Welcome to Yorkie Talk. I am sorry LuLu has been ill and I can imagine how scary this must be.
I do not have personal experience with liver shunt, but I have been reading the threads here on Yorkie Talk for 4 years. Diet is only a short term fix as Ladyjane indicates in the thread linked above. Surgery will be required for your girl's health and longevity. Yes, surgery is expensive. However, it will likely be less costly than the countless vet visits and potential ER visits that would likely come with future illness due to the LS and side effects.
Care Credit is a great option for financing the surgery. It's easy and fast to apply for, and depending on the vet, interest free for up to 2 years.
I'm sure the people here who are experienced with LS will give you great advice about how to proceed. Scintography I believe is one of the best way to diagnose, and there is a vet school in Tennessee that is one of the best in dealing with LS in Yorkies.
Best wishes for LuLu and you.
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