Super skinny, vomits often, depressed, and etc

[dehahaha]

Hello,

My yorkie is a male, 9 months old. His name is Linker.
Our family bought him from a breeder who told us that he is "tea cup." He had 2 sisters who were a lot bigger than him (his current size when they were all 3 months old) and full of energy. Linker always seemed very shy and a bit odd, because he hates going outside. He still hates it...

We have given him nothing but love and tried our best to raise him well. My mother does not work so she pretty much has been spending all day and night with him... But he just seems so unhealthy and depressed.

He was born in March 26th and we brought him to our home sometime in July. Since then, he has vomitted on average once every 3-4 days. We had him on raw food diet because thats what the breeder told us to do. He is upto date on his vaccines and etc and when we took him to the vet a few times the vet said he is fine. He was about 3 lbs in September. He was playful, energetic (only in the home), and seemed to be growing up fine (minus the puking and not eating as much as we want him to).

From October to November, Linker has not been doing too well... He has lost a lot of weight (he was 1.12 lbs last week when we took him to the vet, he is probably 2 lbs now). He doesn't play anymore... He hides for some reason in corners, and he sleeps way too much. We think we figured out the vomitting issue, we think he has a small stomach so we have been feeding him 5 times a day, small meals. We stopped feeding him raw meat, instead we feed him wet food (beef stew from Wellness) and a little bit of Royal Canine yorkie puppy dry food (as treat). We stopped feeding him regular treats because we are concerned that it may be one of the reason for him vomitting... We are afraid to feed him as much as we want to, and probably as much as he wants to eat, because he tends to vomit when he over eats even slightly.

I don't know... We took him to the vet last week after he vomitted again probably because we tried to increase his meal portions... He vomitted a lot (relatively speaking) and appeared very distressed... He also appeared a lot skinnier after this incident... The vet unfortunately didn't have a clear answer for us. He frankly didn't know what to tell us... He wanted to refer him to a special clinic. He was not even comfortable drawing blood from him because he is so tiny at this time. But we don't have the kind of money that requires special clinic...

Any ideas? Suggestions? I'm afraid of loosing him... But at the same time I didn't buy him to be spending thousands of dollars, I don't have that kind of money...

Someone please help me and Linker...

Sincerely,

Ed

[My lil friend]

I dont say this often and there will probably be others that either agree or disagree. But you need a different vet. Bringing a puppy home is a big responsibility and yes they cost money just like a child especially if they are not well. You have a life there to care for and just because it has 4 feet does not make it less of a life. Put yourself in the dogs place,how would you feel if everything you put in your tummy came back and you threw up 2 or 3 times a day.
No I dont have a ton of money,what I do have is 6 dogs and a fund that I put cash into every month incase there is a problem.
It sounds like your puppy very much needs proper vet care. Bloodwork/xrays are a good place to start. At least then you know what kind of problem that you have.

[Sandysbabies]

First off, I agree. I would find another vet that would do something for you and that baby. He is so tiny he could go down real fast. Being sick all the time is enough to cause the little thing to be depressed. They are tiny and it doesn't take alot to keep a yorkie going. Dudley is 4lbs. and I feed him twice a day, about a tablespoon of Welliness canned. Welliness is a good food IMO and I would start him out on the puppy food and never change your dry without mixing the old dry into it. That can cause vomiting etc. Hope he gets to feeling better but I would not let that go on, they are just so fragile.

[dehahaha]

Originally Posted by My lil friend

I dont say this often and there will probably be others that either agree or disagree. But you need a different vet. Bringing a puppy home is a big responsibility and yes they cost money just like a child especially if they are not well. You have a life there to care for and just because it has 4 feet does not make it less of a life. Put yourself in the dogs place,how would you feel if everything you put in your tummy came back and you threw up 2 or 3 times a day.
No I dont have a ton of money,what I do have is 6 dogs and a fund that I put cash into every month incase there is a problem.
It sounds like your puppy very much needs proper vet care. Bloodwork/xrays are a good place to start. At least then you know what kind of problem that you have.

I visited 3 different vets... Of course I'm going to try to find another one. I'm just asking for advice here hoping for something useful.
Getting him checked alone for an "i don't know" costs $70 here... More than a human doctor, which is $50 without insurance.
No he never puked 3-4 times a day, once every 3-4 days on average.
I live with the little one and seeing him depressed and unhealthy is killing me. Don't talk to me like i'm some kinda heartless person who doesn't care about my dog. I wouldn't have came here if i didn't care about it. I already spent well over what I paid for him, and i'm not afraid to spend more. It's just that I've got bills to pay for my other family members as well.

[lillymae]

This pup needs to be checked for a liver shunt ASAP. I would find a new vet ASAP as well. Any vet who is afraid to take blood from a 2 lb dog needs to go back to school for more training. Did the pup have any vaccinations prior to the onset of him not feeling well ? Is he showing Any other symptoms other then the vomiting & sleeping ?

[LuvTaycieGirl]

To a new vet ASAP.

As far as not wanting to spend thousands of dollars, that is the responsibility in the decision you made when you decided to get a dog. Have you thought about surrendering him to a rescue, if you don't want to cover vet bills? It sounds like he has been suffering for awhile and he needs help.

Just a thought, but if you were that sick, I hope you would be at the hospital, regardless of the price tag.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by lillymae

This pup needs to be checked for a liver shunt ASAP. I would find a new vet ASAP as well. Any vet who is afraid to take blood from a 2 lb dog needs to go back to school for more training. Did the pup have any vaccinations prior to the onset of him not feeling well ? Is he showing Any other symptoms other then the vomiting & sleeping ?

This would be my first thought as well and I cannot imagine a vet that did not think to check this on a yorkie that was failing to thrive at this age.

To OP -- I agree with the others, you have little choice about getting this pup the help it needs. You took on the responsibility when you brought him into your family. He is a living thing that requires nurturing and vet help. I would see if the vet will take payments or if you can start a wellcard account -- it is a credit card to make payments for vet services and testing. Whatever you have to do to take care of this poor baby! If you absolutely cannot make good on your commitment to care for this little one, then a rescue needs to be sought out immediately so they can seek the appropriate care for this baby NOW!

Too many think yes, they can afford a yorkie (or other small dog) because they can come up with the purchase price and know they can afford the cost of dog food. But there is so much more. Small dogs, especially, are prone to high cost vet care needs. It is something that every prospective owner needs to take into account BEFORE they bring a pup home. You need to ask yourself, can I spend a few thousand dollars should this pup require it for good health? If the answer is "no" then you should leave the pup at the breeders and buy a gold fish or something you can afford to take care of all its needs. I know that sounds a little blunt but it needs to be said, for other prospective owners who might come along and read.

As for the OP -- either do something about financing the specialist care this puppy needs or contact the nearest rescue immediately. It has already been too long with nothing done, so do not wait another week -- this week, make a decision and get something done for this precious baby. If you do have to give up the pup, I am so very sorry. It is a hard lesson learned and one that will hurt I'm sure. But you have to put the pup's health first now. If you can make payments, get a well card, or otherwise borrow the money, then that is great too. But be sure to put some money aside each week to pay back this money and to start a new account for Emergency Vet funds. If you manage to hang in there and pay this yourself, you will have earned the love of this pup and the respect of all here! Good luck to you both! I hope you are able to save your dear pet and manage to keep ownership.

[Bitsy]

Everyone has given you excellent advice. PLEASE get your pup to a new vet ASAP...it might soon be too late. Or, surrender him to someone who can. Those are the only options.

Originally Posted by FlDebra

This would be my first thought as well and I cannot imagine a vet that did not think to check this on a yorkie that was failing to thrive at this age.

To OP -- I agree with the others, you have little choice about getting this pup the help it needs. You took on the responsibility when you brought him into your family. He is a living thing that requires nurturing and vet help. I would see if the vet will take payments or if you can start a wellcard account -- it is a credit card to make payments for vet services and testing. Whatever you have to do to take care of this poor baby! If you absolutely cannot make good on your commitment to care for this little one, then a rescue needs to be sought out immediately so they can seek the appropriate care for this baby NOW!

Too many think yes, they can afford a yorkie (or other small dog) because they can come up with the purchase price and know they can afford the cost of dog food. But there is so much more. Small dogs, especially, are prone to high cost vet care needs. It is something that every prospective owner needs to take into account BEFORE they bring a pup home. You need to ask yourself, can I spend a few thousand dollars should this pup require it for good health? If the answer is "no" then you should leave the pup at the breeders and buy a gold fish or something you can afford to take care of all its needs. I know that sounds a little blunt but it needs to be said, for other prospective owners who might come along and read.

As for the OP -- either do something about financing the specialist care this puppy needs or contact the nearest rescue immediately. It has already been too long with nothing done, so do not wait another week -- this week, make a decision and get something done for this precious baby. If you do have to give up the pup, I am so very sorry. It is a hard lesson learned and one that will hurt I'm sure. But you have to put the pup's health first now. If you can make payments, get a well card, or otherwise borrow the money, then that is great too. But be sure to put some money aside each week to pay back this money and to start a new account for Emergency Vet funds. If you manage to hang in there and pay this yourself, you will have earned the love of this pup and the respect of all here! Good luck to you both! I hope you are able to save your dear pet and manage to keep ownership.

[gidget529]

Hi Ed. You got some good advice from ppl here. Unfortunately, "small yorkies" can turn out to be very sick yorkies. Liver shunt is the first thing that comes to mind. This is considered a congenital problem. There are also other problems that come to mind, but I don't want to overwhelm you. I would take your little one to another vet now. Please do not wait. These little ones can become life-threateningly ill very quickly, and your little one has been struggling w this for a while. In fact, he is now starting to not want to play, acting differently - things that would cause great concern.

You could try contacting your breeder if she/he has a health guarantee to see if there will be help from her/him in paying for these vet bills. If not, then you are going to have to decide whether you can make an arrangement w a vet or get a ins. care card or if you have to turn him over to a rescue to save his life. I know you love him, but part of love is getting someone the care they need when their life depends on it. If you cannot find a way to somehow pay to help him, you will need to perform the ultimate act of love and turn him over to a rescue who has the resources to care for him medically and probably save his life.

I wish you well in this difficult situation. Please keep in touch and let us know how your little one is doing. If you need help finding a reputable rescue to help him, I'm sure we have members on here who could help you w that. I'm so sorry you are facing this, Ed.

[dehahaha]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions.
I will find him a new vet, maybe there is one that specializes in small dogs, or even better in yorkies. The new vet will be the 4th one...
Although money is not the only concern (seems like some of you think that from my original post) it is certainly a factor and i'm sure it is for most people. And I do not think I'm a bad person for thinking about the costs when planning what is best for all my loved ones. And just because I'm not as well-off as someone who doesn't need to worry about pet bills that much, doesn't mean I can't have a chance to raise a cute dog like yorkies. I did my research, budgeted for months, and made a big family decision to purchase Linker. We didn't plan to purchase an unhealthy dog... We didn't plan to worry this often and be consumed at the thought of what will happen to Linker...
That being said, my reality is that I do have to consider the rescue option if the bills keep building like the way it is now... But I will ensure to exhaust all my options before I do... Until then, I plan to ask you all for your experiences, thoughts, and wisdom. Please help me. Yes, it is a living thing we are talking about, and as far as I'm concerned, he is a part of my family.
Thanks again, especially to gidget529 for your empathetic message. Thank you.

Ed

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by dehahaha

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions.
I will find him a new vet, maybe there is one that specializes in small dogs, or even better in yorkies. The new vet will be the 4th one...
Although money is not the only concern (seems like some of you think that from my original post) it is certainly a factor and i'm sure it is for most people. And I do not think I'm a bad person for thinking about the costs when planning what is best for all my loved ones. And just because I'm not as well-off as someone who doesn't need to worry about pet bills that much, doesn't mean I can't have a chance to raise a cute dog like yorkies. I did my research, budgeted for months, and made a big family decision to purchase Linker. We didn't plan to purchase an unhealthy dog... We didn't plan to worry this often and be consumed at the thought of what will happen to Linker...
That being said, my reality is that I do have to consider the rescue option if the bills keep building like the way it is now... But I will ensure to exhaust all my options before I do... Until then, I plan to ask you all for your experiences, thoughts, and wisdom. Please help me. Yes, it is a living thing we are talking about, and as far as I'm concerned, he is a part of my family.
Thanks again, especially to gidget529 for your empathetic message. Thank you.

Ed

Ed, we do have more Canadian members and Canadian breeders on this site. Perhaps if you started another thread asking for a vet referral from our Canadian members, you could get the name of a vet that could help your little one plus would be open to help you w the cost aspect.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by dehahaha

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions.
I will find him a new vet, maybe there is one that specializes in small dogs, or even better in yorkies. The new vet will be the 4th one...
Although money is not the only concern (seems like some of you think that from my original post) it is certainly a factor and i'm sure it is for most people. And I do not think I'm a bad person for thinking about the costs when planning what is best for all my loved ones. And just because I'm not as well-off as someone who doesn't need to worry about pet bills that much, doesn't mean I can't have a chance to raise a cute dog like yorkies. I did my research, budgeted for months, and made a big family decision to purchase Linker. We didn't plan to purchase an unhealthy dog... We didn't plan to worry this often and be consumed at the thought of what will happen to Linker...
That being said, my reality is that I do have to consider the rescue option if the bills keep building like the way it is now... But I will ensure to exhaust all my options before I do... Until then, I plan to ask you all for your experiences, thoughts, and wisdom. Please help me. Yes, it is a living thing we are talking about, and as far as I'm concerned, he is a part of my family.
Thanks again, especially to gidget529 for your empathetic message. Thank you.

Ed

Liver shunt testing is not all that expensive initially. They might do a blood test to check liver enzymes and secondly do a Bile Acids test - which is not terribly expensive either.

That will give you clue as to whether liver is an issue - IF the numbers are abnormal, THEN you could be looking at further testing and further expense.

But the initial testing should not be that expensive and should be able to tell you if the liver is where you should be looking. It sounds very possible from your descriptions.

Lucy has mild liver issues that were discovered with a BAT (and after exhibiting some symptoms.

With her type of liver issues - surgery was not recommended and we are able to maintain her with some diet restrictions. Limit the amount of protein and watch the type is all we do right now.

Please keep us posted.

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by dehahaha

I visited 3 different vets... Of course I'm going to try to find another one. I'm just asking for advice here hoping for something useful.
Getting him checked alone for an "i don't know" costs $70 here... More than a human doctor, which is $50 without insurance.
No he never puked 3-4 times a day, once every 3-4 days on average.
I live with the little one and seeing him depressed and unhealthy is killing me. Don't talk to me like i'm some kinda heartless person who doesn't care about my dog. I wouldn't have came here if i didn't care about it. I already spent well over what I paid for him, and i'm not afraid to spend more. It's just that I've got bills to pay for my other family members as well.

I never thought that you didn't care. Just pointing out the reality of having a furbaby. I do absolutely understand bills. Take another look at my post where I stated 6 dogs. Several are very old and take meds. I also have 6 children. If you didnt care you wouldnt be here.
Im sorry if my post came off as being sharp,it was not intended to be more than to the point.
I have also had a very ill dog with the same symptoms,but they didnt show up until much later in life. He went from healthy to gone in 36 hrs,not even enough time to run tests. By the time the blood work came back the next day his liver had failed and he was gone.

The suggestion of running a Bile acid test for liver shunt is good advice. You might ask your vet about it.

[Yorkie Tails]

just curious...did the vet check for Addison's Disease?

[dehahaha]

Hello everyone, just thought I'd update you.

Found Linker a new vet and this clinic seems more thorough than the ones I have visited.

Apparently Linker's enzymes are abnormal, i think the doc said elevated enzymes but not too crazy so he'll be ok. Got some meds and he seems to be doing a lot better. Still lethargic but is eating and doesn't appear uncomfortable anymore.

My friend recommended milk thristle, anyone tried that for liver issues? If so, which brand would be the best?

Thanks,

Ed