Princess Diana, it is my opinion that it is best to bile acids test Yorkies before using NSAIDS just because these meds wouldn't be given if there is a shunt or MVD issue. They can do okay on it but it isn't worth the risk. Before Ellie was tested, she took Metacam and did okay but that med wouldn't have been given if we knew that her bile acids were high.
Preop blood work is not sufficient for this because sometimes there needs to be significant liver cell death for the enzymes to go up.
If a Yorkie is tested at 20 weeks or after and shows no symptoms and liver function is never in question... they would only need to have a BAT once.
Most Yorkies breeders probably wouldn't even worry about BATing before NSAIDs but it's safer for the dog.
As for not medicating if the dog is in some pain, there are lots of vets who agree. For the most part, I do not. If a dog has LP and is in pain once a week for 5 minutes while on a walk, of course it wouldn't be wise to use a medication with such horrible side effects. If a dog is in pain/limping more often, it may be unfair to the dog to withhold meds. Dogs don't always show pain. Limping and shaking are signs that something is wrong. If your child was limping, would you withhold meds to keep them calm? It depends on the level of pain that the dog is thought to be in but if they are in enough pain to limp often, meds need to be considered. The same goes for post spay care. I'm not going to withhold meds just to keep Ellie quiet.