Symptoms can occur at any time, but for an inherited shunt it will almost always be before they are 2. An inherited Liver problem can be found in puppies as young as 10 weeks by having a bile acid test done on them. The cost of the test varies in different parts of the country. I have heard of it being done for as little as 50 some dollars, up to over a hundred dollars. I tell anyone that is looking for a yorkie pup to insist it be done before they purchase the pup, even if it means that they have to pay for it. It is much cheaper to have the test and know you are getting a healthy puppy than it is to find out your pup has it after you have had it and become attached to it. The surgery is not cheap, but there are places you can apply for help to have it done. I show and breed yorkies, and my dogs are tested before they are bred and also all the puppies are tested at 10 weeks of age. If I sell a puppy, I want to assure the new parents that they are getting a healthy happy puppy. |