Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladyhawk  It seems the experts can't even agree on the best way to manage this problem. Dr. Larry Snyder, DMV wrote:
Fasting and 2-hr. post meal blood samples are evaluated for bile acid levels. In virtually all porto-systemic shunts there will be a significant rise in the bile acid levels over normal. The use of bile acids in screening clinically normal dogs for liver shunts is not currently being advised due to the variation of normal bile acid levels in Yorkshire Terriers, & other breeds as well. Reports of recent vaccination with modified-live vaccines causing high serum bile acid levels in normal animals have not been confirmed as of this time. |
I never heard of Dr. Larry Snyder but Sharon Center who has dedicated herself to this problem, contends that bile acids over 25 in a young dog is abnormal in Yorkshire Terriers and indicates liver disease. If it is a young dog without any other problems, it inidicates LS or MVD. If it is an older, sick dog, it could be a sign of other liver problems. That's why she wants us to do BAT on young healthy dogs before other disease processes could cause elevated bile acids. Please look her research for yourself.