What's wrong with Troy... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Rachael1983 · 02-26-2013, 01:50 PM

Now a typical day from Troy is very lazy. He goes out, comes back in sleeps all day. Eats late.

Today he has been seemingly very anxious maybe. He has walked all over the house, sometimes sitting in the corner like he got into trouble. Very clingy, sitting on everyone's lap or even climbing up peoples arms onto their shoulders like a baby. (THIS ISN'T NORMAL FOR HIM).

Nothing happened between now and yesterday that i could of. I've even noticed a change in his gait. Like he went from a trot to a almost flick of his feet.

Am I being overly worried, could he just want attention or could this be something medical?

Maximo · 02-26-2013, 01:54 PM

Poor little one. Does he ever react to weather? I would check the forecast to see if you have a storm headed your way.

Are there any unusual noises around your house, maybe something you can't hear?

Sounds like fear of something out of the ordinary.

Marhcarter · 02-26-2013, 01:57 PM

Yorkies don't show pain in normal ways. He might be hurting from something or sick. I would have him checked at the vet just to be sure. These little fellas just don't have a lot of reserve, so if something is wrong, best to catch it early. Sometimes my vet looks at me like I'm nuts, but better safe than sorry.

Hope he gets back to normal soon and that it is nothing serious.

MandiesMom · 02-26-2013, 02:00 PM

My first thought was a weather change until I read the last couple of lines about the change in his gait. Any sudden changes like that with no explanation you can think of...I would always recommend getting a vet to take a look-see.

The pacing and what-not could be fear but it could very well be discomfort/pain. With a change in gait...I'd want my vet to check it out.

LoALAnna · 02-26-2013, 04:48 PM

I know without a doubt that when Neo does the clingy, climbing, or sitting on my foot thing, he is DEFINITELY in pain or distress! The best thing to do is go ahead and call/go the Vet! It couldn't hurt and it could make a huge difference if there is something wrong with his health! Good luck-and let us know how he does!

Teresa Ford · 02-26-2013, 08:14 PM

He may be in pain. Maybe he should see your Vet. He may have an ear infection, sore paw or a dozen other things. I had a foster that acted this way and she had a ingrown dew claw.

Rachael1983 · 03-21-2013, 11:58 PM

Hey Guys,

Since the initial posting, Troy has experienced these symptoms two more times. The first time, he recovered the next day with no issues. The second occured about 2 weeks after and he recovered the next day.

Now he is exeperiencing it a 3rd time. This time, I'm out of town and my sitter had to take care of him. They went to the ER vet. They suggested running diagnostic labs etc but proposed that he may have a liver shunt.

Troy has had pre-op blood work before (August) and he did not have any abnormalities here. I thought that was something that occurs in puppies. Troy is 3 years old and will turn 4 in July.

I was able to Skype my presence to the ER vets office but I'm still worried and can't cut my trip short. My sitter will take him to our regular vet in the morning.

I decided against them running all those diagnostic tests when they wouldn't be able to perform treatment at the ER for financial reasons. My regular vet is more reasonable.

They did run glucose test and that was normal. Vitals were normal. He presents with being off balance, somewhat lethargic, he head presses, stares off into space and seems restless (just wants to keep pacing despite being tired).

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Especially with liver shunt in 3 year old dog? I thought about Canine Vestibular Syndrome but that happens in elderly animals. This certainly isn't the weather. I don't know what this is and as you guys can tell I'm anxious.

Marhcarter · 03-22-2013, 03:33 AM

My little one has twice had episodes with imbalance, lethargy, clinginess, altered mental status. The vet 1st mentioned the vestibular sx, but Huey is only 4. The 2nd time we did full lab panel & diagnosed urinary tract infection, but have not ruled out a possible seizure disorder. His episodes were several months apart, so we are just watching for any recurrence. Good luck in diagnosing and treating your little one and keep us updated!

tokipoki · 03-22-2013, 03:50 AM

Usually liver shunt is diagnosed at a younger age but I wouldn't dismiss it at this point, especially with how Troy is presenting. You might send a PM to Linda (ladyjane) as I know she has a pup that is about 8 years old and recently had a previously undetected shunt repaired. Did they do any type of blood panel at the ER vet or are you waiting to go to your regular vet? We just had a scintigraphy performed on Toki the day before yesterday to help us rule out liver shunt. Please do keep us updated...I'm sending positive thoughts to you and Troy!

ladyjane · 03-22-2013, 05:00 AM

Rachael, I did answer your PM but wanted to post here as well....Liver Shunt is not something only diagnosed in puppies. The specialist told me that often it happens that a pup can have a shunt that does not show up until they are adults ... they present with symptoms or with bladder stones.

If your vet suggests doing BAT's I would definitely do that.

Teddy Bear's thread:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ver-shunt.html

ladyjane · 03-22-2013, 05:42 AM

Rachael, why don't you ask for this thread to be moved to the Sick & Injured Forum...that way you will get more feedback.
Just click on the exclamation box in the lower left corner under your username and and info and ask for it to be moved!

yavenay · 03-22-2013, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachael1983

Hey Guys,

Since the initial posting, Troy has experienced these symptoms two more times. The first time, he recovered the next day with no issues. The second occured about 2 weeks after and he recovered the next day.

Now he is exeperiencing it a 3rd time. This time, I'm out of town and my sitter had to take care of him. They went to the ER vet. They suggested running diagnostic labs etc but proposed that he may have a liver shunt.

Troy has had pre-op blood work before (August) and he did not have any abnormalities here. I thought that was something that occurs in puppies. Troy is 3 years old and will turn 4 in July.

I was able to Skype my presence to the ER vets office but I'm still worried and can't cut my trip short. My sitter will take him to our regular vet in the morning.

I decided against them running all those diagnostic tests when they wouldn't be able to perform treatment at the ER for financial reasons. My regular vet is more reasonable.

They did run glucose test and that was normal. Vitals were normal. He presents with being off balance, somewhat lethargic, he head presses, stares off into space and seems restless (just wants to keep pacing despite being tired).

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Especially with liver shunt in 3 year old dog? I thought about Canine Vestibular Syndrome but that happens in elderly animals. This certainly isn't the weather. I don't know what this is and as you guys can tell I'm anxious.

Actually my Brandi had the exact same symptoms and it took me a very long time and tons of money to finally get it diagnosed and was finally diagnose with Liver Shunts. She didn't have any other symptoms other than recurring uti's. She will be 13 in a few months so I opted not to do surgery and try treating her medically with Laculose and Prescription LD diet. She has been on this since October and she has not had any of these symptoms since. She is even starting to gain a little weight finally.

yavenay · 03-22-2013, 07:15 AM

I don't know how many times I've gone to the er because I could not get her to settle down. It was like she couldn't get comfortable, very clingy and wouldn't stop licking. These episodes would last sometimes for hours at which point I would rush her to the er and of course nothing would show up.
Finally I took her to a specialist and they did a bile acid test and that's when it was discover. I am not sure why her regular vet didn't check maybe it was because she wasn't displaying the typical liver shunt symptoms??? I don't know but I can tell you Brandi is doing much better and she has not had an "episode" since we started this treatment (almost 5 months, they were happening at least once or twice a month). Because of her age (she will be 13 in a few months), I probably will not have surgery performed on her as she has other medical issues (she still in good health overall though). At that point I would probably switch to keeping her comfortable if the medicine stops working. I'm not completely sure about that, I'll worry about that if the time ever comes.
Whatever you do keep logs of his behavior (the dates and how long they last) and if you can get a video.

yavenay · 03-22-2013, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Rachael, I did answer your PM but wanted to post here as well....Liver Shunt is not something only diagnosed in puppies. The specialist told me that often it happens that a pup can have a shunt that does not show up until they are adults ... they present with symptoms or with bladder stones.

If your vet suggests doing BAT's I would definitely do that.

Teddy Bear's thread:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ver-shunt.html

Exactly that is what happen to my Brandi. She was diagnosed at 12. I only had her since she was 7 so I am not sure how long she has had it. The vet seems to think she probably had liver shunts since she was puppy.

lovespandp · 03-22-2013, 08:06 AM

Sending good thoughts and prayers for Troy- hopefully he feels better soon

02-26-2013, 01:50 PM	#1
Rachael1983 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Burbs of DC Posts: 2,198	What's wrong with Troy... Now a typical day from Troy is very lazy. He goes out, comes back in sleeps all day. Eats late. Today he has been seemingly very anxious maybe. He has walked all over the house, sometimes sitting in the corner like he got into trouble. Very clingy, sitting on everyone's lap or even climbing up peoples arms onto their shoulders like a baby. (THIS ISN'T NORMAL FOR HIM). Nothing happened between now and yesterday that i could of. I've even noticed a change in his gait. Like he went from a trot to a almost flick of his feet. Am I being overly worried, could he just want attention or could this be something medical? __________________ Owned by Troy(RIP) & Emma

02-26-2013, 01:54 PM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Poor little one. Does he ever react to weather? I would check the forecast to see if you have a storm headed your way. Are there any unusual noises around your house, maybe something you can't hear? Sounds like fear of something out of the ordinary. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

02-26-2013, 01:57 PM	#3
Marhcarter ♡Huey's Human♡ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ringgold, Ga Posts: 3,333	Yorkies don't show pain in normal ways. He might be hurting from something or sick. I would have him checked at the vet just to be sure. These little fellas just don't have a lot of reserve, so if something is wrong, best to catch it early. Sometimes my vet looks at me like I'm nuts, but better safe than sorry. Hope he gets back to normal soon and that it is nothing serious. __________________ Huey's mom, Marilyn :When a day starts & ends with puppy kisses, I can handle anything that comes in between!

02-26-2013, 02:00 PM	#4
MandiesMom and Shelby's too Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Millbrook, AL Posts: 7,842	My first thought was a weather change until I read the last couple of lines about the change in his gait. Any sudden changes like that with no explanation you can think of...I would always recommend getting a vet to take a look-see. The pacing and what-not could be fear but it could very well be discomfort/pain. With a change in gait...I'd want my vet to check it out. __________________ Terri, proud mom to Mandie & Shelby-Dale

02-26-2013, 08:14 PM	#6
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	He may be in pain. Maybe he should see your Vet. He may have an ear infection, sore paw or a dozen other things. I had a foster that acted this way and she had a ingrown dew claw. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

02-26-2013, 04:48 PM	#5
LoALAnna YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Elberta, AL USA Posts: 919	I know without a doubt that when Neo does the clingy, climbing, or sitting on my foot thing, he is DEFINITELY in pain or distress! The best thing to do is go ahead and call/go the Vet! It couldn't hurt and it could make a huge difference if there is something wrong with his health! Good luck-and let us know how he does!

03-21-2013, 11:58 PM	#7
Rachael1983 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Burbs of DC Posts: 2,198	Pray/Update Hey Guys, Since the initial posting, Troy has experienced these symptoms two more times. The first time, he recovered the next day with no issues. The second occured about 2 weeks after and he recovered the next day. Now he is exeperiencing it a 3rd time. This time, I'm out of town and my sitter had to take care of him. They went to the ER vet. They suggested running diagnostic labs etc but proposed that he may have a liver shunt. Troy has had pre-op blood work before (August) and he did not have any abnormalities here. I thought that was something that occurs in puppies. Troy is 3 years old and will turn 4 in July. I was able to Skype my presence to the ER vets office but I'm still worried and can't cut my trip short. My sitter will take him to our regular vet in the morning. I decided against them running all those diagnostic tests when they wouldn't be able to perform treatment at the ER for financial reasons. My regular vet is more reasonable. They did run glucose test and that was normal. Vitals were normal. He presents with being off balance, somewhat lethargic, he head presses, stares off into space and seems restless (just wants to keep pacing despite being tired). Has anyone experienced anything like this? Especially with liver shunt in 3 year old dog? I thought about Canine Vestibular Syndrome but that happens in elderly animals. This certainly isn't the weather. I don't know what this is and as you guys can tell I'm anxious. __________________ Owned by Troy(RIP) & Emma

03-22-2013, 03:33 AM	#8
Marhcarter ♡Huey's Human♡ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ringgold, Ga Posts: 3,333	My little one has twice had episodes with imbalance, lethargy, clinginess, altered mental status. The vet 1st mentioned the vestibular sx, but Huey is only 4. The 2nd time we did full lab panel & diagnosed urinary tract infection, but have not ruled out a possible seizure disorder. His episodes were several months apart, so we are just watching for any recurrence. Good luck in diagnosing and treating your little one and keep us updated! __________________ Huey's mom, Marilyn :When a day starts & ends with puppy kisses, I can handle anything that comes in between!

03-22-2013, 03:50 AM	#9
tokipoki Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 1,485	Usually liver shunt is diagnosed at a younger age but I wouldn't dismiss it at this point, especially with how Troy is presenting. You might send a PM to Linda (ladyjane) as I know she has a pup that is about 8 years old and recently had a previously undetected shunt repaired. Did they do any type of blood panel at the ER vet or are you waiting to go to your regular vet? We just had a scintigraphy performed on Toki the day before yesterday to help us rule out liver shunt. Please do keep us updated...I'm sending positive thoughts to you and Troy!

03-22-2013, 05:00 AM	#10
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Rachael, I did answer your PM but wanted to post here as well....Liver Shunt is not something only diagnosed in puppies. The specialist told me that often it happens that a pup can have a shunt that does not show up until they are adults ... they present with symptoms or with bladder stones. If your vet suggests doing BAT's I would definitely do that. Teddy Bear's thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ver-shunt.html __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-22-2013, 05:42 AM	#11
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Rachael, why don't you ask for this thread to be moved to the Sick & Injured Forum...that way you will get more feedback. Just click on the exclamation box in the lower left corner under your username and and info and ask for it to be moved! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-22-2013, 07:15 AM	#13
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	I don't know how many times I've gone to the er because I could not get her to settle down. It was like she couldn't get comfortable, very clingy and wouldn't stop licking. These episodes would last sometimes for hours at which point I would rush her to the er and of course nothing would show up. Finally I took her to a specialist and they did a bile acid test and that's when it was discover. I am not sure why her regular vet didn't check maybe it was because she wasn't displaying the typical liver shunt symptoms??? I don't know but I can tell you Brandi is doing much better and she has not had an "episode" since we started this treatment (almost 5 months, they were happening at least once or twice a month). Because of her age (she will be 13 in a few months), I probably will not have surgery performed on her as she has other medical issues (she still in good health overall though). At that point I would probably switch to keeping her comfortable if the medicine stops working. I'm not completely sure about that, I'll worry about that if the time ever comes. Whatever you do keep logs of his behavior (the dates and how long they last) and if you can get a video.

03-22-2013, 08:06 AM	#15
lovespandp ♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 10,026	Sending good thoughts and prayers for Troy- hopefully he feels better soon __________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so."