My yorkie actually wasn't really showing any symptoms yet except for the urine problem (which the vet acted like it was no big deal even though it was), but I read that you could get your dog bile acid tested to check his liver enzymes which could indicate a liver shunt...Unfortunately, my pup's were off the charts. A bile acid test is very affordable...I live in FL where everything's expensive and it only cost like $60 I think. It's best to go ahead and get it done even if he's not having symptoms just so you know. A lot of breeders will bile acid test their pups at 12 weeks or so (before they sell their dogs) or you can request that it be done before you get the pup. Some of the other symptoms include:
-Abnormal behavior after eating
-Pacing and aimless wandering
-Pressing the head against the wall
-Episodes of apparent blindness
-Seizures
-Poor weight gain
-Stunted growth
-Excessive sleeping and lethargy
-Straining to urinate due to bladder stone formation
-Patient with a shunt may have many clinical signs and some have only a single clinical sign
-Some dogs do not show signs until they are older*
-Weight loss and debilitation
- Loss of energy and lack of interest in normal activities, which worsens with time
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting or constipation, which can come and go
- Light tan or grey stools
- Urine is darker and can also be orange
- Stomach area gets larger due to fluid accumulation
- Skin may turn yellow, due to jaundice
- Changes in behavior such as pacing, circling or even seizures
- May show pain when pressure is applied to abdomen
- Polydipsia and Polyuria, or excess water drinking and urination
Hope this helps |