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Just got off the phone with the vet tech and she said Charlie was ready to go home, the tech said the vet would talk with me when I get there this afternoon. She said she told the vet all the info I had given and questions I had asked and the determination is White Shakers Syndrome. That she would send me home with a script for valuim. She also said all the test that they had done would have showed something if it were LS. I will see what she has to say when I get there.

OK, that being said, I will give her the chance to convience me this afternoon. However, at this point my thoughts are get him on some better food immediately, low protein, (I will look for the Natural Balance). I probably will not get the valium filled, as I do not think it fits her description of what is wrong, however, I am not the vet and am openminded at this point. The next step will be to contact my previous vet and see what he says, I had to change because I moved but at this point I would consider driving. At the same time try to contact U of T (and lolasmommy) and see what are our options. Will Charlie become more stable just through diet alone? I am wondering what time frame I have with working with this, I do not intend on dragging it out? I just wonder what changes might occur prior to getting him treated.

Sorry, but I do not buy the WSS and I certainly would not give Valium to a 4 lbs dog that has NOT 100% ruled out for Liver Shunt, MVD or liver disease. And I would be very PISSED that they had already given valium to him.

If they have NOT done a Serum Bile Acid test - then they can NOT 100% rule out LS - and this is the next thing that needs to be done.

Change the diet = YES

Too much protein and the wrong protein cause these symptoms in LS babies. Their livers can not properly do their job and they allow toxins to enter his blood stream and go straight to his brain, causing headaches, sickness and that drunken state.

I agree with you that you should contact you old Vet and U of Tenn :thumbup:

I agree! Valium should never be given to a dog suspected of liver disease as it is processed through the liver! :thumbdown

Dogs can have normal bloodwork and elevated bile acids. A Yorkie presenting with Charlie Brown's symptoms should have a bile acids test asap since shunts are so common in Yorkies.

Diagnosing Charlie Brown with White Shaker Dog Syndrome is ridiculous IMO. The main symptom is a generalized tremor:

White Shaker Dog Syndrome

Change Charlie Brown's diet and get him to U of T ASAP.

Want a third opinion? Since you've said you are close to UT...I'd call them and make an appointment.

I think you have to be referred, and depending on how my visit this afternoon goes whether I get her to refer me or I get in touch with my old vet to refer me. I will check more into later this evening. I have their number and will call after work today.

There is a member here that has a Yorkie that was diagnosed with WSDS...just can't for the life of me remember her name...sorry. But she actually has a video of her dog during one on his episodes...maybe you could watch that and see if it looks at all similar to what you're seeing in Charlie Brown.
Do not give the Valium to him until LS is ruled out, if at all.
Ask your vet for a copy of the blood test results done so far, if you go to another vet...maybe these will not have to be repeated...they are very basic test, nothing specialized for LS. And by all means find a vet that will do the Bile Acid test...now.
Depending on those results, a C Reactive Protein test should follow. If it is indeed LS...waste no more time get him in at Univ. of Tenessee before doing anything else.
Good luck, and wish you well.

Great Advise, I hope you contact Dr Tobias. You need a Acid Bile Test and Protein C..Let us know but get a Third Opinion....

Great News! As of yesterday Charlie Brown is fine. The vet still says it is WSS and sent him home with Valium, however, based on the advice here I did not give it to him. I called U of Tenn., and you have to be refered by a vet. I plan to go visit my old vet this saturday and see what he says. Is it possible that he just ate something that may have been poisonous? We were outside most of the day saturday and although I kept a watch on him, I did not keep all eyes on him 100% of the time. I am concerned about what has happened but will leave it as unknown if it means he is better. Charlie Brown and I want to thank all of you for your support and advice and will keep you posted as to our outcome.

If he had ingested something toxic, it would have showed up on his bloodwork. A liver shunt is the most likely cause of his symptoms just because they are so common in Yorkies today. I am glad you are taking him to U of T. They will get to the bottom of it.

Keep us posted.

I just wanted to wish you good luck with Charlie Brown.
I hope all works out well.

Yea for Charlie Brown, I really am glad he is feeling better. Best of luck, wish him well!!!