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Had a friend whose yorkie had liver shunt surgery and the surgeon told her a high protein diet could cause this and that all yorkies should be on low protein food. I always thought this was a genetic disease. I have a yorkie and it concerned me. Is this true?
I’ve always heard it is genetic or congenital. You do have to watch protein levels in dogs with liver shunts but protein shouldn’t cause a shunt. I have to wonder if your friend just misheard or misunderstood the vet. Maybe he said too much protein can cause problems in a dog with a liver shunt and she heard too much protein can cause the problem.
I agree with Patty. Yorkies are genetically pre-disposed to liver shunts, however if your yorkie doesn’t have a liver shunt there’s no reason to avoid high protein foods. Liver shunts are genetic which is why it’s important to obtain your dog from a responsible breeder. Some good info at: yorkierescue(dot)com/livershunt/research2.html
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