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Originally Posted by TLC  Hmmm....That's good that a Surgeon has seen him, but to be honest, there are BETTER tests for you to do than a Ultrasound. I know from experience, as others too, that a U/S is really a waste of $ ($700 to exact for me) - B/c a U/S is NOT 100% Accurate / Guaranteed
The U/S is only as good as the person reading it, and regardless, it's not 100%
They may be able to see a shunt or they may not see one and one could be there.
A U/S will however show the accurate size and shape of his liver.
So, honestly if I were you, I'd look into a Protein C test or the scintigraphy (don't know the proper spelling) - But you can read about them on the U of Tenn (Vet Pages) and Cornell Univ.
Also, I'd run a Full Blood Panel and Urine Anaylsis |
I know it's a done deal in your case, but for anyone else dealing with this, don't waste your money on a ultrasound. Unfortunately, most vets aren't that experienced with liver shunts and will recommend them, but the results are unreliable. Dr. Tobias (UT) estimates they are only 80% accurate, Dr. Center (Cornell) as low as 60%.
The proper protocol is to do a bile acids test (all Yorkies should have this done as puppies), then depending on the results, the next step is a Protein C test, then a scintigraphy, not an ultrasound.
Whenever possible it is best to take your Yorkie to a vet school as they are much more experienced with dealing with liver shunts.