[satman]

The Urine Bile Acid Test does give an indication that an abnormality can exist in the liver however like the IDEXX SNAP test it only show an elevated Bile Acids and doesn't give a number that's indicative of a Liver Shunt as compared to MVD/HMD (Microvascular Dysplasia / Hepatic Microvascular Dysplasia). Generally a Serum Bile Acid level in the range between 30 to 80 is more indicative of MVD/HMD and is treated with a proper low protein diet along with Lactalose and possibly Milk Thistle whereas a Post Prandial number above 100 is more indicative of a Liver Shunt and requires corrective surgery. The Urine Bile Acid test and IDEXX SNAP Bile Acid Test does not quantify those numbers to as accurate a degree as the Serum Bile Acid Test.

The Urine Bile Acid Test also doesn't show reversed Bile Acid numbers that can happen from a dream/nightmare where the dog is excited and that excitement results in increased Gastric activity and elevated Bile Acid numbers.

Dr. Karen Tobias of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, a foremost authority on liver disease in dogs and specifically Yorkshire Terriers, does not recommend the UBAT or the IDEXX SNAP Bile Acid Test because their results are not definitive. Since the cost of a Serum Bile Acid Test is about the same as either of the other tests mentioned and is considered the standard protocol for diagnosis of Liver disease, I can not see any reason to use a test that requires further testing to know what's going on. Ultimately it's up to the dog's owner and that of their vet as to what test should be done.

Advise given here is only to meant to provide information that can aid in acting as an advocate for your Yorkie and should not be taken as definitive.