Update
 

Have talked to the vet that did the ultrasound, and this vet seem to know what she is talking about. She has spend two years in USA working, and has seen quite some dogs with liver shunt. She says that she thinks the test results could have been false negative... Because she thinks that he has symptoms that indicate lever shunt. We are seeing the vet again at the end of the month. She says that they cant see liver shunts on ultrasound, but they can see that the blood flow to the liver isnt normal. She saw a smaller liver than normal, but she also says he is still a puppy.

There is no easy way to find out if its a liver shunt or not here in Northern Norway, the only way to bee shure is to travel to Oslo for a CT scan. The CT costs about 820$. + the travel with airplane 360$, a total of 1180$ just to find out if its a liver shunt or not...

Billy is doing fine, he doesnt like his meds but I force him to take them. During this weeks he had two days (seperately) where he was sleeping almost the entire day. His meds sticks to his hair and are almost imposible to get out again. Lactulose is like glue on his hair! So the days walks by and i'm feeling sick and tired of the worrying and the medication routines.

Before we got the dog I were looking foreward for the joy, the training and the cuddling with our dog. Taking walks and teaching him new stuff, showing him off to frends and family, going to dog shows and enjoy our life with him. I expected vet bills, and I got him insured. But i couldnt imagine that i would be living at the vets office for a week, well it feals like I did... I couldnt imagine that I had to pay 900$ and still got no answer. I couldnt imagine any of this to happend... I just feel stuck here at home with a sick puppy, without any answer. Im sorry... Im feeling a bit blue right now.

I really want him to have a good and healthy life. My heart tells me that the vets are wrong, the brain says that they are right... Im torn appart at the moment, I just want an answer. Oh, btw i found out what the surgery will cost here in norway, it costs 6400$ and with the travel it costs 9100$.... And the insurance does not cover it...

Ill give you a new update at the end of the month. Tnx everyone for beeing here when i and Billy needs it!! Hugs!!

I'd ask your vet if they ever invite specialists to come to your town. Also, you could ask your vet to study up on the procedure and see if she would be willing to do it, in combination with an exploratory surgery to see what's really going on with him. That may be more cost effective than running a bunch of tests that don't give complete answers anyway. Best to wait a bit to see if he can gain some size and weight, and have the meds make him healthier, and redo the bloodwork and the BAT in 3 months or so. Just some options....

I am sorry sending prayers for you and Billy. I completely understand how overwhelmed you feel. My family always had healthy dogs so I was taken aback at Buster's medial bills that ran over 7,000 his first two years. I must say he has paid me back and more in love and kisses. Best wishes to you during this difficult time.

Walking with the stars
 

I first want to say thanks to each and one of you, thanks for your support and prayers.

Im sad to tell you that Billys story is getting to its end. Later this day he will be walking with the stars.

Many things had happend this last 24 hours. He jumped off the chair and broke his left front leg, and the vets arent sure he would survive the surgery.
I have been in great denial about the liver shunt, but I have seen the signs even though i just didnt want to admit it. He was doing better on meds and the vet sees unnormal bloodflow on the ultrasound. I value life wery high and with that opinion there also comes responsibility to end life if it cant be without pain and suffering. We cant do a surgery on his broken leg now and having him on rehabilitation for two months, just to get a 100% answer on the liver shunt and maybe have to put him asleep in 3 months. We had to make a decision now. He has the signs of liver shunt and a broken leg, we cant let him suffer any more and we have to set him free so he could walk with the stars.

In winter, when the stars are shining bright, i would look up and think of this precious little dog. I choose this because i love my dog.

My tears are running while im writing, but i know in my heart that ive taken the right decision.

My heart is breaking for little Billy and you. So sad....

God Bless Billy...

My heart just breaks for you and Billy...so sad

I am so sorry! My heart breaks for you! Many prayers and hugs headed your way.

I am so sad to hear poor little Billy fell and broke his leg and I am so sorry that you have to make this difficult decision. God bless the newest Yorkie Angel little Billy.

After 3 days of crying, i'm now starting to feel better.
Tnx for your prayers, hugs and thoughts. Im glad i found this wonderfull site.

The breeder is informed and supports our decision. She is taking the parents out of breeding. We are getting a new puppy from her, no charge. She doesnt have any litters now, but maybe we'll be bringing home a new little pal this late summer. And i think its good for us to have a break now. We want to bring home the puppy and give us, and the puppy, a new and fresh start.

I will be in here reading and getting information, but in the beginning a bit anonymous. Because things still hurts too much. Anyhow, if i see that i need to take a break from YT i would do so. But i promise that i would come in here and introduce my new little furry friend. Until then, thank you so much!

Suffering the loss of a young puppy is extremely difficult and it will take time for your heart to heal. Take as much time as you need... we will be here for you if you need to talk, when you are ready. Glad to hear the breeder is being so supportive and I'll look forward to meeting your new pup, when he arrives. Hugs, Kathy