routine Smear for SDTs should be performed. However, it is best to do this on your females prior to breeding to insure they are free of any bacteria that could affect the pregnacy and puppies.

This is from page 22 of the handout Dr. Center uses at lectures. It explains why she recommends puppies get a BAT before going to their new homes.

"2: The best approach to avoid "over diagnosis" is to test bile acids in young dogs of highly affected breeds (at 4 mths of age) while they are clinically healthy and before they are adopted into pet homes. Highly affected breeds include: Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Maltese, Tibetan Spaniels as well as many other "terrier" type breeds (Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Bichon Frise, Pekingese, Toy and Miniature Poodles, and Havanese and others). Proactive assessment of serum bile acids will limit the awkward circumstance imposed when an MVD dog, with minor health issues, is suddenly recognized to have abnormal bile acids by a pet owner's veterinarian. This circumstance can lead to unnecessary diagnostic confusion and unwarranted invasive tests such as liver biopsy and portovenography.