liver shunt and breeder's attitude
 

:confused: i purchased a small yorkie from a breeder near Raleigh, NC. On the day that I picked her up I stopped by my vet because the office is right on my way home. My yorkie was weighed and it was 1 lb. and 12 oz.She was too small to give the needed shots then so I made an appt to come back inabout 4 weeks. She weighed only 1 lb and 13 oz and the vet was very concerned. He did a quick blood test and the numbers were very high.He decided that she should have the bile acid test the next day so she fasted for 12 hours and I carried her to the vet along with her food . They did the test, waited 30 minutes fed her and then another blood test. The results came back in 2 days and her number were 300!! I immediately called the breeder...she said that couldn't be. We have been going 'round and round. She wants me to have another test at 6 months of age and then before she would consider a refund minus deposit I have to have a biopsy done and at my own expense. She the breeder said if she thought I didn't have money to take care of the dog she would not have sold her to me. That is not the issue ,I know the expense for the things that are routine with yorkie,ie, grooming, teeth, shots,flea,worm medication and etc. it is just something that I feel is her fault. what do you think? nellen

I am sorry to hear about your puppy. Does your contract from the breeder cover genetic problems? It's a shame she is not being more helpful and being a responsible breeder. With the bile acids at 300 it generally indicates an external shunt that would require surgery. My Cali has MVD and her Bile acids were under 100. I bought her from a back yard breeder and had only a 3 day guarantee. Did your vet suggest doing an ultrasound to see if there is a shunt visable? There are many people on here who have experience with Liver shunts and how their breeder responded, so I hope they see this. In the mean time I hope the breeder steps up and helps you out.

did your dog come with a health guarantee and a promise of a refund if tested within a certain amount of days by a vet and found to have any health issues

She definitely didn't need to respond the way she did, in my honest opinion. If a shunt is something that never appeared in her lines before, I could understand her being shocked. BUT, regardless of the initial shock a breeder should be more concerned about the puppies well being vs how much she has to give back. I hope her reaction is mere shock, and she turns around and helps you out like a good breeder should.

I hope your puppy gets better soon.

A Bile Acids Test may not be accurate until 16-18 weeks of age. Also, The post-prandial (after meal) sample is to be drawn exactly 2 hours after the meal. You did not state that this happened... if not the test is invalid.

You absolutely correct. Here's Dr Center's protocol and updated info on bile acids:

Health Screening Clinics

Pups should be screened at 16 weeks and again at 6 months of age. That is unless the pup is exhibiting outward signs of shunt. Drawing of the blood using the correct equipment is of the prime importance.

As far as the breeder; she should be there for you. All monies should be returned to assist you in obtaining the proper medical care.