Very sick

[wilson5]

We purchased a male yorkie 2 weeks ago and he has been sick from the time were brought him home. I have been force feeding gatoraid and water for 4 days. He is extreemly congested and coughing when he has the strenght. I have been to a vet twice and he thinks its distemper although he has not had all the symptoms. He is on two antibiotics from the vet. He does not seem to be getting better. Any suggestions?

[bchgirl]

Kennel cough was eliminated correct? Kennel cough can turn into pneumonia.

Any other symptoms? I have no experience with distemper.

I'm sorry he is sick...poor baby.

[spr377]

I would get a second opinion from another vet, just to be sure. Hope your baby is better!!

[Timmy]

Welcome to YT!

Sorry your baby isn't feeling well. I would start by taking him to another vet. You cannot risk anything with these little guys. When I first brought Timmy home he was very sick and my vet wouldn't see him that same day and just told me to feed him boiled chicken and rice...well my mommy instincts kicked in and it wasn't good enough. Rushed him to another vet (which is now his vet) they put him on iv's asap because he was dehydrating on me. He had coccidia & low sugar. At the time I wasn't as educated as I am now but I'm grateful that this vet took us in...if not my baby probably wouldn't be here.

Is he trying to eat anything? What were you feeding before he got sick?

[bchgirl]

Since he isn't drinking on his own....I'd really be concerned about dehydration. Feel his gums...if they are pale and tacky feeling....he may need to have a vet administer fluids via an iv.

Is he eating at all? I'd highly suggest getting some nytrical...it's a high calorie gel to keep his sugar levels up.

[Ladymom]

Oh, dear. I am so sorry you purchased such a sick puppy. Have you contacted your breeder? Hopefully you got a health guarantee.

[mscat]

I would not wait long to get him back into the vet. If he had Distemper he needs to be in the Hospital .The eyes get squinty, and they have Neurological symtoms. This is deadly in 50% of dogs.
I'd takehim to A different vet as well. At this point , it could be anything to A Bad upper respitory infection, to something very serious.

[Wylie's Mom]

I would bring him back in asap, I really would. When you say "congested" - do you mean when he breathes, it sounds raspy/fluidy? If yes, you really do need to get him in. Also, if it's been 4 days that you're forcing food/fluids - it's not likely he's getting enough and it's very likely this pup could be in an emergent dehydration situation.

[ARCHIE]

That poor baby and you too.
You have gotten good information above. Please get a second opinion.
It does sound serious. Congestion in a puppy's chest can lead to
pneomonia fast. They loose weight rapidly also from not eating.
Good luck to you and I hope another vet can diagnose his problem fast.

[wilson5]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Since he isn't drinking on his own....I'd really be concerned about dehydration. Feel his gums...if they are pale and tacky feeling....he may need to have a vet administer fluids via an iv.

Is he eating at all? I'd highly suggest getting some nytrical...it's a high calorie gel to keep his sugar levels up.

Where do you by nytrical? The only food he gets is from us mixing food and warm water in a syringe and then administering it through his mouth. He will not drink or eat on his own. The vet has stated that we are doing the right thing and that there is nothing else to do. As stated, he is on two differnt antibiotics and the food is presciption diet a/d.

My biggest concern is how much to feed. We give him about 4cc of food/water mix every 2 to 3 hours and just started giving him about 4 cc of gatoraid and water between the other meals. He weighs 2 lbs and is about 12 weeks old. I dont want to over load his little stomach.

[lexisnana]

I'm not sure but I think it Nutrical. You can get it at your vets or I believe Petsmart sells it also. I can't believe your vet didn't suggest it along w/ the food & fluids. It can't hurt him and could help him. It's great for yorkies that aren't getting all the nutrition they need or are in a stressful situation. My vet insisted I had it when I got my pup. I think the advice earlier is on target. Look for a second opinion. And hurry. They can go downhill quick. Good luck to you both!!

[yorkieluv45]

im very sorry about your new little boy i will be praying for him !!