Robbie you are so nice! LOL :) :) :)

I failed to read the 5-6 weeks self suffecient part. No no no. Keep your pups until ATEAST 10 -12 weeks. 12 weeks being better. Good luck with your little ones. And please don't hesitate to email breeders and ask questions. Best wishes,

Actually "the mick" throws thousands of sperm into her.. it is up to the mother to determine how many eggs that are present to be fertalized, then she will absorb any her body can't handle. Her weight drop would indicate to me that the litter she just had was too hard on her. All of my girls GAIN weight while nursing...then again it could be what you are feeding her..or not feeding her. Anywhoo...to clear up your misconceptions.. father determines sex, mother determines how many. You can get SIX puppies from just one breeding if your female is big and healthy enough to carry them, and has that many eggs present.

a bit much !!!
 

Ok that was a bit much .... even I cannot be that mean to someone who is just but learning a valuable lesson here .... I must be getting old co's I can remember the day when I too was attached in such a way .. BUT then again I'm different .... in the fact that I dont back down and I don't take attacks like these personal .... Had I taken this personal like others wanted me to and not compete with them, then I to would ahev scurried off in a corner and never talked to another breeder again for the rest of my life . but LIke I said Im a bit different . I don't scare easily . But then again I gotta hand it to ya that was pretty good bashing there way to go !!!!
LMAO
PAt
:aimeeyork

LOL maybe you're right, maybe I'm a b@#$* and shouldn't have said what I did, but I spent WAAAY too long in rescue to be able to sit on my hands when I really want to scream WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???!!!??? The time to consult a breeder, to learn EVERYTHING you can is BEFORE YOU BREED..not after, then the damage is already done. :(

true very true .. but then again ... not everyone is like some of us who do try hard to protect the breeds and thier standards . but then again even many of the breeders who have been in this for many many many years had to go through alot of trial and error before getting it right ...
and some still dont have it and never will but the fight is still very much on !

Great post!!!:thumbup: :thumbup: I could not agree more!!
Personally, a breeder who lets the puppies go at 5 to 6 weeks old, is an unreputable breeder in my book and I would never buy from them.
I really can't think of any reason why someone would want to give up such sweet little balls of joy. I would want to hold on to them and it makes me wonder why someone would want to give them away this young.:thumbdown

This thread angers me. These are just excuses. Keep telling yourself that the pups are ready to go to their new homes at 5-6 weeks. :thumbdown

Great Post :thumbup: You probably don't know this, but I've thoroughly enjoyed your posts and have learned a great deal from you. I wish others would take to heart your experience and knowledge. Keep up the great posts, I'll never stop learning.

thanks

Great post!

chipperdancing - state laws - legal age of sale or placement...since you mention california you would be in violation if you place these pups before the age of 8 weeks. Please read below, education yourself, the laws are to PROTECT THE PUPPY!!! PLEASE reconsider placement before 12 weeks... AND DO NOT start shots before the age of 8 weeks!!! If you cant be bothered raising the pups to the proper age of 12 weeks perhaps you should consider fostering them to someone who cares for the well being of these little ones!

Table of State Puppy Age Sale Laws

Rebecca F. Wisch

Animal Legal & Historical Center
Publish Date: 2006
Place of Publication: Michigan State University College of Law
Printable Version

Table of State Puppy Age Sale Laws

State
Citation
To Whom Law Applies
Illegal Age of Puppy for Sale
What Actions
Penalty
Exemptions?

Arizona AZ
ST § 44-1799.04

“Pet Dealer” - a person who owns a pet store
Less than 8 weeks old
Offer for sale
Class 1 misdemeanor
No

California
West's Ann. Cal. Penal Code § 597z

and

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 122045 - 122315


Any person to sell unless approved by CA licensed vet. Section 12155 under the Health & Safety Code is limited to "pet dealer."
Under 8 weeks old
Sell – defined as when seller “physically transfers the dog or dogs to the purchaser.”


An infraction or misdemeanor
No

Colorado
CO ST § 35-80-108; also by admin. regulation
8 CCR 1201-11


Any person or entity



(Admin. reg. applies to “dog breeder facility”)
Under 8 weeks old
Sell, transfer, or adopt
Unlawful and violation of the chapter
No

Conn.
CT ST § 22-354

Any person, firm or corporation
Less than 8 weeks old; if imported or exported for sale must be with dam if under 8 weeks
Import or export for the purposes of sale or offering for sale



Sell within the state
30 days jail or $100 or both
No

Florida
FL ST § 828.29

Any person
Less than 8 weeks old
Transport into the state for sale or offer for sale within the state
Misdemeanor of the first degree as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083


No

Illinois
IL ST CH 225 § 605/2.2

No dog dealer, kennel operator, or cattery operator for sale
Under 8 weeks old
Separate from its mother
Not specified
No

Indiana
IN ST § 15-2.1-21-11.1

Any person
Under the age of 8 weeks


Import to, or export from, Indiana for the purpose of sale
Not specified
Research facilities licensed under the federal Laboratory Animals Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., are exempted from this prohibition.



Kansas
Admin. Regulation K.A.R. 9-25-12 A retail breeder licensee
Unless the puppy is 8 weeks old AND weaned. "Weaned" means that an animal has become accustomed to taking solid food and has done so, without nursing, for a period of at least five days.


Sell or exchange
Not specified
No

Maine
Admin. Regulation
01-001 CMR Ch. 701, § I

Any person
Until completion of 7th week of life
Sell, adopt, or give away
“Unlawful” – not specified
No

Maryland
MD CRIM LAW § 10-613


A person


Less than 8 weeks old


Sell or distribute in the State or bring into the State for the purpose of sale or distribution
Misdemeanor with a max. fine of $500



For purposes of humane disposal, a court may seize an animal brought into this State in violation of this section.


Does not apply to USDA licensed biomedical facility or if an animal that is accompanied by a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal's dam is incapacitated for humane or medical reasons and cannot care for the animal.



A person may give an unaccompanied dog or cat to:

(i) an animal shelter or pound that is operated or supported by a government; or

(ii) a humane society.



Mass.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 138A and 141B; also
by Admin. Regulation 330 CMR 12.05
Pet shop, commercial establishment, firm or corp. under statute; Licensee under regulation
Under 8 weeks old including acquire, offer for sale, or display by regulation. Cannot import under 8 weeks by statute.
Import by statue. Acquire, display, offer for sale, sell or give away by regs.
Penalty by stat. is $50-100 and/or license revocation. Not specified by reg.
Yes; licensed pet shops and licened institutions.

Michigan
MI ST 287.335a

A person who operates a pet shop
Less than 8 weeks old; also Import or cause to be imported into this state, or offer for sale or resale, a dog or cat unless the dog or cat has deciduous (baby) teeth visibly present.


Import or cause to be imported into this state, or offer for sale or resale
Not specified
No

Missouri
Admin. Regulation
2 Mo. Code of State Regulations 30-9.020


Any person
Under 8 weeks old AND has been weaned
Delivered by any person to any carrier or intermediate handler for transport, in commerce, or shall be transported in commerce
Not specified
Except a registered research facility

Nebraska
NE ST § 28-1018
*but note that a new bill (LB 584)proposes changing from 6 weeks to 8 weeks.
A person, other than an animal control facility or animal shelter
Under 6 weeks of age
Sell
Class V misdemeanor
Excludes:



Animal Control Facility defined as a facility operated by the state or any political subdivision of the state for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals.



Animal Shelter defined as a facility used to house or contain dogs or cats and owned, operated, or maintained by an incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of such animals.



Nevada
NV ST § 574.500
A retailer, dealer or operator
Shall not separate a dog or cat from its mother until it is accustomed to taking food or nourishment other than by nursing.


Separate puppy or kitten from its mother prior to weaning
Not specified
No

New York
McKinney's Agriculture and Markets Law § 402

Pet dealer
Under 8 weeks old
Knowingly sell
Not specified
No

Ohio
OH ST § 955.50

No person for sale
Under the age of 8 weeks
Sell, offer to sell, or expose for sale, for the purpose of resale or receive for delivery within this state, or ship from any point within this state to any point outside this state, for sale to the general public at retail.
Penalty per 955.99(C): minor misdemeanor on first offense and a misdemeanor of fourth degree on subsequent offenses.


This section does not apply to the transportation of dogs in interstate commerce by common carrier, provided that neither the point of shipment nor the point of receiving is within this state.



Penn.
PA ST 3 P.S. § 459-603Also, PA St 3 P.S. 459-214 for importation of dogs into state.
Anyone
Under 7 weeks old
Barter, trade, raffle, sell, auction or in any way transfer ownership
“Unlawful” – not specified
Unless the dog has been orphaned and goes to/from a nonprofit kennel with vet approval.

Virginia
VA ST § 3.1-796.70

Any person
Under 7 weeks old


Sell, raffle, or offer for sale as pets or novelties, or offer or give as a prize, premium, or advertising device
Class 3 misdemeanor
Dealers may offer immature fowl, unweaned mammalian companion animals, dogs or cats under the age of seven weeks for sale as pets or novelties with the requirement that prospective owners take possession of the animals only after fowl have reached two months of age, mammalian companion animals have been weaned, and dogs and cats are at least seven weeks of age.



Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale of an unweaned animal (i) as food for other animals or (ii) with the lactating dam or queen or a lactating surrogate dam or queen that has accepted the animal.

also you may want to learn about the proper developement of a pup as it matures and the reasons why it should stay with its mom/siblings until 12 weeks...

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially for dogs. The fact is, well-socialized dogs are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Pups often mirror their mothers' calm or fearful attitude toward people; this is a normal part of their socialization. But you can play a vital role, too, by petting, talking, and playing with puppy to help him develop good "people skills."

Puppies are usually weaned at six to seven weeks, but are still learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them for longer periods of time. Ideally, puppies should stay with their littermates (or other "role-model" dogs) for at least 12 weeks.

Puppies separated from their littermates too early often fail to develop appropriate "social skills," such as learning how to send and receive signals, what an "inhibited bite" (acceptable mouthing pressure) means, how far to go in play-wrestling, and so forth. Play is important for puppies because it increases their physical coordination, social skills, and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and littermates, puppies explore the ranking process ("who's in charge") and also learn "how to be a dog."

Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a dog's mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond puppyhood. Most dogs are still puppies, in mind and body, through the first two years of life.

Here are general guidelines for puppies' stages of development

Birth to 2 weeks: Neonatal Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother.
Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

2 to 4 weeks: Transitional Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother and littermates.
Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and senses of hearing and smell develop.
Puppy begins to stand, walk a little, wag tail, and bark.
By the fourth or fifth week, eyesight is well-developed.

3 to 12 weeks: Socialization Period
During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and people.

3 to 5 weeks: puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play.

4 to 6 weeks: puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

4 to 12 weeks: puppy remains influenced by littermates and is also influenced by people. Puppy learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite, explores social structure/ranking, and improves physical coordination.

5 to 7 weeks: puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time.

7 to 9 weeks: puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses.

8 to 10 weeks: puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time.

9 to 12 weeks: puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills with littermates (appropriate interactions), and exploring the environment and objects. Puppy begins to focus on people; this is a good time to begin training.

3 to 6 Months: Ranking Period
Puppy is most influenced by "playmates," which may now include those of other species.

Puppy begins to see and use ranking (dominance and submission) within the household (the puppy's "pack"), including humans.

Puppy begins teething (and associated chewing).

4 months: puppy experiences another fear stage.

6 to 18 Months: Adolescence
Puppy is most influenced by human and dog "pack" members.

7 to 9 months: puppy goes through a second chewing phase, part of exploring territory.

Puppy increases exploration of dominance, including challenging humans.

If not spayed or neutered, puppy experiences beginnings of sexual behavior.

Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States.

Where do you come up with all of this??? It must be in the Oregon water in Coos Bay, it sure isnt here in Portland!!! I would like to learn how you do selective breeding resulting in one pup a litter too...THE DAM depicts the size of the litter whether is first breeding or 6th breeding, THE SIRE depicts sex.

Ok I couldnt resist this statement....yet it has left me speechless!!

I would rest your fingers. No since beating a dead horse, if you know what I mean. It's obvious the advice, wisdom and experience is going in one way and out the other. It looks like now this thread has become a game.

We all know the right things to do and hopefully others reading this thread will realize there is way too much documentation, let alone experience backing up that the babies should stay with thier mommy's until 12 weeks of age if not longer in some cases. I'm satified to know we are doing what is best.

I don't see anymore replies from this "breeder", I guess they gave up trying to defend their position.

Please take everyone's comments to heart as you sound very new and I'm sorry to say uneducated in breeding Yorkshire Terriers. Try not to take offense in other's replies. However, your replies show you to be argumentative and defensive rather than open to learning from people with much more experience and knowledge than yourself in breeding and raising Yorkies.

We require a MINIMUM of 12 weeks (we like to wait until 15 if possible) before letting our puppies go to their new homes. Puppies are quite a bit of work at this age but it is important for their social development to have interaction with their littermates, other animals (if possible) and humans. Yes people can get lucky with a Yorkie released to their new home early but that is not a typical situation.

You've come to the wrong place to lay that "for sale" sign down you posted. People on YT are not ignorant or stupid enough to fall for that hook line and sinker.

I wish you all the best.

I had personally rather keep my babies til three months and they are not poor .... fat solid muscle tone good body overall apperance ... well you all know what I am talking about .. plus have had neopar ... 5 in 1 vaccine then at 3 months 7 in 1 and rabies vaccine ... then if I keep them
5 wks neopar
7 weks 5 in 1 vaccine
9 weeks 7 in 1
12 weeks puppy booster and rabies vaccine ...
vet choose this vaccination schedule for me not my own make up he has been vet long time I trust him has never ever had a problem with the neopar and I give this onemyself ..
all pups are checked at 5 wks 7 wks 9wks and 12 wks before they leave me if they leave at this time ...
vet name Brent Jobe ....
Vet name Kay Jobe
Vet tech name Tanya Watson ....
all great animal / vet/ show breeders also
and have won shows with thier english bulldogs and shetland sheepdogs Shelties ... and more

The ONLY reason a "breeder" would try to get rid of the puppies as early as 5-6 weeks old (WHICH BY THE WAY IS ILLLLLLEEEEEGGALLLL) is to avoid cleaning up after them, caring for them, and taking them to the vet for their shots and regulars. If this is you, you don't deserve to be called a breeder. A breeder is a highly respected and EARNED name, not just get a bitch pregnant and you're a breeder...BUYER BEWARE (not just you, but anyone going by your standards), unless you want an unsocialized, potentially sick puppy.:thumbdown

Not everywhere...unfortunately. There are no restrictions here as I am aware of and it is a common practice to let pups go at 6-8 weeks, regardless of breed. :(

No, In the state of California It is ILLEGAL to sell puppies less than 8 weeks old! This is one of those laws that I'm glad California has pioneered!
I would suggest this seller to look up our state laws before trying to sell her dogs here just because they fetch a higher price than OR.

I rescued a yorkie when she was 5 weeks old when I saw it in the newspaper. She had some biting issues and growled at my son when she would sit on my lap. Puppies learn how to behave from their mother and littermates. When they bite her too hard, she lets them know! Luckily I read some books and she stopped doing that. I tried to get the BYB to keep all of the puppies longer and she refused. The BYB said to give her watered down puppyfood. BYBs only let their puppies go this early for selfish reasons I hate to say... because 5 weeks is the point where the moms stop cleaning up after them. The byb once told me that they start to "Eat you out of house and home, then you have to pay for their shots."

I would suggest anyone thinking about breeding to see the whole picture and remember that you're responsible for their lives and giving them the best start possible. Taking care of a 1lb dog is really scarey. When I found out she had worms she ended up tripling her weight, but if I hadn't watched her carefully she could have went anytime. I'm not attacking you or anything, this is just something I think people should know. Please consider keeping them longer.

Yes, I am perfectly aware of this. I was merely pointing out that unfortunately, it is not the law here where I am.:)

Oh, I misread your post. I wish it was a federal law to keep them longer and give them their shots. I think there would be less bybs and maybe even puppymills would be effected.

Gosh! Somehow this subject completely missed me, although I did enjoy reading everyone's posts. Whom ever this lady was, she sure provided entertainment. However, it's very sad to say at the expense of her yorkie and her babies and she's never going to get it.

Goodness I have seen it all now! I still find it unbelievable that someone would advertise 10 day old puppies for sale, let alone all the other things that are just wrong in this situation!:eek:

advertising is ok at any age letting them go however is not ..... anyone can choose to advertise at any age but not let them go and give potential buyers the choice of waiting til theya re around 6 to 8 weeks old before making thier choice .Of which and at this time make a deposit if that is what they **the Buyer **wants to do . Personally advertising has really nothing to do with this subject but the age of letting **GO** does ... and to add that it is not state law here in the state of mississippi of how old a puppie is before letting it go . unfortunately so ...

and nothing you say or do is going to stop anything any breeder / byb / puppmill does .. state law however might some day but I highly doubt it ...


**BEEN AROUND TOO LONG *** JOINED THE FIGHT NOTHING HAPPENED ** NOTHING NEVER WILL ****

I agree.:)

I am sorry, but I totally disagree with you. This particular litter of puppies at 10 weeks of age do not even have their eyes open. Let alone the fact they are not even old enough to do any testing, including a complete blood panel or a liver shunt test! I honestly feel that when people start advertising their puppies at this age they are only breeding for the profit they can make off of their dogs! Even the breeder does NOT know what quality these puppies will be at this young of an age, let alone state that one is show quality. I cannot believe that people think this is a reputable thing to do. :rolleyes:

Ok all, I sat here for 15 minutes and read this whole thread and I would like to share my experience. I purchased my yorkie at 8weeks. From a byb which I had no idea existed untill I found this site. When we brought our pup home she did not even know how to drink water out of a bowl by herself!!!!!!! My husband sat with her for a couple of hours trying to teach her. And as for her dry puppy food, well there was no way she was going to chew that. We had to moisten it for her. Also at 8 weeks she had a very short coat and when I asked about that the breeder told me she is still a baby and it will come in fast. Yah right!!!!!!!! She is almost a year old and still no hair on her head. Look at my avatar. My vet and I believe she is a mix even though I have ckc papers saying she is pure. Well to make a long story short, at 8 weeks you cannot tell for sure if you go to a byb that the pup you are getting is pure. I wish I found this site before I jumped into getting her. I would have know to ask many more questions of the breeder. Don't get me wrong we love her with all our hearts. I am just saying that people need to get educated when it comes to buying a little furbaby. And yes take it from me 8 weeks was way to early for my baby to leave her mom. I cannot imagine one being taken away at 5 or 6 weeks. Even after we realized she was not purebred and I contacted the breeder she still states that there are no other dogs in her program that could have mixed with her female.. Personaly I think she is a liar and was in it only for the money. Please everyone choose an experienced breeder! I will for my next yorkie which will be very soon I hope. meeshue

Please be sure and read up on Hypoglycemia due to Irresponsible breeding of TINY puppies. This is killing more Yorkie puppies in a single year than Liver Shunt does in 10 years.

LIVER SHUNT
There are NO "SCREENING" methods at this time by which to screen every puppy that is considered to be accurate or justified.


Liver Shunt is one of the medical concerns of the Yorkshire Terrier Breed. It is a concern in several other breeds as well that have genetic relationships to the Yorkie like the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier who are kissing cousins to the Yorkie. This leads us to believe, even more, that the problem is genetic. It also tends to run in bloodlines thus again leading us to believe it is a genetic occurrence but NO research to this date has proven anything other than it being a congenital defect.
74 breeds of dogs are believed to be possible carriers of liver shunt at this time.



WHAT IS IT?
Liver Shunt is where the shunt blood vessels leading to the liver have bypassed the liver causing ammonia and other toxins to not be filtered out by the liver, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy or brain inflammation. It is actually a poisoning of the system leading to death unless successful medical intervention is given immediately.



SYMPTOMS:
Keep in mind that these symptoms can mimic other problems as well.

Sporadic Weakness

Dizziness

Disorientation

Loss of coordination

Vomiting

Diarrhea

head-pressing

Mental unawareness

Aggression

Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder stones

Low tolerance to sedatives

Bleeding disorders

Light colored stool
Behavioral Changes

Drooling

Stupor

Anorexia

Pacing

Blindness

Seizures

Coma

Circling

High puppy mortality (6-14 weeks)

Lethargy

Distended abdomen

Jaundice


WHAT CAN WE DO?
The first thing that every breeder should do is be aware that liver shunt is a problem in the Yorkshire Terrier breed and should be of great concern and every effort should be made to not produce puppies from afflicted animals or from 2 recessive carriers.

The gene apparently can be carried Recessively and when this happens the dog producing the afflicted offspring does not have the condition themselves but are carriers of the gene and when two like recessive genes come together it produces an afflicted offspring. This is where the problem lies. Many offspring may be produced before the breeder becomes aware that they have a recessive gene problem in their lines. Though it is estimated that 25% of puppies produced from 2 recessive carriers will have affected offspring, 50% will be carriers and 25% will be clear of Liver Shunt. The problem lies in misdiagnosis of the 25% that are affected. Many are never taken to the vet that die and the assumption is hypoglycemia since it is an ever increasing problem of the breed due to the determination of many irresponsible breeders to continue to downsize the breed. Most breeders who find a dead puppy in their pens never have an autopsy done so no diagnosis is ever made as to cause of death. Many breeders blame a reaction to a vaccine as the cause of death when in actuality the vaccine may of just been the catalyst. Other pet owners refuse to have an autopsy done due to cost or emotional stress.

The second problem being that there is no simple and easy test for the accurate diagnosis of liver shunt. There are several test that could lead you to believe that your dog may be affected but a very invasive test is required for a Conclusive Diagnosis and few are willing to put their animal through such an invasive test if they themselves are not showing any signs and symptoms of liver shunt.

So that puts us back at square one. What can we do?

WHO IS TO BLAME?
Sometimes nobody is to blame.
The shame is if you KNOW you are producing liver shunt puppies and have not taken steps to prevent it in the future. EVERYBODY has problems in their lines with something and liver shunt is just another concern for those who breed Yorkshire Terriers. Liver Shunt however is one of those MAJOR concerns as it is life-threatening. It is however, NOT something that everybody should assume is going to take them by storm and wipe out their bloodlines.

Nobody seems to want to blame the breeder for producing hundreds of Hypoglycemia puppies a year but yet hypoglycemia is a problem that is easier to remove from your breeding program and control than liver shunt. But yet let a liver shunt puppy be produced and everybody is up in arms and wanting to point fingers and yell from the rooftops - Irresponsible breeder!

Once again let me repeat:

IS IT RUNNING RAMPANT IN YORKIES?
NO it is not running rampant in Yorkies but it has shown to be on the increase in the past 20 years. The notice in increase is very likely to be that more Vets and Breeders have become aware of Liver Shunt and are having the test run that confirms liver shunt as the problem.

The Yorkshire Terrier however has shown to test more often Positive for Liver Shunt than any other breed of dog. In 2001 - 483 Yorkies were reported as diagnosed with Liver Shunt. That number is comparably small though if you figure how many Yorkies were born in the year 2001. At that time it was considered to be less than 2%. That leaves 98% of all Yorkies unaffected.
With 98% unaffected I'd say it is not running rampant and you have a better than average chance of receiving a healthy puppy.

You have a far greater chance of receiving a puppy affected with hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is also life-threatening, to be sure, so I'd be more concerned about my puppy be affected by hypoglycemia than liver shunt.

TESTING:
There are several Test that can be used to determine if more invasive test are warranted but it is unrealistic to test every puppy or Adult dog unless some signs or symptoms are seen that justify the testing to be done.

The simple tests are inconclusive at best and there are no test at this time other than the invasive ones that can give an accurate diagnosis.

There are many many problems that can lead to liver dysfunction and some are not genetic so it's not as simple as to say to test every puppy for liver shunt because the test are not always accurate and they do not do a conclusive diagnosis of liver shunt but as to a liver dysfunction.. We all wish it was as simple as testing every puppy but it just isn't that simple. 28% of tests to date have shown to be inaccurate for the diagnosis of liver shunt. Not very good odds when your condemning a puppy to more invasive measures or being put to sleep due to the cost of the more invasive treatments.

There has also been a concern as to using the inconclusive test on Yorkies since Yorkies have been found to NOT have a determined consistent acid bile level even in healthy unaffected specimens.

Bile Acid Test - Serum Bile Acids - A Liver FUNCTION test, not an enzyme test. Performed by taking a blood sample, givng a meal, taking another blood sample 2 hour after the meal. The sample are then compared giving us an accurate measure of liver function. This does NOT give a CONCLUSIVE diagnosis of liver shunt only a reading of liver function. More invasive test would be needed for any diagnosis as to the liver problem.

Urine Acid Test - Ammonia tolerance testing - A urine test to determine existance of lvier disease. Could result in finding annomium biurate crystals. Not always accurate. More invasive test would be needed for any diagnosis as to the liver problem.

Blood Ammonia Value Test - Sensitive indicators: less reliable than Total Serum Bile acids because of analytic problems.

STOOL SAMPLE: A dog that has abnormal pigmented stool could indicate liver disease. Obstruction of the biliary system and normal bile pigments are not secreted to cause the normal dark color of stool.

X-Rays - An enlarged liver on a radiograph is called hepatomegaly, an abnormally small one is called microphepatica. Both be signs of a liver problem.

Ultrasounds - Is highly beneficial in the diagnosis of liver disease. Ultrasounds are usually used after the Enzyme or Bile Acid Test prior to Imaging or Biopsy. Is unreliable at best.

Liver Imaging: RADIOGRAPHY - Invasive - A dye is injected into the spleen and the dye is tracked through Radiograph through the blood vessels. A blood vessel bypassing the liver can easily be seen on the image. This is the only universally accepted method of confirming a shunt, short of major surgery, it however is extremely invasive and is a poor choice for "screening" purposes.

Liver Biopsy - Extremely Invasive - A valuable test in the diagnosis of liver disease. A sample of the liver is obtained during exploratory surgery. Can be life-threatening if the diseased liver hemorrhages into the abdomen so a coagulation panel prior to any liver biopsy is necessary.



INVASIVE SURGERY and AUTOPSY are the only two that can positively identify a LIVER SHUNT.