Liver shunt test ?
 

Does anyone know whether or not a test exits to determine whether or not the dog has a liver shunt? This would be very helpful before a puppy is sold by the breeder or purchased. My puppy was recently diagnosed with a shunt and I was wondering if I should have insisted even paid for a test in advance of purchasing her. Love her to pieces and am doing everything I can to help her now. However, I am wondering if there is any test of which I should have been aware and had done earlier.

Does anyone know for sure? If there is, what is it called? My little baby became ill and underwent multiple lab tests, an ultrasound, and finally a scintigraphy before a definitive diagnosis was made.

Thanks for any info you may have.
DAB

The test is called Acid Bile Test. When pups are about 20 weeks old is a good time to have this test done. Sorry your pup was diagnosed. Did you have a Biopsy done? What test did your vet do to determine your pup has a Shunt.

DAB I notice your from Massachusetts where did you get your yorkie that has Liver shunt problems.. ??

Check this site out. If it does'nt come thru go to SEARCH and enter Liver shuntshttp://glassyorkies.homestead.com/livershunt.html

Also a Protein C test .

I purchased her from the breeder in Florida. She was the only pup in the litter and mom was "fixed" right after as the breeder does not breed her dogs more than once or twice. The mother of my pup was only bred once. The father has championship lineage.

It took so long to get a diagnosis that I have yet to inform the breeder. I have had her since she was 13 -14 weeks old. That is how long she stayed with her mother at her very nice home. I personally flew down to Florida to the breeder's home to get her. Please note that I had to answer many questions before I could purchase her. But I know the woman and her husband through a mutual contact. I stayed in Florida for an entire week so that puppy, seller and I were all comfortable. The contract, among other things, said that if we did not want her for any reason at any time we would give her back. She is the love of our life along with our other yorkie who is not from Florida, so she is staying with me!

I know the breeder will be devastated when I contact her which I have yet to do.

On the bright side, our little one is not showing aany outward clinical signs of having a shunt. I hope to have a consult with a surgeon in a couple of weeks to review options if any other than surgery as I know that there are sometimes bad complications with the surgery. She has been seen and will continue treatment at Tufts.
DAB

You are going to have to contact the Breeder. Sounds like she is a very caring and Loving person. The way she checked you out and kept the puppy that long. Yes she is going to be upset but I bet she will help you...You sound like you are doing a great job and I will tell you like others have told me, This is not a Death Sentence. You need to Join the Yahoo support group for Liver shunt and Mvd. I have learned so much. Lots of YT members are also members of this group. Good luck to you and keep us informed.