In loving memory of my precious yorkie, BayLee, may his story inspire you to
seek bile acid testing before purchasing your next yorkie. He was with us
for a short 4 months, but he brought with him a lifetime of joy and love to
our family. If his story can prevent future sorrow to your family, perhaps
there was reason for our tremendous loss.

When one purchases a puppy, only thoughts of all the wonderful years ahead
brimming with puppy antics, adolescent tribulations, adult devotion and
unconditional love fill your heart. Never in your dreams do you imagine a
very sick puppy with a life threatening condition will become yours. Such
is the story of my dear, sweet little yorkie, BayLee, who fought hard to
overcome his genetic defect - Portosystemic Liver Shunt. At the very young
age of 6 months and 3 days his fight was over.

I purchased BayLee when he was 8 weeks old. Within the first three days I
was concerned with the deep yellow color and strong smell of his urine,
which was diagnosed as a urinary infection. Nine days later he was back to
the vet because he was lethargic and unwilling to play. A full panel blood
chemistry revealed a problem with the liver and a bile acid test was
scheduled. Bile acid test results indicated a possible portosystemic shunt
and later confirmed through abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and
transcolonic scintigraphy. How could things go so wrong within a month of
purchasing a puppy? Then reality set in and a very difficult decision had
to be made - do you return your precious puppy, whom has stolen your heart,
to the breeder that will have him ‘put down’ or do you proceed with a very
costly surgery in hopes of giving him life?

At thirteen weeks of age, on October 3, 2003, surgery was performed with
placement of an ameroid constrictor. Unexpectedly, 5 stones were located in
the bladder and surgery was extended to include the removal of the stones.
BayLee was placed on four medications and a low protein diet to support the
surgery. Our hopes were high for a healthy puppy as he had successfully
survived his surgery, successfully survived the first 4 weeks of constrictor
activity and was performing like a more normal puppy with a strong desire to
live. As the weeks progressed, BayLee’s belly became more distended,
although this did not appear to hinder his activities. Normally, this fluid
is absorbed into the body and the distention disappears.

Six weeks after surgery another bile acid test was performed to check the
function of the liver. His test results were not good and his protein level
was low, thereby making it impossible for partial draining of the excess
fluid. Within a month he was showing increased belly distention, frequency
and straining of urination and loss of willingness to play. His final visit
to his surgeon’s office included a bile acid test, radiograph, full blood
chemistry, and ultrasound under sedation. The diagnosis was a strong
indication of multiple shunts with little or no liver function and extremely
low protein levels. His blood panel showed a significant change indicating
a downward spiral on life supporting essentials. On his way home he
ultimately succumbed to his incurable liver disease, dying in his mommy‘s
arms where he felt all her love pouring into his body.

In retrospect, I can only say that my little BayLee brought to us and many
others a tremendous amount of joy. He had the most wonderful disposition,
kind and loving to all with an undying devotion to please. He will always
be remembered as he raced down the hallway with his stolen “treasures” to
add amongst his stash under his favorite place - mommy’s bed, and for the
one treat he was allowed to have on his strict low protein diet - Cheerios.
He would accept and endure anything, knowing his reward was a Cheerio.

I pray that never will anyone have to endure such a life with their precious
new addition to their family. Please remember BayLee’s story.

Diane White