don't know what to do - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jericho · 04-29-2010, 06:32 PM

I am writing for my sister's yorkie. He is a one year old, 3 lb., beautiful male. He has been neutered and had 4 extra teeth removed in the past 3 or 4 months. For a few months now, about once every week or two, he goes into these strange fits. His ears are straight up and he runs and sits, runs and sits, over and over. He acts very nervous, almost scared. He's very alert and twitchy, never stopping his movements. It lasts for an hour or two and usually goes away after he sleeps or it just stops. Today however, he took a longer nap than usual, did not wake when I went into the garage and when he did wake up he was in his 'stange fit' but this time when I picked him up to console him, he was hot. Has anyone ever seen this behavior? We have ruled out him eating anything strange in the backyard by the times that they happen. Also have ruled out any treats or food that he is eating. He is just so little and it is scaring us but going to a vet when it isn't a constant behavior could take hundreds of dollars, even thousands while they search around and just more trauma for Jericho. Please, if anyone knows of anything we would truly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Judy in Waco · 04-29-2010, 06:58 PM

That's pretty frightening behavior. I think a trip to the vet should be the priority now. I would also videotape one of the episodes and take it to the vet. If he's hot, is it a fever? That needs immediate treatment by a vet.

One other question. Do you keep him in the garage? If so, there are a lot of toxins there including fumes such as exhaust, gas, oil, paint thinner, etc... and things like antifreeze. I would really be concerned about ventilation. In addition, you said he was hot. What is the temperature in there? I noticed you're in AZ.

Poor baby! Hope you figure it out quickly. That would terrify me.

jericho · 04-29-2010, 07:10 PM

He does not stay in the garage. He lives in a beautiful, air conditioned home. We have checked for any types of poisons he could possibly get in to but there are none. Today was the first time he felt hot while one of these episodes was occurring. He is loved and well cared for but I have seen vet bills at an outrageous high when they don't know exactly what they are looking for. Of course my sister will take him in but I thought maybe someone here might have some insight into this condition so we would have somewhere to start with a vet...instead of in the dark. Thank you for your response though - I know there are people out there that do not care about their pets but it seems like if someone was taking the time to write here, they wouldn't be one of them.

Judy in Waco · 04-30-2010, 04:31 AM

I'm am so sorry if I offended you, it was not my intent. I just wanted to make sure that I had all of the facts straight since you mentioned that he was in the garage. You would be surprised what we see here at YT sometimes. Please understand that I was not intending to imply anything, just sorting out the details.

I know that vet bills can be high, but that is frightening. Hopefully, other members will have suggestions. I hope you figure it out soon.

livingdustmops · 04-30-2010, 06:18 AM

Having lived in AZ for over 10 years it is fair to say garages do get hot and few are air conditioned so I can see members being concerned. There is no way people can figure out what is going on with your dog and really you should take him in for a blood panel at the minimum. Yes, vet bills are expensive but that is one of the responsibilities we take on with these little dogs.

The vet might recommend a bile acid test also but only a vet can recommend what tests to do.

I wish your sister luck with her little one.

ARCHIE · 04-30-2010, 06:22 AM

I would get him to the vet and have blood tests done. They are not
that expensive and should show something. How could you not?
I hope your baby get's the help he needs.

Good luck,

TLC · 04-30-2010, 07:27 AM

Liver Shunt and MVD is common in Yorkies and to tell you the truth, "strange behavior" like you are describing is one of the top symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy.

I would make an appt. with the Vet for a Bile Acid Serum. It costs $60 to $100 depending on where you live. They will tell you to fast the dog for 12hrs. bring him in and they will draw blood, then they will feed him a little fatty food, and do the next blood draw 2 hrs later. The result will be in a few days, because for a correct BAT, the blood needs to be sent out to the lab for the results

jericho · 04-30-2010, 08:50 AM

Thank you for the couple of you that offered information and a direction to have the vet go in. Like I said, I was just doing what I could for my sister and for Jericho - I have no money so all I can render is information. My sister will do the right thing, hell she just paid 2 grand for dental work on her two canines. Seems like everyone here is quick to ridicule. I never said her pup was in the garage, I said I went into the garage - Jericho always follows me...especially to the garage. Also, you must all be very lucky to have a good vet and maybe you have never had to deal with a 'test runner' - the vets that care more about their pocket than your pet. Yes, they do exist and when times get hard, there seem to be even more. I understand that you all just care about dogs - but you don't have to be rich to care - I love this little guy. If I ever get another dog, it will be from the humane society, where all the rest of my dogs have come from - the unfortunate, taking care of the unfortunate - it's God's way of balance.
Thank you all for your time and thank you so much for the information.

DamSweet · 04-30-2010, 10:13 AM

Hi - I can offer no advise, just thoughts that this baby will be ok. Please keep in mind that when you read the responses that are posted, they are words that you are reading....like a text-message, unfortunately it is impossible to hear the genuine concern. I think everyone's first thoughts are how to help the puppy, so sometimes in wanting to respond quickly (which at times is so important - possibly life-saving) some words that may change the meaning of a sentence may be omitted - certainly not on purpose. Please take the time (when you have it) to look through some of the threads....I don't think you will find a more caring group of people. Not only for Yorkie concerns but for personal concern. Every group may have some who come across a little "harsh", but the concern is the same. My Bridget was spayed yesterday and the well wishes that were sent nearly brought me to tears - more support than I received from my own family. I believe they truly care. Please don't write this site off after one posting. There is a fountain of information to be had here - some of it only a seasoned Yorkie owner can help with. At the very least MOST of the time someone else has asked the same questions you have and the feeling that you are not alone means a lot.
My Bridget was an Amish puppy mill rescue - so I can relate with you wanting to give a home to a puppy that is in need. But I did know that these little anglels can be expensive (as your sister knows after spending all that on dental work) - I immediately applied for Care Credit just in case, because like you - I'm a regular person without thousands in the bank. Her spay and removal of teeth yesterday was over $500.00 which luckily on the card gives me a year to pay without interest. It's just an option when there is an unexpected emergency. I hope this is coming across as I mean it to.....if not please send me a personal message and ask me about anything I've said here that may offend, because that is not my intent.
Please keep us posted as to what you find out about your sisters little one - it's obvoius you love him very much.....and we do all care. Good luck!

04-29-2010, 06:32 PM	#1
jericho YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: phoenix, AZ Posts: 3	don't know what to do I am writing for my sister's yorkie. He is a one year old, 3 lb., beautiful male. He has been neutered and had 4 extra teeth removed in the past 3 or 4 months. For a few months now, about once every week or two, he goes into these strange fits. His ears are straight up and he runs and sits, runs and sits, over and over. He acts very nervous, almost scared. He's very alert and twitchy, never stopping his movements. It lasts for an hour or two and usually goes away after he sleeps or it just stops. Today however, he took a longer nap than usual, did not wake when I went into the garage and when he did wake up he was in his 'stange fit' but this time when I picked him up to console him, he was hot. Has anyone ever seen this behavior? We have ruled out him eating anything strange in the backyard by the times that they happen. Also have ruled out any treats or food that he is eating. He is just so little and it is scaring us but going to a vet when it isn't a constant behavior could take hundreds of dollars, even thousands while they search around and just more trauma for Jericho. Please, if anyone knows of anything we would truly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

04-29-2010, 06:58 PM	#2
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	That's pretty frightening behavior. I think a trip to the vet should be the priority now. I would also videotape one of the episodes and take it to the vet. If he's hot, is it a fever? That needs immediate treatment by a vet. One other question. Do you keep him in the garage? If so, there are a lot of toxins there including fumes such as exhaust, gas, oil, paint thinner, etc... and things like antifreeze. I would really be concerned about ventilation. In addition, you said he was hot. What is the temperature in there? I noticed you're in AZ. Poor baby! Hope you figure it out quickly. That would terrify me. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

04-29-2010, 07:10 PM	#3
jericho YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: phoenix, AZ Posts: 3	thanks for your response He does not stay in the garage. He lives in a beautiful, air conditioned home. We have checked for any types of poisons he could possibly get in to but there are none. Today was the first time he felt hot while one of these episodes was occurring. He is loved and well cared for but I have seen vet bills at an outrageous high when they don't know exactly what they are looking for. Of course my sister will take him in but I thought maybe someone here might have some insight into this condition so we would have somewhere to start with a vet...instead of in the dark. Thank you for your response though - I know there are people out there that do not care about their pets but it seems like if someone was taking the time to write here, they wouldn't be one of them.

04-30-2010, 04:31 AM	#4
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I'm am so sorry if I offended you, it was not my intent. I just wanted to make sure that I had all of the facts straight since you mentioned that he was in the garage. You would be surprised what we see here at YT sometimes. Please understand that I was not intending to imply anything, just sorting out the details. I know that vet bills can be high, but that is frightening. Hopefully, other members will have suggestions. I hope you figure it out soon. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

04-30-2010, 06:18 AM	#5
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Having lived in AZ for over 10 years it is fair to say garages do get hot and few are air conditioned so I can see members being concerned. There is no way people can figure out what is going on with your dog and really you should take him in for a blood panel at the minimum. Yes, vet bills are expensive but that is one of the responsibilities we take on with these little dogs. The vet might recommend a bile acid test also but only a vet can recommend what tests to do. I wish your sister luck with her little one. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

04-30-2010, 06:22 AM	#6
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	I would get him to the vet and have blood tests done. They are not that expensive and should show something. How could you not? I hope your baby get's the help he needs. Good luck,

04-30-2010, 07:27 AM	#7
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	Liver Shunt and MVD is common in Yorkies and to tell you the truth, "strange behavior" like you are describing is one of the top symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy. I would make an appt. with the Vet for a Bile Acid Serum. It costs $60 to $100 depending on where you live. They will tell you to fast the dog for 12hrs. bring him in and they will draw blood, then they will feed him a little fatty food, and do the next blood draw 2 hrs later. The result will be in a few days, because for a correct BAT, the blood needs to be sent out to the lab for the results __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

04-30-2010, 08:50 AM	#8
jericho YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: phoenix, AZ Posts: 3	Re: Jericho Thank you for the couple of you that offered information and a direction to have the vet go in. Like I said, I was just doing what I could for my sister and for Jericho - I have no money so all I can render is information. My sister will do the right thing, hell she just paid 2 grand for dental work on her two canines. Seems like everyone here is quick to ridicule. I never said her pup was in the garage, I said I went into the garage - Jericho always follows me...especially to the garage. Also, you must all be very lucky to have a good vet and maybe you have never had to deal with a 'test runner' - the vets that care more about their pocket than your pet. Yes, they do exist and when times get hard, there seem to be even more. I understand that you all just care about dogs - but you don't have to be rich to care - I love this little guy. If I ever get another dog, it will be from the humane society, where all the rest of my dogs have come from - the unfortunate, taking care of the unfortunate - it's God's way of balance. Thank you all for your time and thank you so much for the information.

04-30-2010, 10:13 AM	#9
DamSweet Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Erie, PA, USA Posts: 1,236 Blog Entries: 1	Hi - I can offer no advise, just thoughts that this baby will be ok. Please keep in mind that when you read the responses that are posted, they are words that you are reading....like a text-message, unfortunately it is impossible to hear the genuine concern. I think everyone's first thoughts are how to help the puppy, so sometimes in wanting to respond quickly (which at times is so important - possibly life-saving) some words that may change the meaning of a sentence may be omitted - certainly not on purpose. Please take the time (when you have it) to look through some of the threads....I don't think you will find a more caring group of people. Not only for Yorkie concerns but for personal concern. Every group may have some who come across a little "harsh", but the concern is the same. My Bridget was spayed yesterday and the well wishes that were sent nearly brought me to tears - more support than I received from my own family. I believe they truly care. Please don't write this site off after one posting. There is a fountain of information to be had here - some of it only a seasoned Yorkie owner can help with. At the very least MOST of the time someone else has asked the same questions you have and the feeling that you are not alone means a lot. My Bridget was an Amish puppy mill rescue - so I can relate with you wanting to give a home to a puppy that is in need. But I did know that these little anglels can be expensive (as your sister knows after spending all that on dental work) - I immediately applied for Care Credit just in case, because like you - I'm a regular person without thousands in the bank. Her spay and removal of teeth yesterday was over $500.00 which luckily on the card gives me a year to pay without interest. It's just an option when there is an unexpected emergency. I hope this is coming across as I mean it to.....if not please send me a personal message and ask me about anything I've said here that may offend, because that is not my intent. Please keep us posted as to what you find out about your sisters little one - it's obvoius you love him very much.....and we do all care. Good luck! __________________ Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB Donna......owned by Bridget and Greta (and wouldn't have it any other way!)