Liver shunt/portosystemic shunt in Chihuahua puppy

[batgirl36]

My 9 month old Chihuahua went in to be spayed a few months ago, and they did a routine blood test and found high ALT levels. She has since had two more tests plus a bile acids test. The bile acids test showed abnormally high levels, so they now have referred her to a specialist for an ultrasound and possible surgery (depending on what they find w/ the ultrasound).

She does not act sick, but does show a few of the signs/symptoms associated w/ shunts (skinny, picks at her food, often needs to be coaxed into eating, stares into space sometimes & will press her head against me - but this does NOT only happen after she eats).

I am curious if there are others who have dealt with this and what the outcome was. I've read a few sites stating their Chihuahuas were too small (under 2lbs) to have the surgery. My girl is between 2 and 3lbs. Any information or stories about your experience would be so greatly appreciated.