10 year old yorkie not eating/drinking much ..

[prozario]

10-year-old yorkie not eating/drinking much .. I'm bit frustrated as to what the issue is, or what to try next

He had anal gald issue about 2 weeks ago - swollen up and then burst - vet looked at it - gave antibiotics and seemed to be doing well after that. Then i read GLANDEX (amazon) helps - so i gave her half of 1 small chewable pill the first time - 1 day & that was all. A few days later - might be totally unrelated - he is not eating and looks in pain. Not sure if anything in GLADEX could cause any issue - again it was tiny - and i cut it in half and gave for 1 day. I'm thinking just might be a coincidence issue that started right after that.


Tried gently pressing gum/teeth area to see if it is tooth pain or not. Took him to vet - did a checkup but to the extent, he could see, there was no issue with the tooth - he said his teeth look very good for 10 years old. He tried to see in the throat - but obviously, he closes his mouth. He checked few things with his mouth - but overall he could not find anything.

Vet gave him pain medication, some IV at the vet because he didn't eat much, and did blood work. Waiting for test results from blood work. Seemed to be eating just a bit - soft cheese (his favorite), rice - just bit. But looks fairly weak - some of it is due to pain med (vet said he'll feel sleepy). He still likes to walk outside - but back in home, mostly lying down and not nearly as active as he normally is.

He drinks water very little - and he seems he is bit of pain once he drinks water. The same thing when he barks - he rarely barks, but when doorbell rings he does. He barks and he stops as if there is pain. Gave him bit more rice mixed with cheese - ate by himself today.

If no issue with bloodwork, vet suggested next to sedate him and then check the throat area - but being that he is 10 years old, and he has never been sedated, I don't want to do it - want to leave it as very very last resort. I read a lot of bad stuff about sedating small dog.

Is anyone familiar with this symptom? Could something be swollen in his throat? He did improve slightly over 1 day - just sad to see him watch so weak, and seems suffering a bit.

Any suggestion if anything i should try. Will see how things go for next few days before seeing vet again. Hoping for improvement - but wanted to see any suggestion.



Thanks in advance for nay suggestion.

[Bluebells]

Can I ask you a few questions to try to clarify the situation?

1) What kind of antibiotics were prescribed for your dog after the anal rupture, and is he still taking them or, if not, was he still taking them when you noticed the current issue with appetite and apparent pain? And did the vet prescribe any probiotics while he was on the antibiotics? Antibiotics often have a side effect of reduced appetite and gastrointestinal upset.

2) What kind of pain medication is he currently taking? Pain medication can also cause reduced appetite.

3) Did the vet give you any input on what to offer your dog (food wise) right now? I understand that you’re anxious for him to eat something, but cheese seems an unwise choice, especially if there’s a possibility of something like pancreatitis developing. If your vet didn’t give you any ideas, you might want to try turkey baby food, boiled chicken, yogurt, or cottage cheese instead.

4) How soon are you expecting the blood work results? The few times I’ve had bloodwork done on my dogs or fosters, the results were in very quickly, and those seem really important right now. I think it’s likely they will point you toward what the problem is.

[prozario]

bluebells thanks for the reply:

1) It was Anti robe 14 pills over seven day. That ended about 1 week ago - during that period seemed he had improved and was fine for few days. But that one is from a regular vet -and they've given other antibiotics in past - didn't see any issue. No probiotics was given with that. They gave a shot also listed as "dexamethasone".

2) On Sunday my regular vet does not open, went over to new vet next town over (based on a good google review). They gave "gabapentin soln". Twice a day for pain - so far gave 3 dose - i think i'll stop it for tonight - as it does not look like is improving/helping.

3) This new vet (Sunday visit) - didn't say anything about which food. Did try bioled chicken - didn't want to eat. Will try your suggestion.

4) I'll give them a call back - blood was taken Sunday - i'm assuming weekend, so didn't get anything today. Will give them a call tomorrow.

[ladyjane]

It's a rare yorkie that has not been sedated by age 10. Also very rare for them not to have had a need for dentals. I don't know what that vet meant by his teeth not being bad for a 10 year old....
Did the other vet say anything about his teeth?
Of course if he is ill a dental would be out right now.
I think waiting for the blood test results now is all you can do...they may give a clue as to what is going on with him.
Dex is a steroid....that should help to increase his appetite. Do you know why it was given? And did the second vet say why something for pain? Where is he eliciting pain from during the exam?
I would call the vet tomorrow and see if the blood work is in. Then make a decision about what to do.
Btw: dogs have to be sedated sometimes! Yes, it is a risk, but a small one. Always be sure to do blood work prior to any anesthesia and make sure your vet is following very strict protocols for sedating dogs.

[prozario]

ladyjane thanks for the reply.

The regular vet also made the same comment about 2-3 months ago - she said teeth are in very good shape. I went that visit for neck/back pain, and she wanted to make sure it was not related to tooth pain. He eats dentix type treats and dry kibble (in addition to soft food) - i'm guessing that has kept his teeth in good shape.

Anal glad burst visit is when they gave "dex" - my wife took him, so not sure exact reason - i assumed shot was to reduce pain.

Thanks for your advice - will see first if blood work sheds any light.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by prozario

ladyjane thanks for the reply.

The regular vet also made the same comment about 2-3 months ago - she said teeth are in very good shape. I went that visit for neck/back pain, and she wanted to make sure it was not related to tooth pain. He eats dentix type treats and dry kibble (in addition to soft food) - i'm guessing that has kept his teeth in good shape.

Anal glad burst visit is when they gave "dex" - my wife took him, so not sure exact reason - i assumed shot was to reduce pain.

Thanks for your advice - will see first if blood work sheds any light.

If his teeth are good it is genetics and you (and him) got lucky. What they eat does not save them from the periodontal disease so many yorkies get.

The dex would have been for the inflammation is my guess.

Hopefully the blood work will shed some light. Please keep us posted.

[ladyjane]

It just hit me about the anal gland issue....I wonder if this is all due to the infection from that.
While he did have an antibiotic and seemed ok after, there still could be something going on.
Of course you will know once you get the blood work back.

For the future, ask your vet for suggestions for prevention of problems with anal glands. I was once adviced
to put shredded wheat in a dog's food. I got the tiny ones with no sugar and crumbled them in his food. It
did help. There are a ton of products for this...I doubt that one you gave him had anything to do with this
latest issue.

[prozario]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

It just hit me about the anal gland issue....I wonder if this is all due to the infection from that.
While he did have an antibiotic and seemed ok after, there still could be something going on.
Of course you will know once you get the blood work back.

For the future, ask your vet for suggestions for prevention of problems with anal glands. I was once adviced
to put shredded wheat in a dog's food. I got the tiny ones with no sugar and crumbled them in his food. It
did help. There are a ton of products for this...I doubt that one you gave him had anything to do with this
latest issue.

Thanks ... i was thinking if the antibiotic given for anal glad had some side effect. But that's a good point - if some infection still after that.

Blood work is in .. but the doctor apparently comes in 10am or so - and he is supposed to give me a call when he is free.

[prozario]

So blood work came in. He definitely sees infection, that's only problem he sees. Checked for pancreatitis negative. And a bunch of other tests he mentioned - all negative/normal. But do see how white blood cell - which he says is indicaiton of infection.

He is suggesting antibiotic - but worried about why he isn't eating. Wants to do an ultrasound ($500) - already spend $500 last weekend on bloodwork/shot etc. Just bit worried this new vet wants to slew of procedures all sort of at once. Which he may be right. He wants to rule out nothing in stomac (like cancer or something else). But he says infection symptoms will match not eating/tired/leatherig.

What i suggested to the vet - can we just try the antibiotics first, and see if that helps. He said that should be okay.

Does that sound reasonable? My regular vet usually tries small things at a time. Since i already started with this vet - and he has blood work and all that - thinking, just take the antibiotics and another med he wants to give for appetite. Perhaps see how it looks in 1 or 2 days, and then make decision.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by prozario

So blood work came in. He definitely sees infection, that's only problem he sees. Checked for pancreatitis negative. And a bunch of other tests he mentioned - all negative/normal. But do see how white blood cell - which he says is indicaiton of infection.

He is suggesting antibiotic - but worried about why he isn't eating. Wants to do an ultrasound ($500) - already spend $500 last weekend on bloodwork/shot etc. Just bit worried this new vet wants to slew of procedures all sort of at once. Which he may be right. He wants to rule out nothing in stomac (like cancer or something else). But he says infection symptoms will match not eating/tired/leatherig.

What i suggested to the vet - can we just try the antibiotics first, and see if that helps. He said that should be okay.

Does that sound reasonable? My regular vet usually tries small things at a time. Since i already started with this vet - and he has blood work and all that - thinking, just take the antibiotics and another med he wants to give for appetite. Perhaps see how it looks in 1 or 2 days, and then make decision.

I think it is totally reasonable to see if the antibiotic helps. Since he had that anal gland issue, it is highly suspect for infection and now the blood count is showing it.

Did he give you an appetite stimulant? If not, I would call back and ask for one....usually they use Entyce but sometimes Mirtazapine.

Just keep a close eye on his hydration status. Since he is not eating well he could get dehydrated..... https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if...-Is-Dehydrated

[ladyjane]

Oh! I just saw your post where you said something was given for appetite...

Sorry, I didn't see that when I posted above.

[prozario]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I think it is totally reasonable to see if the antibiotic helps. Since he had that anal gland issue, it is highly suspect for infection and now the blood count is showing it.

Did he give you an appetite stimulant? If not, I would call back and ask for one....usually they use Entyce but sometimes Mirtazapine.

Just keep a close eye on his hydration status. Since he is not eating well he could get dehydrated..... https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if...-Is-Dehydrated

Yes gave an appetite stimulant (liquid) .. plus antibiotic tablets. By the time i went to vet to pick up - there were 4 meds. 3rd one for bloated stomach - they told me it is something like pepto. Another one for nausia/vomit - since he does not have this, i am not giving this now. Gave the other 3.


Yes - forced a little bit of water with med syringe in the morning. Will do that few times a day.


Hoping these meds - especially antibiotics help.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by prozario

Yes gave an appetite stimulant (liquid) .. plus antibiotic tablets. By the time i went to vet to pick up - there were 4 meds. 3rd one for bloated stomach - they told me it is something like pepto. Another one for nausia/vomit - since he does not have this, i am not giving this now. Gave the other 3.


Yes - forced a little bit of water with med syringe in the morning. Will do that few times a day.


Hoping these meds - especially antibiotics help.

I hope so, too!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by prozario

Yes gave an appetite stimulant (liquid) .. plus antibiotic tablets. By the time i went to vet to pick up - there were 4 meds. 3rd one for bloated stomach - they told me it is something like pepto. Another one for nausia/vomit - since he does not have this, i am not giving this now. Gave the other 3.


Yes - forced a little bit of water with med syringe in the morning. Will do that few times a day.


Hoping these meds - especially antibiotics help.

I would not hold the nausea medication sometimes they will not eat due to nausea and you not know it and antibiotics can upset the stomach causing nausea so I would give the nausea medication. Be extremely careful syringing water because they could easily asperate it and it become pneumonia. If he is showing signs of dehydration it would be better to take him in for fluids at the vet because just water wont help at a certain point.

[prozario]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I would not hold the nausea medication sometimes they will not eat due to nausea and you not know it and antibiotics can upset the stomach causing nausea so I would give the nausea medication. Be extremely careful syringing water because they could easily asperate it and it become pneumonia. If he is showing signs of dehydration it would be better to take him in for fluids at the vet because just water wont help at a certain point.

Thanks for the reply. Okay will try the nausea med.

But after giving initial dose of antibiotics/appetite med/stomach med - wife thought if she can entice him to eat some mashed potato. Not ideal - just doc said it would be good to have some food in their stomach once he takes antibiotics. Not sure if it is the appetite med, or not - but ate fair bit of mashed potato from hand (made specifically for him - mild stuff). And then right after drank a fair bit of water from my hand as if he was thirsty.

So seems a bit better now, and walked around the house a bit. Hopefully, improvement continues.