I named him for the funny way his top lip turned up on one side.
Joker was born a cleft lip / cleft palate yorkie puppy. After next day weights he hadnt gained anything and it was found he had a cleft lip and frontal cleft palate. He tried to nurse with all his might, but he couldnt.
He has been handfed since day 2 and he has the will of a lion! More energy then I have, Let me tell you!
I periodically give him antibiotics, since he aspirates often due to his palate.
He is 4 weeks old, weighs 6 ozs, started a bit of mushy canned food, 3 days ago and he appears to be doing fine. ( I continue to give him puppy milk supplement)
Joker is not out of the woods but this kid is just AWESOME! He is not a failure to thrive, he wants to thrive! Hes real little but he is strong.
Any (yorkie) dog like this long ago used to be destroyed for physical attirbutes like this.
Is saving him worth it? YOU BETCHA!
I have attached a pic of him in my husbands shirt pocket. If I get him weaned to dry food I think he is going to make it.
This is the website who has helped me, I so hope he makes it.
I hope it helps someone else.
http://www.henwood.com