I need to make a decision

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by SamiNFurbabies

I'm new to yorkies... but someone please answer this for me.
When choosing a breeder, shouldn't you choose one that tests the liver? With a bile acid test of some sort? I mean, liver shunts are prevelent, right?
I know when choosing a poodle, the breeder should have DNA optigen tests done (on the eyes)... and petellars checked...
It's stressed in the poodle community.
Wouldn't the same sort of think be important with Yorkies? Wouldn't you frown upon getting a dog thats parents haven't been tested--- regardless of how cheap the puppy is (wouldn't the cost of a disorder far exceed the price of a pup?)
Sorry if this sounded harsh, but I'm learning.

yes liver shunt is more common in the Yorkshire Terrier breed than any other breed and I believe ALL yorkies should be Bile Acid Tested before being bred, even if they seem healthy. Honestly, I think every yorkie should be bile acid tested before 6 months because LS is so common and some dogs can be asymptomatic for a while and it can cause all kinds of problems if not diagnosed

[AshasMom]

Originally Posted by yorkiekist

If the breeders of this puppy did not register this litter with AKC, then I dont believe that you can get AKC papers for this puppy. It seems that they are being a little dishonest with you and the breeders that they got their breeding stock from. I dont understand them saying that they dont want the champion bloodlines out there when thats exactly what they are doing by registering the litter with ckc. The bloodlines will still get out into the puppy mill/byb arena.
I would pass and buy from a reputable YTCA breeder.

Thanks, I was leaning toward my gut feeling and probably going to pass anyways...just wanted to see what other's opinions were. Something tells me that this situation is not right, but I am not aware of all the AKC regs either. I don't want to support BYB or puppy mills, and if I chose to breed, I want my puppies to be of the highest standard and quality. I don't want to be shafted, and I would never dream of doing that to someone else either. Thanks friends for your thoughts and opinions! I trust and respect what you have to say above all else!

[SamiNFurbabies]

yes liver shunt is more common in the [COLOR=green! important][COLOR=green! important]Yorkshire [COLOR=green! important]Terrier[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] breed than any other breed and I believe ALL yorkies should be Bile Acid Tested before being bred, even if they seem healthy. Honestly, I think every [COLOR=green! important][COLOR=green! important]yorkie[/COLOR][/COLOR] should be bile acid tested before 6 months because LS is so common and some dogs can be asymptomatic for a while and it can cause all kinds of problems if not diagnosed

Thanks for your response!
I have a rescue yorkie. Do you think that I should have her tested? Would it be painful for her?

[lilroxy]

I fully agree that they should receive a bile acid test. My family just lost our 17month old baby 4 weeks ago. She had a liver shunt, went thru surgery successfully however, she was unable to come out of the anesthesia without going into a seizure. After two different seizing episodes she stopped breathing. Our world has been turned upside down. We are looking to get another one eventually in the northern Alabama area if anyone has any recommendations of a reputable breeder with healthy babies. Due to unsatisfactory response from our breeder we will not be going back to them. Please take the time and money to have the test done, it better than going thru what we are right now. RIP Roxy! We miss you

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by lilroxy

I fully agree that they should receive a bile acid test. My family just lost our 17month old baby 4 weeks ago. She had a liver shunt, went thru surgery successfully however, she was unable to come out of the anesthesia without going into a seizure. After two different seizing episodes she stopped breathing. Our world has been turned upside down. We are looking to get another one eventually in the northern Alabama area if anyone has any recommendations of a reputable breeder with healthy babies. Due to unsatisfactory response from our breeder we will not be going back to them. Please take the time and money to have the test done, it better than going thru what we are right now. RIP Roxy! We miss you

How heartbreaking...I'm so very sorry.

[Dreamer74]

It is a good price for a "pet" I would not plan on being able to get akc paperwork. The story about the parents being from AKC champions makes no sense because you would register them with limited registration and charge a heck of a lot more. Did the breeder not attempt to tape the ears? Does she know what she is doing? If you are ok with the price for a "pet" I would say do it, because at least he will have a good home.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by SamiNFurbabies

Thanks for your response!
I have a rescue yorkie. Do you think that I should have her tested? Would it be painful for her?

A bile acid test requires two blood draws. You would take your dog to the vet in the morning before you feed a meal. A blood sample is taken. The dog is then fed and another blood sample is taken two hours later. This is a pre and post meal sample which will give you the most accurate results. It's no more painful than having two needle sticks and no different than a routine blood draw.

[scrapindee]

I would pass on this puppy as a potential breeder for you. Way too many red flags. Good luck.

[AshasMom]

Originally Posted by scrapindee

I would pass on this puppy as a potential breeder for you. Way too many red flags. Good luck.

As the saying goes, always follow your gut reaction, and that is what I did, passed. Cute little girl, but I agree, something isn't right.