[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by 107barney

A couple of things about specialty vets -
You can call and make an appointment yourself. Do it before your visit, and when you get to your regular vet inform them "I have an appointment for Peyton with Dr. _____ at _______ and it is on (date) at (time). I would like for you to write up a packet and send my records so they have all the information"

You can always cancel, and if your vet objects, you should ask why they want to keep a case that seems like it belongs with a specialist. Do not be afraid to ask questions, including the direct and pointed ones. You are your dog's voice.

As for Bile Acids Testing - I'd probably let the specialist do it, since you are going anyway. I have my own opinions about why I always do BAT testing with my specialists -- the main one being that the techs drawing blood generally are certified, have better technique overall, and I just want consistency of results. I have had BATs drawn by my regular vet also but 99% of the time I do it at the specialty hospital.

Please keep us posted on Peyton and good luck today.

ETA: Just tell the vet that you wish to have a BAT test because yorkies are 36x more likely than all other breeds combined to be afflicted with some form of liver shunt (single portosystemic shunt or microscopic shunting or even acquired shunting). The test for BAT is $80 here, so be prepared that this will tack on to the regular bloodwork. I might start with regular blood work and the consult and add the BAT testing later depending on the results. If you can afford it, do it all at once.

Such wonderful advice!

Originally Posted by Bitsy

Such good advice from everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring enough to help.

I called Purdue and talked to the emergency office and asked if I should bring him in or wait till regular hours. She said I should go ahead and bring him in.

So, that is what I am going to do.

I feel so much better knowing I am at least doing all I can do and that I should get answers to my concerns one way or another.

I need to wait for my husband to get home from work, which should be in about 3 hours. Then I will head to Lafayette. Please keep the prayers coming! I'll have my iPhone with me, so I can post updates as I get them.

Thanks again.

I'll be thinking of you both and praying for you and little Peyton.