Yorkie diagnosed with Lymphangiectasia - YorkieTalk.com Forums

bentley2004 · 10-25-2006, 01:56 PM

Help - my Bentley is at the vet, struggling and critical. He has been diagnosed with Intestinal Lynphangiectasia which is when your dog fails to gain weight, has intermittent diarrhea and loss of protein into the bowel causing fluid in the abdominal cavity.

This diagnosis blindsided me as I know we have always struggled with diarrhea and a picky eater, but never would I have ever imagined this diagnosis.

As you can imagine I am distraught, hearbroken and very sad. I visit every day, sometimes 2x a day at the animal hospital so that he can hear and smell me. He is 2.5 years old male and a joy to be around. He is very weak at the moment and his belly is full of abdominal fluids.

Firstly I'd like to know if anyone else out there has a Yorkie diagnosed with this form of IBD and if you have any words of advice or additional information. I am overwhelmed with information and have read everything I can. Now, he is at the hospital (and has been since Sunday) and awaiting news on a possible plasma transfusion.

For anyone out there that is struggling with diarrhea and weight gain/loss - please at least read up on this diesease. A simple blood test could have diagnosed low levels of protein and maybe I would have had a heads up and not been slapped with this terrible news at such a late stage. Bentley was never diagnosed with anything other than a being picky eater, a possible food allergy and/or maybe intestinal parasites.

I know he is in the best hands, but I'm constantly on edge awaiting the slightest of positive feedback. The bills are outrageous, we are approaching $6,000, but its ok. I can't give up on him until I know I did everything I could possible.

Yorkieluv · 10-25-2006, 03:44 PM

Oh my! I am soo sorry to hear about your baby Bentley...It sounds like he is going through a very hard time. I know nothing about this condition, but I pray that he gets better and 100% healthy again. Keep your chin up. Our yorkie went through a very hard time with his liver shunt and everything that comes along with that also. Just remember that prayer is very powerful! Stay positive! Please update us on Bentley's condition whenever you know something new.

YorkieRose · 10-25-2006, 04:17 PM

I am soooo sorry to hear about the illness of your little one...I hope and pray for an answer to his problems very soon.
Best wishes

Patti · 10-25-2006, 07:06 PM

Bentley is in my prayers. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

ladyt · 10-25-2006, 07:11 PM

Sending prayers your way for you and your baby!

SONYSW · 10-25-2006, 08:43 PM

how do they diagnose lymphagectasia ? by biopsy ? It is unusual diagnosis and can only be done by biopsy. I would suggest second opinion.

Dina_Nichole · 10-25-2006, 09:15 PM

I'm so sorry that your going through this. I will keep ypu and your baby in my prayers.

bentley2004 · 10-25-2006, 09:25 PM

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers....it really helps to have other Yorkie owners understand the pain you are going through. I just visited with him and he is very weak. He has deteriorated so rapidly since Sunday and I'm a little in shock. Yes, you're right - I was told that a biopsy was the next step and that it would confirm the diagnosis.

The rest is a long story. He was scheduled for a biopsy yesterday (Tuesday) at the surgical center but late Monday night I was referred to an amazing group of internists at another animal hospital and I immediately bombarded them with calls. The lead internist called me early Tuesday morning and they were a bit hesitant to take him in, especially because he was scheduled for a biopsy. However, persistance pays off and they put a call into the surgical center on my behalf. My dilemma was that I did not want to interfere with the biopsy, yet I really wanted to transfer him to the Animal Hospital as I have been told they are the best. The critical care doctor at the Surgical Center sounded a bit upset that I had an internist call her and I think she thought I was undermining her treatment. So, she told me that she thought it was best that I transfer him that morning to the new group of vets. Who knew that a second opinion could be so challenging.

Yesterday morning he was transferred to the animal hospital and the biopsy was rescheduled for this morning. Unfortunately, this morning he was too weak and after all the test results came in (liver, protein, etc), they were pretty certain as to the diagnosis. Honestly, I was a bit relieved as I was a wreck last night. They felt it best to begin treatment immediately, rather than risk the procedure. They have him on fluids and antibiotics and have given him his first shot of prednisone. He is on a high potein/low fat diet and I understand he ate a little this afternoon.

Bentley lay on my shoulder as I whispered in his ear and barely lifted his head. The internist reassured me that he was probably resting, as he was a little bit more alert earlier in the day and would lift his head to look around from time to time. Their prognosis is guarded as his illness is pretty severe. That is the most shocking for me to understand...we were struggling with diarrhea earlier last week and I just don't understand how in just two days he could have deteriorated so rapidly.

I am devastated and have cried endlessly - Now, I am numb and the only thing that is keeping me sane is that I know I am doing everything I possibly can to help him get through this. I hope tomorrow brings some positive news.

bentley2004 · 10-26-2006, 08:31 AM

Bentley passed away this morning. He was in severe shock and was in a lot of pain. We discussed all additional agressive treatments we could pursue but the prognosis was very grim. The vet wanted me to understand that anything I was going to pursue at this time was not going to undue the severity of the dieses and would make him much more uncomfortable. I couldn't do that and so we agreed to put him down. I am heartbroken and while everyone has been so supportive it was very hard for me to come home and face his little toys and bed. I had washed his bowls the other night in anticipation of his getting better and this morning I had to tuck them away in a drawer.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers - this web site has been very healing. I just pray he knew how much I loved him - before he got sick I was walking him one day when a lady stopped and commented how she knew who the ruler of the house was - and that is comforting. He got anything he wanted and was such a joy to be around. He had a very short life but a good one and for that I rest a bit easier. I will miss him dearly.

chachi · 10-26-2006, 08:36 AM

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. At least he isnt in pain anymore. You are in my prayers. Hopefully after you have healed you can get a new furbaby to love

Penny1268 · 10-26-2006, 09:10 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Penny, Daisy and Duke

vainchick5 · 10-26-2006, 09:29 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. I Pray that your heart heals soon. Bently knew just how much you loved him, so you NEVER have to worry about that. He is watching over you right now from the Rainbow Bridge and smiling. He will always be your baby no matter what. you did all that you could.

ARCHIE · 10-26-2006, 09:35 AM

You poor thing. I am so very sorry for what you both went through. RIP little Bentley. I am sure he knew he was loved so very much by you. You certainly did everything possible to help him. As sad as it is, there are things that are out of our hands. Take care of yourself and in time, you'll know when it is right, give your love to another fur baby. Carol & Buddy

KELLY353 · 10-26-2006, 09:41 AM

RIP Bentley. I'm sorry your loss. Your in my prayers

Lacy's Mom · 10-26-2006, 10:28 AM

I'm am so sorry for your loss. I was really hoping you could get him stable enough and deal with the problem through diet management and steroids. I am thankful he is no longer in any pain and romping with the others at Rainbow Bridge.

10-25-2006, 01:56 PM	#1
bentley2004 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calfiornia Posts: 18	Yorkie diagnosed with Lymphangiectasia Help - my Bentley is at the vet, struggling and critical. He has been diagnosed with Intestinal Lynphangiectasia which is when your dog fails to gain weight, has intermittent diarrhea and loss of protein into the bowel causing fluid in the abdominal cavity. This diagnosis blindsided me as I know we have always struggled with diarrhea and a picky eater, but never would I have ever imagined this diagnosis. As you can imagine I am distraught, hearbroken and very sad. I visit every day, sometimes 2x a day at the animal hospital so that he can hear and smell me. He is 2.5 years old male and a joy to be around. He is very weak at the moment and his belly is full of abdominal fluids. Firstly I'd like to know if anyone else out there has a Yorkie diagnosed with this form of IBD and if you have any words of advice or additional information. I am overwhelmed with information and have read everything I can. Now, he is at the hospital (and has been since Sunday) and awaiting news on a possible plasma transfusion. For anyone out there that is struggling with diarrhea and weight gain/loss - please at least read up on this diesease. A simple blood test could have diagnosed low levels of protein and maybe I would have had a heads up and not been slapped with this terrible news at such a late stage. Bentley was never diagnosed with anything other than a being picky eater, a possible food allergy and/or maybe intestinal parasites. I know he is in the best hands, but I'm constantly on edge awaiting the slightest of positive feedback. The bills are outrageous, we are approaching $6,000, but its ok. I can't give up on him until I know I did everything I could possible.

10-25-2006, 03:44 PM	#2
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,742	Oh my! I am soo sorry to hear about your baby Bentley...It sounds like he is going through a very hard time. I know nothing about this condition, but I pray that he gets better and 100% healthy again. Keep your chin up. Our yorkie went through a very hard time with his liver shunt and everything that comes along with that also. Just remember that prayer is very powerful! Stay positive! Please update us on Bentley's condition whenever you know something new. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

10-25-2006, 04:17 PM	#3
YorkieRose YT 4000 Club Member Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 7,207	illness I am soooo sorry to hear about the illness of your little one...I hope and pray for an answer to his problems very soon. Best wishes __________________ Pat, Kate, Becca and Pinkkee Prim

10-25-2006, 07:06 PM	#4
Patti Donating YT 10000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 17,902	Bentley is in my prayers. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : Maya's Mom RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

10-25-2006, 07:11 PM	#5
ladyt YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 837	Sending prayers your way for you and your baby! __________________ Ladyt (Tammy) & Kiki There has to be a God, because he made Yorkies!

10-25-2006, 08:43 PM	#6
SONYSW Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 215	how do they diagnose lymphagectasia ? by biopsy ? It is unusual diagnosis and can only be done by biopsy. I would suggest second opinion.

10-25-2006, 09:15 PM	#7
Dina_Nichole I Love My Munchkins! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: My Babies ♥'s! Posts: 8,417	I'm so sorry that your going through this. I will keep ypu and your baby in my prayers.

10-25-2006, 09:25 PM	#8
bentley2004 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calfiornia Posts: 18	Thank you for your thoughts and prayers....it really helps to have other Yorkie owners understand the pain you are going through. I just visited with him and he is very weak. He has deteriorated so rapidly since Sunday and I'm a little in shock. Yes, you're right - I was told that a biopsy was the next step and that it would confirm the diagnosis. The rest is a long story. He was scheduled for a biopsy yesterday (Tuesday) at the surgical center but late Monday night I was referred to an amazing group of internists at another animal hospital and I immediately bombarded them with calls. The lead internist called me early Tuesday morning and they were a bit hesitant to take him in, especially because he was scheduled for a biopsy. However, persistance pays off and they put a call into the surgical center on my behalf. My dilemma was that I did not want to interfere with the biopsy, yet I really wanted to transfer him to the Animal Hospital as I have been told they are the best. The critical care doctor at the Surgical Center sounded a bit upset that I had an internist call her and I think she thought I was undermining her treatment. So, she told me that she thought it was best that I transfer him that morning to the new group of vets. Who knew that a second opinion could be so challenging. Yesterday morning he was transferred to the animal hospital and the biopsy was rescheduled for this morning. Unfortunately, this morning he was too weak and after all the test results came in (liver, protein, etc), they were pretty certain as to the diagnosis. Honestly, I was a bit relieved as I was a wreck last night. They felt it best to begin treatment immediately, rather than risk the procedure. They have him on fluids and antibiotics and have given him his first shot of prednisone. He is on a high potein/low fat diet and I understand he ate a little this afternoon. Bentley lay on my shoulder as I whispered in his ear and barely lifted his head. The internist reassured me that he was probably resting, as he was a little bit more alert earlier in the day and would lift his head to look around from time to time. Their prognosis is guarded as his illness is pretty severe. That is the most shocking for me to understand...we were struggling with diarrhea earlier last week and I just don't understand how in just two days he could have deteriorated so rapidly. I am devastated and have cried endlessly - Now, I am numb and the only thing that is keeping me sane is that I know I am doing everything I possibly can to help him get through this. I hope tomorrow brings some positive news. Last edited by bentley2004; 10-25-2006 at 09:30 PM.

10-26-2006, 08:31 AM	#9
bentley2004 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calfiornia Posts: 18	Bentley passed away this morning. He was in severe shock and was in a lot of pain. We discussed all additional agressive treatments we could pursue but the prognosis was very grim. The vet wanted me to understand that anything I was going to pursue at this time was not going to undue the severity of the dieses and would make him much more uncomfortable. I couldn't do that and so we agreed to put him down. I am heartbroken and while everyone has been so supportive it was very hard for me to come home and face his little toys and bed. I had washed his bowls the other night in anticipation of his getting better and this morning I had to tuck them away in a drawer. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers - this web site has been very healing. I just pray he knew how much I loved him - before he got sick I was walking him one day when a lady stopped and commented how she knew who the ruler of the house was - and that is comforting. He got anything he wanted and was such a joy to be around. He had a very short life but a good one and for that I rest a bit easier. I will miss him dearly.

10-26-2006, 08:36 AM	#10
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 22,181	I am so terribly sorry for your loss. At least he isnt in pain anymore. You are in my prayers. Hopefully after you have healed you can get a new furbaby to love __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-26-2006, 09:10 AM	#11
Penny1268 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ma Posts: 50	I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Penny, Daisy and Duke

10-26-2006, 09:29 AM	#12
vainchick5 YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,472	I'm so sorry for your loss. I Pray that your heart heals soon. Bently knew just how much you loved him, so you NEVER have to worry about that. He is watching over you right now from the Rainbow Bridge and smiling. He will always be your baby no matter what. you did all that you could. __________________ Mommy to Coco and Rocco

10-26-2006, 09:35 AM	#13
ARCHIE Owned by "Buddy" Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 10,435	You poor thing. I am so very sorry for what you both went through. RIP little Bentley. I am sure he knew he was loved so very much by you. You certainly did everything possible to help him. As sad as it is, there are things that are out of our hands. Take care of yourself and in time, you'll know when it is right, give your love to another fur baby. Carol & Buddy

10-26-2006, 09:41 AM	#14
KELLY353 I LOVE my Yorkie Babies! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: KS Posts: 1,895	RIP Bentley. I'm sorry your loss. Your in my prayers

10-26-2006, 10:28 AM	#15
Lacy's Mom YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 2,931	I'm am so sorry for your loss. I was really hoping you could get him stable enough and deal with the problem through diet management and steroids. I am thankful he is no longer in any pain and romping with the others at Rainbow Bridge.