I think my new yorkie is already sick! :(

[Sasha311]

I know this is quite lengthy but I just waned to vent and thought this was a good place to do it.

Unfortunately I’ve learned that I bought my now 9 week old yorkie from a not so reputable dealer. I already had a scare after she had what was supposed to be her 2nd round of shots. My vet told me she’d be lethargic for a while but if her face swelled or if she threw up to take her to the emergency room. Well she slept for a few hours then woke up around 1am acting very strange. She was restless, pressing her nose in the wall, and spinning in circles. I tried to console her as much as I could. She threw up around 3am and I rushed her in. The vet on call said she could potentially have a liver shunt based on her symptoms but it would be $700 or more to run all the tests to be sure. That was a lot of money for an “educated guess” so I asked if I could take her home and if her symptoms persisted I would then bring her back in. He agreed. I also took her back to my regular vet and her vitals checked out fine. Her fecal test also came back negative. I called the dealer, spoke with the owner and asked if they helped with expenses with puppies they sold who had a liver shunt. He told me with NO emotion that she would die from surgery and would only reimburse my money or I could exchange her for another. First off, I was VERY turned off with how he basically told me she was going to die. How insensitive! Second, even though it’s only been a week and 2 days I have grown to love her and can’t imagine giving her back. That’s like turning your child in for another! I hung up on him I was so livid.

Well she seemed to be improving and acting like a “normal” puppy again so I became optimistic. Until a couple of days ago when she began sneezing. Now she sneezes AND snorts and sniffles. It sounds really bad and she’ll snort about 5 times in a row. Poor thing will sometimes crawl in my lap when she’s having a fit like she just wants me to take the pain away. I’m taking her to the vet again today to get her checked out. I just joined YT and have learned about some of the puppy mills that are truly in the business of making money only! And sadly, after doing the research that I should have done prior to purchasing her, I have read several bad reports and reviews about the dealer. They even changed their name to try and “hide” from anyone who was investigating them. I noticed the name on the building was different than the one on their website when I got there but didn’t think to question it.

I’m hoping these “fits” that she's having is nothing serious. And God forbid she truly does have a liver shunt. So I’m excited yet truly sad about my new little girl. I tear up when I think about the problems she could be facing.

[ARCHIE]

I am sorry your little one is sick. Having a second opinion would be the
best thing to do. Making sure she's not in any pain is vital.
Prayer's coming your way that all will be ok.

[Sasha311]

I'll look into getting a second opinion as well. I forgot to add that I recently washed her bed because she had an "accident" there. She started sneezing after that. So I thought maybe she was allergic to the laundry detergent so I bought her a new bed but that didn't help. Thank you so much for the prayers!!

[hartygirl]

I am so sorry to know you are going through all of this. I know what you mean about trading in your baby for a new one, if faced with that I would do the same as you are.
That being said, I think you should have the expensive tests run.
I know its hard to pay so much for a yorkie that could potentialy be unhealthy and cost double or more the first few months you have them, but the health and wellbeing of your new baby is what is most important here.
After is all said and done I would contact the breeder and any authorities that will listen and do what you can to seek compensation.
I truly hope that a shunt is not present in your puppy, please keep us updated.

[Yorkieluv]

I am so sorry to hear that your baby is sick.

One test that I would recommend you have done on your baby is a bile acid test. This is a simple blood test that will tell you if there is a problem in the liver. It's relatively inexpensive ranging from $50-$100 depending on where you live.

You are not alone in purchasing a sick puppy. I did the same thing. My yorkie had everything under the sun when we got him. We did not know that he had liver problems during this time because he had so many other things going on. He seemed to get better with homecooked food and his meds for his upper respiratory infection and coccidia, but a couple of months later, he got sick again, and we had a bile acid test done. It turned out that there was a problem in his liver. If the vets had run the test months before when we asked them to, we would have known and would have been able to help him earlier on.

[Sasha311]

You're right. I'm going to drive myself crazy wondering if she's ok or not. I think I am going to go ahead and at least get a blood test done. That's the first step in diagnosing a liver shunt right? I'll keep everyone updated.

[TLC]

Welcome to YT

Sorry you a dealing with these issues when you and your little girl are suppose to be just bonding and enjoying each other.

I do hope that she doesn't have liver issues, but a good place to start is having a test done BAT (Bile Acid Test) - It is a blood test and not that expensive and just your general Vet can do. The only concern is that she is 9 weeks old (I can't believe that in NJ someone sold you an 8 wk old - not your fault, but obviously not good people). Anyway, normally with a BAT the pup needs to be fasted for 12 hours, than a blood draw, then the pup is fed and another blood draw 2 hours later. BAT is a good indication of how the liver is functioning. But like I said, fasting a 9 week old is not a good idea, so speak with your Vet, b/c I know that Dr. Center of Cornell has released new findings that the fast isn't really necessary.

Next, IF she does have liver issues, you may be entitled to a refund or some $ back towards her - WITHOUT having to give your baby up - Hopefully, someone will reply that has knowledge of puppy lemon laws in NJ.

I know you love her dearly and will do what you need to make her better!

I am from NJ (Rockaway) - now I live in NY - but I am also dealing with liver issues with my 2. It's NOT a death sentence, but you need to get to the bottom first and then go from there. Start with a BAT

I am here if you need to talk, as others will the same issues are too

[Sasha311]

OK it's settled. I'm going to ask my vet to run a blood test when I take her in after work today. Thanks!!

[Yorkieluv]

Yes, TLC, you are correct. Dr. Center says that a 12 hr fast is not necessary. They just need paired samples. One before eating and one 2 hrs after eating. This is probably best if done in the morning right before a meal.

[Sasha311]

Thanks for the welcome!

I live in NJ but I bought her in NY. Which state's laws would I have to abide by?

[Yorkieluv]

Make sure to ask specifically for a bile acid test if you suspect liver problems because a blood panel will not necessarily show a problem unless it's very advanced. The bile acid test is very sensitive to liver function...

[TLC]

Originally Posted by Sasha311

Thanks for the welcome!

I live in NJ but I bought her in NY. Which state's laws would I have to abide by?

hmmm....good question - oh, I hope someone will chime in with an answer....(if I had to guess, maybe they both would apply )

[Sasha311]

Thanks for the info. Here are a few pics of her so you can see her. Her name is Sasha.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

Make sure to ask specifically for a bile acid test if you suspect liver problems because a blood panel will not necessarily show a problem unless it's very advanced. The bile acid test is very sensitive to liver function...

YES - A blood panel isn't going to show you liver function like a BAT (Bile Acid Test) will.

Set up an appointment for a BAT - BUT ask to speak with your Vet first, b/c I am quite positive the person answering the phone will tell you that you MUST fast for 12 hrs, and you really can't fast her like that ok, so please make them put the Vet on the phone to discuss it

[TLC]

Originally Posted by Sasha311

Thanks for the info. Here are a few pics of her so you can see her. Her name is Sasha.

How precious

So where in NY did you get her?