Hi, my name is Jeanne and I have just inherited my deceased Mother's little 11 year old Yorkie, Teenie. She was staying at the adult foster home where my Mother was and I believe all the residents there have given her a lot of food from their plates as well as my Mother had done. She has always been a very picky eater and normally waits till evening to eat.
When I last saw her she weighed 4 pounds and in 9 months time she has gone down to 2 pounds. We just brought her home on Sunday. She has no front teeth and maybe a couple molars but yesterday she gustily ate 12-15 very small kibble (from a holistic pet store in town). During the weekend while I was in Oregon to pick her up she was eating Gerbers baby food sweet potatoes and also beef. I had cooked fresh chicken to take with me and she was eating a lot of that. During the weekend she was almost lunging for her food as though she hadn't eaten for days. She is drinking quite a bit of water and eliminating seems to be normal but this morning so far is refusing food.
Teenie is weak and can only stand for a little bit and has only taken a few steps since being here. A friend of mine suggested that perhaps she has Cachexia. I believe she has been malnourished for quite a long time which might have contributed to some serious health issues.
I don't know if I'm fighting a losing battle but I need a miracle and any advice I can get. I have not taken her to the vet because of her age. I feel that if she doesn't respond to nutrition and of course my undivided love & attention, I will have to do what will break my heart.
Today I'm going to get a tube of Nutracal, some goats milk and a puppy food formula that is 50-60% fat, 30-50% and the remaining percentage to be carbs. Am I doing the right thing? I just know she needs the best nutrition possible.
Thank you in advance for any help you can give me. I need it soon
Jeanne