Curious of yorkies life span

[llcornell]

Hi everyone,
I have a 15 1/2 year old yorkie. She sleeps next to my husband at night and early in the morning he rolled onto her and it dislocated her hip. We rushed her to emergency. After a cardiologist did an ultrasound to check her heart and many other tests they suggested surgery, they feel that she is strong and very healthy for her age. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery. I also feel she isnt at the end of her life yet. She has been healthy and ailment free her whole life with the exception a torn knee ligament at age 10 which she had surgery on and she recoved fully. I have had very negative reactions when people hear about this situation and I have been told Im being selfish to keep her alive. Many people have said at this age you shouldnt put them through surgery because of the time involved with recovery and the short span of life she has left. She has seen 3 specialty vets and not one suggested this. I even asked. I am curious to how old some peoples yorkies have lived and some support on my descion. She is my world, I have no children and have had her since she was 7 weeks old. So yes Im attached but I feel that if she had something more terminal than a dislocated hip I would consider euthinasia because I wouldnt want her to suffer.

[JennyLeroux]

I know how you feel. I had a Yorkie that lived to 16. God bless you and guide you in what is best for you and your Yorkie. I will be thinking of you.

[chattiesmom]

First of all, welcome to YT! I cannot answer your question directly, but I can say that my first Yorkie, LacieBug, had a terminal brain disorder. I won't go into all the details, but I will tell you that each time I took her to the vet I would ask Doc -- is it time yet? And his reply was always -- Listen to her, and she will tell you.

YOU ARE NOT being selfish. It sounds like you are a warm and caring person who has the best interests of your dear dear friend at heart. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sherry Lynne]

I agree with the vet(s)......... surgery
Good luck with your decision.

[diggy4]

well i think everyone should support your decision either way. This is your baby and I am CERTAIN she has had 15+ years of a happy life. I for one would never judge you nor tell you what you should do. I am sorry your even in this situation but everyone knows they cannot live forever. Hopefully the surgery will be a complete success and she will go in the guiness book for the oldest yorkie ever and live to be 100!!!

You listen to your heart...your her mommy and mommy knows best! Anyone that judges you In my opinion is the selfish one.

[Ozzie'sperson]

I've known a few that have made it to 14 and 15. And there was one that just celebrated Sweet 16 here last week.

And I remember one that was 18 or 19 that went to Rainbow Bridge. THAT'S A REALLY LONG TIME. You're surely doing something right to have had your baby 15.5 years!

My boy is racing to 11 and I can tell you it scares me silly. I don't think you're being selfish at all, especially with her health history. No one knows or loves your baby better than you, so you do what YOU think is best and to h*ll with everyone else.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide. Thoughts and prayers for you and your precious baby!

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

First of all, welcome to YT! I cannot answer your question directly, but I can say that my first Yorkie, LacieBug, had a terminal brain disorder. I won't go into all the details, but I will tell you that each time I took her to the vet I would ask Doc -- is it time yet? And his reply was always -- Listen to her, and she will tell you.

YOU ARE NOT being selfish. It sounds like you are a warm and caring person who has the best interests of your dear dear friend at heart. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

You will know when the time has come.

[nygee]

I agree, do whatever it takes... with surgery and lots of TLC, you'll be able to enjoy your baby her full life span... You've obviously done a magnificent job... She's 15.5 WOW!

Prayers for your baby's prompt recovery!

[GurleyGirl]

Welcome to YT! I support you with going ahead with the surgery on your yorkie girl.... (hey... hopefully nobody will put you to sleep if you ever dislocate you hip in your old age!! ).

Wishing you all the best!

[JoanneV]

You do what your heart tells you, I don't think your being selfish!! As long as she is happy and healthy, I would do anything to aid in her recovery.

[Bella's Mommy]

Well I've heard from two people they had yorkies that lived to be 18. My boyfriends mom has a yorkie who is going on 17 her hearing as gone slightly other than that she is perfectly fine and still pretty spunky!

[Lexi Rae]

what ever decision you make is the right one.. i just want to tell you
that reading your thread, i have tears in my eyes and have to control myself
right now...

[Sookie]

I support your decision to have surgery. If one of my girls lived to a healthy 15 years old and needed surgery I would give her that last chance. Don't listen to other people, listen to your heart. Good luck in whatever you decide and welcome to YT.

[neersyorkies]

Originally Posted by Sherry Lynne

I agree with the vet(s)......... surgery
Good luck with your decision.

Me to go for it , good luck !!!!!

[Mari-Lou]

You've seen 3 vets that say she should have surgery. Life unfortunately is unpredictable but if the bloodwork and ekg shows things are good then the surgery is the way to go. I know an 18 yr old Yorkie that is going strong. Lifespan is typically 14-16 yrs, but some go longer. Good luck with your baby. Listen to her and your heart.