This is so weird, meaning another member posted yesterday about a similar situation. So weird as I never heard of Yorkies with back problems before.
Here's a link to her thread:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ed-yorkie.html
Hope it helps. Your friend should try a university for help as they have the most modern treatments. I understand that $5,000 is a lot of money, but he's so young and will love her for the rest of his life. Most vets offer care credit accounts or couldn't she find a credit card to put it on? I know not everyone can and if she can't and other treatments don't work, I hope she turns to a rescue. So sorry!! Please, do keep us posted.