We're currently controling the situation with a low protein prescription diet and attempting to keep the toxins in her body as low as possible. It's been working well for a year. Unfortunately, there's no telling how long that can work. There is a medication that can help - Metronidazole, "(generic of Flagyl) is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial medication with intestinal anti-inflammatory properties." Another problem that can occur from too many toxins in the system is brain inflammation (the fancy name is "hepatic encephalopathy"). Another medication, Lactulose, is used "for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy". Plus depending on the kind of shunt, surgery may be possible to correct it. I don't think a Yorkie with liver shunts can live as long as a Yorkie without them, but my vet has told me that if kept under control she could live a pretty full life. But now she has a new problem though - her left legs are weak and she doesn't feel well so we're trying to figure out what that's all about. She'll be seeing yet another doctor on Wednesday, this time for a neurological consult
