I can tell you from experience my yorkie had Liver shunt surgery it will be two years next Sept. If you go back and read my posts you can follow her history. Yes I paid over $4,000 just for the liver shunt surgery and she had the Ameroid constrictor placed. I have an excellent vet hospital nearby and two surgeons who do this operation. So I didn't have to travel to Tenn. Is it worth it .. Yes I spent a lot of money but she is doing well. Thank God
My advice to you is to to tell your friend not wait to long to have it done. You will not get anyone to give you estimates over the phone. So find a vet that your friend feels comfortable with who does this surgery. My suggestion is to call and ask if they deal with liver shunt disease, and yes Tenn. is a number one place to go if there is no one closer to do this surgery..
Good luck!