Liver shunts are a real concern in Yorkies as they are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined. Just read the Health and Sick sections and you will see how many of our members are dealing with liver shunts and MVD. Surgery to correct shunts runs into the thousands, not to mention all the expensive tests to diagnose liver disease.
It is very important to only buy a Yorkie puppy from a breeder who is aware of hereditary liver shunts in Yorkies and is doing everything possible to make sure she is not producing puppies with a shunt. Ask your breeder if both parents had bile acids tests to check liver function before breeding.
What kind of genetic guarantee does your breeder give? All Yorkie puppies should have a bile acids test once they reach 20 weeks old. What will your breeder do if your puppy is found to have a shunt? Will she help with the vet bills? |