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Originally Posted by gemy  Definitely should be done in my opinion. THe rate of LS in Yorkshire Terriers is quite high. THe blood draw the last time I did it was about $60 or so. A small amount to pay to insure a healthy surgery. Now what exactly were her results? |
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Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama Whether you trust your vet or not (which is something only you can decide) is entirely separate from the issue of BATs. Bile acid tests are recommended for all yorkies because of the prevalence of liver shunts. Not all cases are a result of problems in a line; it can show up spontaneously in an individual pup. If they aren't done initially at about 4 months, then they should be done prior to a spay/neuter. The safety of anesthesia can be affected by liver problems.
The tests are prudent and I would be wary of a vet who didn't recommend having them done. Going cheap with the health tests is, IMO, penny wise and pound foolish. |
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Originally Posted by gemy
And we have yet to hear the results of the BATS. THis is of concern to me, if the values were very high, that is of concern.
My experience is that only a very few knowledgeable imo, vets ask for bats to be done. I did so ask for Razzle, and my vet said well we did a full blood panel and no anomalies were noted. I said not good enough for Liver testing, nor for Thyroid. He needs both expanded panels done.
So we did those. And his Thyroid expanded came back low Normal. The vet was surprised. I said we repeat in 4 months. And then everything on thyroid came back nicely normal.
Of course this is a breeding dog, and it is part of the health tests I do. |
I am impressed that the vet wanted to do the BATs. Definitely not a sign of padding the bill. I am far more upset by vets who are cutting corners because they think clients want whatever is cheapest. I want whatever the best surgery protocols are for my pets.
Doesn't matter how well bred your pup is. Even the best bred dogs in the world can be imperfect. That is nature.
If your pup's BATs indicated there might be a problem, I would consult a specialist and hold off on spaying.