YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - how young is too young to test for liver shunt??

MyFairLacy · 07-26-2008, 10:43 AM

I'm really confused why some of you would recommend a Blood Panel over a Bile Acid Test

Both involve a blood draw...one is not any riskier than the other, and honestly, the risk of complications from a blood draw is very low. A blood draw is a common, routine procedure and the amount of blood they need for a blood panel or BAT is small.

Someone said if the breeder doesn't think he has a shunt don't test...please don't only trust your breeder. I know first hand that breeders will lie about having liver shunt problems in the past. If you and your vet think liver shunt is a posibility from the symptoms he is exhibiting, get that baby tested. The sooner he is tested, the sooner he can be treated if it is a shunt. Otherwise he will only get sicker.

07-26-2008, 10:43 AM	#15
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	I'm really confused why some of you would recommend a Blood Panel over a Bile Acid Test Both involve a blood draw...one is not any riskier than the other, and honestly, the risk of complications from a blood draw is very low. A blood draw is a common, routine procedure and the amount of blood they need for a blood panel or BAT is small. Someone said if the breeder doesn't think he has a shunt don't test...please don't only trust your breeder. I know first hand that breeders will lie about having liver shunt problems in the past. If you and your vet think liver shunt is a posibility from the symptoms he is exhibiting, get that baby tested. The sooner he is tested, the sooner he can be treated if it is a shunt. Otherwise he will only get sicker. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.