unfortunatly yorkies are one of the breeds that are more prone to liver shunt. there is alot of research going on right now to find find out if this is genetic. most vets tend to think there is some sort of genetic link. therefore they recommend anyone that has a dog with liver shunt do not breed them. and the parents of the yorkie with liver shunt should not breed anymore. it is also recommended that puppies have a bile acid test before they are sold. my surgeon said that some dogs born with liver shunt don't show signs until years later. he said that they are usually born with them. now that max has had his liver shunt surgery, there is a chance that he can develop acquired liver shunts if he body doesn't know how to reroute the blood.
i know this is all very confusing and hard to understand. i felt exactly like you when max was diagnosed. i am by no means an expert on liver shunt, but i have done lots of research after my little one was diagnosed. let me know if you have any questions!
brooke & "max" |