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Originally Posted by FryFry  So, I was on my vetinarians website, which they updated. I decided to read about Yorkie's, and they had a list of common ailments/disease Yorkie's can get...oh boy, I don't think I should've read that list...or maybe it's good I did? I read that Yorkies get liver shunts 32x more than any other breed. YIKES! She's about 5yrs old, so I'm wondering should I get her tested for liver shunts? She did have blood tests done back in December to check her kidneys after her bout with lymes disease, but do they check their liver too? I'm kind of worried now, but maybe I'm over thinking things, but I was reading the clinical symtoms, and some include face pawing/head pressing...which Zoey does sometimes, but I never thought much of it. I thought she was just itching herself. Sometimes I think she may have vision problems, because sometimes she'll run into things. There was one time where she was drooling A LOT, but we were at the vet so I thought it was from stress, since she was in a new place (we changed vets) Oh jeez, now I'm paranoid about a liver shunt. Should I have her tested just to be on the safe side? What if she happens to have one, is it too late? What is the cost/treatment for it? Sorry if I'm coming off a bit extra paranoid, but I had no idea what a livershunt was or that they did such harm.  |
Here is the definitive website for liver shunt diagnosis and treatment:
Portosystemic Shunts FAQ
Some of the symptoms sound like mild or early signs of liver shunt problems. I would definitely start out with at least the basic diagnostic blood tests--read the section on how a shunt is diagnosed--and proceed from there with your vet. The blood work is not expensive. Above all, remain calm.
IF your dog has a liver shunt, there is nothing you could have done to prevent it--it is something they are born with. Depending on the severity of the shunt, there are various treatment options, ranging from a simple change in diet to surgery. I am praying that your dog is fine.