My 4 month Old Yorkie Gizmo having problems

[goofygoof35]

Hi All,

I found this website while looking for help from experienced Yorkie owners, this is what is going on with my 4month old baby..

About a month ago, I had to rush him to the Pet ER b/c of this, after a blood test, they said it was "neuro toxin". It has happened twice since our last visit to our vet which was last Wed. to be caught up on his shots, (2nd and 3rd round) had to be doubled, b/c the lady I got him from did not have his 1st round, so it delayed me all around.

The behavior he exhibits is not like him at all. He appears to be very lethargic and shows traits of parkinsons. Like a bobble head. He stares off into space, almost like he can't see, and is very very vocal. Not a barking vocal, or a whine, more like a crying, painful, the kind of I'm trying to tell you something talk. If we try to comfort him he acts very very scared and and shows a bit of aggression, like he doesn't know who we are or where we came from.

He has been eating, playing, pottying well. The episode length varies, night before last it seemed to go on forever. He finally fell asleep and was fine when he woke up. I have no idea what could be causing these, he is not getting a hold of anything, it is just a random thing, sometimes seems to be after a hard play outside, but he will still play if given the chance sometimes. Other times, he won't move at all and leans when he's sitting or walking.

Could it be something serious and/or neurological? I'm concerned with him being so young, and not sure what to do. I tried to video tape him during the episode, but he sees the camera and wants it, so that was unsuccessful.

Please let me know what you think.

My vet emailed this am, and told me that it could possibly be a "liver shunt", I also just spoke to him, and he told me there are easy ways to test for it, but to try changing him to an "adult food, like chicken and rice" based and monitor him on that for awhile. Due to the fact puppy food is soo high in protein.

Please let me know what you think, and/or suggest, as well as a good healthy food option. I've had dogs before, as well as puppies, and this is my 1st experience with a yorkie from puppyhood, and these problems. Any help is appreciated

[my2boyz]

It could be hypoglicemia. How often do you feed your puppy and what are you feeding? Liver shunt is a hot topic with Yorkies these days so it seems everyone is quick to jump on the wagon when, in reality, there are several things that can cause these symptoms...hypoglicemia being one of them and it's very easy to treat.

[Ellie May]

It does sound very much like a liver shunt but it could also be hypoglycemia (very common in Yorkies) or a few other things.

A good way to tell is to give him something like Nutrical while he is in the middle of an episode. If it does not start to bring him out of it almost immediately, he needs to be tested for liver shunt. Well, he really does need to be tested either way.

Does this happen a couple hours after a meal? Or after he hasn't eaten in a long time?

[goofygoof35]

Hi, no I dont notice after a meal, which I read could be a trigger for the episode. I have noticed it after a hard play before tho.

I do give him Nutri-Cal every other day, I also gave him syrup in the middle of an episode, and it had no effect.

I have been feeding him Eukanuba Small Breed, Puppy, only b/c the lady I got him from had him on that and I didn't want to chance anymore of a shock, with a new home etc.

Vet this AM, suggested I start with a change in food to an Adult food, with like a chicken & rice base, monitor, and if it it continues, then we proceed with the testing, blood test, 2 hrs later, high protein food given, 2 hrs later blood check again.

I'm so worried about my little man, its almost making me sick...thanks again for all of the wise, experienced help!

Tim

[mscat]

I'd insist on starting the test NOW, ratherthen wait. The sooner the diagnoses can be given the sooner treatment can began. I am sorry your little Gizmo is showing sings on illness.
Welcome to YT , and you have come to the right place for support .

[goofygoof35]

wow, ty for such a warm supportive welcome.

I would like to test now as well, but I'm soo worried about my little guy getting overly stressed. He's a sensitive lil baby..and rotten as I'm sure all of our babies are.

I can't wait to get some pics of him up. The vet suggested that I try a diet change first, b/c that can be a substantial part of it, just to weigh out other problems before diving right into Shunt treatment...

I'm so worried, I must say this whole situation has me a lil sick

thanks again for everything

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by goofygoof35

Hi, no I dont notice after a meal, which I read could be a trigger for the episode. I have noticed it after a hard play before tho.

I do give him Nutri-Cal every other day, I also gave him syrup in the middle of an episode, and it had no effect.

I have been feeding him Eukanuba Small Breed, Puppy, only b/c the lady I got him from had him on that and I didn't want to chance anymore of a shock, with a new home etc.

Vet this AM, suggested I start with a change in food to an Adult food, with like a chicken & rice base, monitor, and if it it continues, then we proceed with the testing, blood test, 2 hrs later, high protein food given, 2 hrs later blood check again.]



Tim

The problem with going to an adult (lower protein) food is that if he does get better on lower protein, it IS likely a liver issue. So he would definitely need to be tested then. I would test now honestly. If syrup didn't pull him out of an episode, he needs to be tested.

[goofygoof35]

okies, I will contact the vet again, and push for the testing asap. Which I thought would be best too, especially since the episodes seem to be lasting longer when they do happen..

thanks!

[Ellie May]

If the test comes back normal and this is still happening and hypoglycemia has been ruled out, he needs to see a neurologist.

A lot of us ask our vets for certain tests. Yours will learn to live with it.

[Fashionlady]

i hope you baby will be okay. My vet did the liver test on sophie when she a puppy because it is so common in this breed. so don't feel bad about asking for it sooner. It's best to know as soon as you can. while Sophie is my first yorkie I learned a lot of things about there problems. I didn't know alot about the breed when i got her.

[AbbysMom08]

Welcome to YT!!
I'm so sorry to hear Gizmo is having problems.
I will offer up prayers that they find out what is wrong with him and that he is feeling better soon.

[sarahcals]

Feel better, Gizmo!!

I agree that you should get the liver shunt testing done now... I'd also ask your vet about Addison's Disease. It doesn't seem Gizmo has all the symptoms (no GI problems, at least), but it's worth asking about.

[Judy in Waco]

First, welcome to YT. We're so glad you found this forum.

My Gizmo sends yorkie kisses to your Gizmo. Get well soon litlte one. You are very lucky to have a human mamma who cares so much.

[TLC]

I have to agree that you need to get him tested now, rather than later. It could very well be a Liver Shunt. It could also be Neuro Issues that were a results of the double vaccines. This happened to a rescue Yorkie that I read about, who now has seizures and has to have daily meds. (this pup also will not be vaccinated again...)

Please keep us posted

[TLC]

My gosh, I just re-read your first post. I am blown away that a Vet would DOUBLE up on shots for a 4 month old tiny pup This is INSANE!!! Do you know that the vaccine dose is the same regardless of size. They give the same dose to a huge dog as they do to a 1 lb. pup - and he DOUBLED it

If I were you I would be beyond livid AND I would be finding a NEW VET