Yes, definitely. This test is done in pups as early as 9 weeks. Just ask for a Bile Acid Test. Also, you can inform your vet that Dr. Sharon Center who invented the Bile Acid Test does not require a 12 hour fast. The important thing is to have a paired sample.
Make sure they do not do an IDEXX Snap test. You want a regular serum bile acid test.
The way a bile acid test works is that they take one blood sample before eating. Then they feed the dog. Two hours after feeding the dog, they take another blood sample. This will give you two numbers. These numbers will help indicate if there is a problem in the liver.
Most vets think that the first test HAS to be done after a 12 hour fast, but as I mentioned before, this is not the case. If the vet has any questions, I'm sure Dr. Center from Cornell would be more than happy to explain that it is not necessary. Or if they just research a little bit they can find this information on their own.
So again, a pre-meal blood draw and a post-meal blood draw are important.
Good luck!! If you have any questions, please ask.
__________________ Miko 's his Mommy |