My yorkie mix is sick, what could it be? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 09:47 AM

Hi, I just joined this forum on 7/31 asking what my rescued yorkie mix could be mixed with. Since then, she has become very sick with slight cough, runny nose, green discharge from eyes and loss of appetite. I took her back to the animal shelter to see their vet, the vet had to come outside the shelter to take a brief look and write a prescription otherwise to have the vet fully examine her I would have had to turn the dog back over to the shelter. Our Bella has been sick since Fri. 7/31. She has has very little water (only about 1 tblsp./day -- given with a dropper), she has had about 1/2 a boiled chicken breast per day and gobbles it down if given when she's in the mood. Today is her second day on the antibiotics, but I am afraid she is becoming severely dehydrated. I have expended so much money already in adoption fees, microchip fees, dog crate, toys, etc. and am simply tapped out. If anyone is willing to donate any amt. whatsoever to help us to get an IV fluid treatment at Coffee Rd. Animal Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, we would truly appreciate it. The visit is $45 and ea. treatment is about $45.00. The vet hospital's phone number is 661-587-1976. I'm concerned she may have distemper, but her sickness could also just be a respiratory infection and the antibiotics should kick in with a couple days, so I'm thinking if I can just get her hydrated, I can keep giving the antibiotic and see if she gets better. Then, after a couple more days, she doesn't get better, I will take back down to the shelter and give her back. I am so very sad about this, I can't even tell you. Please help if you are able. Thanks. Shelly

ARCHIE · 08-04-2009, 09:54 AM

I am so sorry your rescue is sick but if you don't have the funds at this
time in the best interest of the dog I would return her to the shelter for
a complete exam. If it is distemper every minute counts.
I don't know why they wouldn't allow you to adopt her again when
she's well. If they released a sick dog I would think it would be their
responsibilty to get her well.

Wend · 08-04-2009, 09:57 AM

I would use a syringe and squirt water between the dogs teeth and her lips in the back of her mouth (does that make sense?) every hour or so. Squirt slow so she swallows. You can use pedialite or broth. Sometimes the dog will voluntarily drink the broth if it is warm. I am surprised that the shelter would not have the vet do a full exam. Coming from a shelter I would be very concerned about her illness. Have you checked her gums?

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 10:00 AM

This particular shelter is so very crowded, I would think they wouldn't have the time or money to try to save this dog. Prior to my adopting her, she was vet checked and was given a clean bill of health, but it seems every sickness in dogs has an incubation period. I am afraid they will just euthanize her. I am, however, going to call them again and ask if they will actually continue to treat her. Thanks for your input.

Marissa101 · 08-04-2009, 10:08 AM

When did you get her? I'm pretty sure that if it's been less than a few weeks and it is something more serious, she would have gotten it at the shelter. She could have been "healthy" but had a virus inside of her, without their knowledge. They also could've over looked something if they were too busy. Maybe you can talk to them about that. Good luck and I hope your baby gets better.

ARCHIE · 08-04-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemixmom

This particular shelter is so very crowded, I would think they wouldn't have the time or money to try to save this dog. Prior to my adopting her, she was vet checked and was given a clean bill of health, but it seems every sickness in dogs has an incubation period. I am afraid they will just euthanize her. I am, however, going to call them again and ask if they will actually continue to treat her. Thanks for your input.

Do you have her shot record? Was she vaccinated againt Distemper?

TOY · 08-04-2009, 10:13 AM

Shelly, this is not a total answer to your problem but it might help a bit.

Put a couple of ice cubes near her. Maybe even freeze an ice cube of chicken broth, too. Sometimes the curiosity of the ice cube will get her to lick it and even that little bit of fluid could help.

I would encourage you, however, if you cannot meet her needs financially and her health is at risk, to be careful to not wait too long to surrender her.

I am sorry you are going through this. You didn't mention her name or age but it does sound as if you are very invested in her welfare. However, having any living creature in your care is an ongoing financial investment.

I'm afraid in this economy and with scam artists muddying the scene, folks are much more leery of contributing to a cause they do not personally witness. It may not be the best plan to just depend on the kindness of strangers. You may need to act more immediately to insure her recovery.

Returning her to the shelter may be the best option for her. I respectfully hope whatever you decide to do is in her best interest. Only you and you alone can make that decision and I wish you peace in whatever you decide.

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 10:23 AM

Thank you. I picked her up last Wed. and she seemed fine and was playful, then on Friday, things got worse. So, yes, I'm sure it was something she picked up at the shelter. Hopefully, she will pull out of this after another day or two on her antibiotic. She has been vaccinated for distemper, but I heard they can still get it. Hopefully, it's just a respiratory infections. Thanks for your concern.

Marissa101 · 08-04-2009, 10:30 AM

I would definatley go back to the shelter if you just got her on Wednesday especially if you don't have any other dogs. It is not your responsibility to pay for there sick dogs and I would demand a full exam. Sorry, it makes me very mad when people sell sick dogs, the shelter if they had something going around, should have held her and all dogs untill whatever it was had been gone for a few weeks.

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

Do you have her shot record? Was she vaccinated againt Distemper?

Yes, she was vaccinated just before I adopted her. She is about a year old, so I would hope that the previous owners would have vaccinated her too. But who knows. Thanks Archie for your concern.

ARCHIE · 08-04-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemixmom

Thank you. I picked her up last Wed. and she seemed fine and was playful, then on Friday, things got worse. So, yes, I'm sure it was something she picked up at the shelter. Hopefully, she will pull out of this after another day or two on her antibiotic. She has been vaccinated for distemper, but I heard they can still get it. Hopefully, it's just a respiratory infections. Thanks for your concern.

You seem to be on top of it and I know it's not easy to think about returning
her. I certainly would feel the sameway. Chances are it just may be a respiratory infection but they can also be very serious. I am sure your doing
the best you can and I will say a prayer that tomorrow you will see an
improvement in you little one. Keep her warm and away from other dogs at this time. Upper respiratory infections run high in a shelter so chances
are that's what she has. Lot's of fluids too.
Good luck honey,

livingdustmops · 08-04-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marissa101

I would definatley go back to the shelter if you just got her on Wednesday especially if you don't have any other dogs. It is not your responsibility to pay for there sick dogs and I would demand a full exam. Sorry, it makes me very mad when people sell sick dogs, the shelter if they had something going around, should have held her and all dogs untill whatever it was had been gone for a few weeks.

Shelters aren't in the business of selling dogs but to make a bad situation disappear. Shelters were started to get dogs off the streets and thankfully some have become humane while others still operate in an inhumane way.

Many agencies have laws that all dogs are put down after so many days because they are owned by the cities and they need to make room for more dogs. If they held onto all the dogs even more than the 3/4 million a year would be put down. Many dogs will get kennel cough while in the shelter but can be made well and healed. When a person gets a dog from a shelter they should assume there will be some illnesses. I wish it wasn't so but if the dogs stay longer in a shelter then the odds go up even higher that they will pick up even more diseases and the longer they stay more dogs can't be brought it.

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 02:40 PM

Thanks to everyone who has responded regarding my little Bella and her sickness. She is still the same -- she eats a little boiled chicken two or three times a day and still will not drink water on her own. She urinates three or four times a day which is good and still rests and sleeps most of the day. She apparently does not like rice. I love hearing from people that love dogs as much as I do. I also, for those who inquired about the shelter operations, contacted the shelter and they said what they will do if I bring Bella back to them for treatment will most likely put her down. However, before doing so, send emails to various rescue agencies to see if any of them are willing to take her and give her treatment (pretty much continue doing what I am already doing) and then the rescue agency, if able to make her better, then tries to find her a home -- in other words, I would not get her back. So, I am going to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully she does not have distemper and it's just a respiratory infection and she should get a lot better with a couple more days of her antibiotic. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted.

Yorkiemixmom · 08-04-2009, 02:42 PM

Oh yea, forgot to mention, the shelter said they would refund my money if I end up needing to bring her back to them (if her condition worsens -- if she has distemper).

yavenay · 08-04-2009, 05:10 PM

Hello
Check this link out
Having Trouble Affording Your Pet? | The Humane Society of the United States

They have a comprehensive list of organizations that maybe able to help financially. Also just do a google search on financial aid for your pet. In today's economic climate and overcrowded shelters, organizations are more willing to help keep pets with their owners.

Hope this helps.

08-04-2009, 09:47 AM	#1
Yorkiemixmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 8	My yorkie mix is sick, what could it be? Hi, I just joined this forum on 7/31 asking what my rescued yorkie mix could be mixed with. Since then, she has become very sick with slight cough, runny nose, green discharge from eyes and loss of appetite. I took her back to the animal shelter to see their vet, the vet had to come outside the shelter to take a brief look and write a prescription otherwise to have the vet fully examine her I would have had to turn the dog back over to the shelter. Our Bella has been sick since Fri. 7/31. She has has very little water (only about 1 tblsp./day -- given with a dropper), she has had about 1/2 a boiled chicken breast per day and gobbles it down if given when she's in the mood. Today is her second day on the antibiotics, but I am afraid she is becoming severely dehydrated. I have expended so much money already in adoption fees, microchip fees, dog crate, toys, etc. and am simply tapped out. If anyone is willing to donate any amt. whatsoever to help us to get an IV fluid treatment at Coffee Rd. Animal Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, we would truly appreciate it. The visit is $45 and ea. treatment is about $45.00. The vet hospital's phone number is 661-587-1976. I'm concerned she may have distemper, but her sickness could also just be a respiratory infection and the antibiotics should kick in with a couple days, so I'm thinking if I can just get her hydrated, I can keep giving the antibiotic and see if she gets better. Then, after a couple more days, she doesn't get better, I will take back down to the shelter and give her back. I am so very sad about this, I can't even tell you. Please help if you are able. Thanks. Shelly

08-04-2009, 09:57 AM	#3
Wend YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Lehi Posts: 403	I would use a syringe and squirt water between the dogs teeth and her lips in the back of her mouth (does that make sense?) every hour or so. Squirt slow so she swallows. You can use pedialite or broth. Sometimes the dog will voluntarily drink the broth if it is warm. I am surprised that the shelter would not have the vet do a full exam. Coming from a shelter I would be very concerned about her illness. Have you checked her gums? __________________ Wend

08-04-2009, 10:00 AM	#4
Yorkiemixmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 8	Thank you Archie This particular shelter is so very crowded, I would think they wouldn't have the time or money to try to save this dog. Prior to my adopting her, she was vet checked and was given a clean bill of health, but it seems every sickness in dogs has an incubation period. I am afraid they will just euthanize her. I am, however, going to call them again and ask if they will actually continue to treat her. Thanks for your input.

08-04-2009, 10:08 AM	#5
Marissa101 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Nevada USA Posts: 818 Blog Entries: 1	When did you get her? I'm pretty sure that if it's been less than a few weeks and it is something more serious, she would have gotten it at the shelter. She could have been "healthy" but had a virus inside of her, without their knowledge. They also could've over looked something if they were too busy. Maybe you can talk to them about that. Good luck and I hope your baby gets better. __________________ Yes, we made a fan club for our obssession of Johnny Depp Snickers Not just a delicious candy bar

08-04-2009, 10:30 AM	#9
Marissa101 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Nevada USA Posts: 818 Blog Entries: 1	I would definatley go back to the shelter if you just got her on Wednesday especially if you don't have any other dogs. It is not your responsibility to pay for there sick dogs and I would demand a full exam. Sorry, it makes me very mad when people sell sick dogs, the shelter if they had something going around, should have held her and all dogs untill whatever it was had been gone for a few weeks. __________________ Yes, we made a fan club for our obssession of Johnny Depp Snickers Not just a delicious candy bar

08-04-2009, 09:54 AM	#2
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	I am so sorry your rescue is sick but if you don't have the funds at this time in the best interest of the dog I would return her to the shelter for a complete exam. If it is distemper every minute counts. I don't know why they wouldn't allow you to adopt her again when she's well. If they released a sick dog I would think it would be their responsibilty to get her well.

08-04-2009, 10:13 AM	#7
TOY Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,094 Blog Entries: 4	Shelly, this is not a total answer to your problem but it might help a bit. Put a couple of ice cubes near her. Maybe even freeze an ice cube of chicken broth, too. Sometimes the curiosity of the ice cube will get her to lick it and even that little bit of fluid could help. I would encourage you, however, if you cannot meet her needs financially and her health is at risk, to be careful to not wait too long to surrender her. I am sorry you are going through this. You didn't mention her name or age but it does sound as if you are very invested in her welfare. However, having any living creature in your care is an ongoing financial investment. I'm afraid in this economy and with scam artists muddying the scene, folks are much more leery of contributing to a cause they do not personally witness. It may not be the best plan to just depend on the kindness of strangers. You may need to act more immediately to insure her recovery. Returning her to the shelter may be the best option for her. I respectfully hope whatever you decide to do is in her best interest. Only you and you alone can make that decision and I wish you peace in whatever you decide.

08-04-2009, 10:23 AM	#8
Yorkiemixmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 8	Thank you. I picked her up last Wed. and she seemed fine and was playful, then on Friday, things got worse. So, yes, I'm sure it was something she picked up at the shelter. Hopefully, she will pull out of this after another day or two on her antibiotic. She has been vaccinated for distemper, but I heard they can still get it. Hopefully, it's just a respiratory infections. Thanks for your concern.

08-04-2009, 02:40 PM	#13
Yorkiemixmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 8	Thanks to everyone who has responded regarding my little Bella and her sickness. She is still the same -- she eats a little boiled chicken two or three times a day and still will not drink water on her own. She urinates three or four times a day which is good and still rests and sleeps most of the day. She apparently does not like rice. I love hearing from people that love dogs as much as I do. I also, for those who inquired about the shelter operations, contacted the shelter and they said what they will do if I bring Bella back to them for treatment will most likely put her down. However, before doing so, send emails to various rescue agencies to see if any of them are willing to take her and give her treatment (pretty much continue doing what I am already doing) and then the rescue agency, if able to make her better, then tries to find her a home -- in other words, I would not get her back. So, I am going to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully she does not have distemper and it's just a respiratory infection and she should get a lot better with a couple more days of her antibiotic. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted.

08-04-2009, 02:42 PM	#14
Yorkiemixmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 8	Oh yea, forgot to mention, the shelter said they would refund my money if I end up needing to bring her back to them (if her condition worsens -- if she has distemper).

08-04-2009, 05:10 PM	#15
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	Hello Check this link out Having Trouble Affording Your Pet? \| The Humane Society of the United States They have a comprehensive list of organizations that maybe able to help financially. Also just do a google search on financial aid for your pet. In today's economic climate and overcrowded shelters, organizations are more willing to help keep pets with their owners. Hope this helps.