Worried that intestinal bacterial infection not clearing up - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LaPeque · 07-30-2008, 10:11 AM

Hi all - I am new to this site and brought home a male Yorkie puppy about two weeks ago. (He is now 12 weeks old).

A day or so after bringing him home, he started to have diarrhea episodes followed by mucus that was tinged with blood. I spoke to the breeder, who suspected it was just due to stress. He was eating and drinking fine, and had a lot of energy so I did not take him to the vet at the time.

A couple days later he suddenly and completely quit eating and drinking, but was still having the diarrhea/blood which had also started to smell unbearably bad. As he had been a little piggy up until that point, I decided something was really wrong and immediately rushed him to the vet.

The fecal diagnostic turned up an intestinal infection (coccidia and giardia), and the vet put him on 7 days of Albon and Metronidazole. Within about 24 hours his stool started to get firmer and the blood and smell decreased, but did reappear sporadically. This is day 7 on the antibiotics, and while his initial bowel movements seem normal, he has started to pass mucus again and the blood has increased from just a "tinge" to what looks like drops of undiluted, fresh blood. I took him to the vet yesterday and he did another fecal culture ... he said to continue the antibiotics (there was nothing in the culture that "alarmed him") and bring puppy back next week.

What worries me is the reappearance and increase in the blood, the mucus, and the fact that his appetite never fully returned to his pre-sickness size. (He pics at his food now, although he is gaining and not losing weight). His energy is fine (my mom affectionately calls him the "Yorkshire Terror") and if it weren't for the icky poop I wouldn't suspect a thing was wrong with him. Should I follow the vets advice, finish the antibiotic and wait this thing out? Or should I take him back and insist that they run more tests? My mother has been remodeling her kitchen and even though I watch him like a hawk, ona couple of occasions he has swallowed small bits of remodel junk that fell to the floor. (Small bits of styrofoam). Could this be contributing to his upset digestive system? Is there a chance that there is some kind of obstruction?

Thank you for your help! I'm probably super paranoid, but my internet research has me fearing the very worst if he even sneezes!

yorkiesmiles · 07-30-2008, 02:26 PM

I would definitely see the vet again or at least call them. Something is not right. And I hate to say this, but the breeder may have sent you an ill dog. You need to find out exactly what is wrong and you may need to speak with the breeder again. Did you get a health guarantee from the breeder?

I am so sorry this little one is so sick.

Welcome to YT - sorry you found us under such horrid conditions

LaPeque · 07-30-2008, 02:56 PM

Thanks so much for your reply ... I actually have to go to the vet in an hour to pick up my mother's dog, who had a dental cleaning, and I'll definitely ask them again about my little guy.

I agree with you that he was probably sick when he came to me. I don't think the breeder was intentionally hiding anything from me (I picked him up from her house, and his poop was normal there.) I'm just wondering if he had something already "simmering" in his intestines that stress of moving to a new home caused to get out of control.

Regardless of the circumstances, I'm so glad I found this site! What a wealth of information and wonderful people concerned about their Yorkies.

Yorkieluv · 07-30-2008, 03:00 PM

When my yorkie had coccidia as a pup, it took 3 rounds (if I remember correctly) of antibiotics to get rid of it completely, so that could be what the problems is. Many times, coccidia does not show up on the fecal exams...
Probiotics would be helpful. Talk to your vet about them.

Wylie's Mom · 07-30-2008, 05:35 PM

So, if I have it right - you are still seeing some firm poos though? Even though you're seeing some drops of blood? If that's correct, I'm not surprised. Giardia alone (but along w/ coccidia) is incredibly draining on young puppies and can actually kill them - so GOOD job on getting him in right away

. Also, it can reinfect them immediately when they're done w/ the meds - so you should be cleaning everything w/ bleach water right now bc, as they're being treated, they're shedding "giardia cysts" wherever they go - reinfection is very likely - so beware. I had to treat my Marcel twice.

In adult dogs, giardia isn't such a big deal. However, in puppies - giardia can actually start to digest some of the intestinal tissue - so, you *may* see some ongoing digestive issues well after the giardia is gone. You may not run into this - but if you do - please let me know and I'll try to help you as I went through MONTHS without anyone knowing how to help me.

In the meantime, keep him hydrated and keep giving the meds - and know that you may see some weird stuff for awhile.

LaPeque · 07-31-2008, 12:40 AM

Thank you so much for all your replies! He seems to be doing a lot better this evening. The poos are firm and there isn't any sign of blood. I appreciate the advice and information as far as disinfecting, the probiotics and the general pervasive and persistent nature of this kind of infection. I think we might be through the worst, although I'm going to be keeping a very watchful eye on him.

Taylormade · 07-31-2008, 03:17 AM

Sorry you are having all these problems. I am appauled that the breeder is not concerned that she is sending out pups with coccidia and giardia!!!! Keep up with the antibiotics......don't miss any doses and make sure you clean well. Coccidia will live in the boards in your floor, outside in the earth where he has gone poo. It is extremely difficult to get rid of once you have it. Studies have actually been done of burning wood where coccidia eggs were and then incubated the remains and the coccidia thrived!!! An ammonia based cleaner is the best while the coccidia is active and then you can use a mild bleach cleaner. Be sure you wash well when handling the feces as giardia is highly contagious even with people!!

LaPeque · 07-31-2008, 05:51 AM

Oscar is doing a lot better this morning, although when our other dog went out to potty, she had diarrhea spotted with mucus and blood. What a nightmare. I'm sure my little guy has infected her. One more day spent on trips to the vet! I'm off to disinfect everything. The sooner I can get rid of this, the sooner I can get to the other 1,246,654 things I was supposed to be accomplishing this summer. Taylormade - I can't believe that about the spores! I feel like we're in a war zone. The breeder has been in frequent contact with me since finding out about Oscar's infection and seems genuinely concerned. I'd be interested in knowing if any of the other pups developed the same symptoms after arriving in their new homes...

nicksgf · 07-31-2008, 06:09 AM

Scooter had coccidia when I first got him too, the vet said the breeder probably had no idea because it is "ignited" by stress - like travelling or going to a new owner etc. So she wouldn't have seen any signs at home.
It's very important your breeder knows also, because all of her dogs probably have it and she needs to do some serious cleaning and meds to get rid of it before another litter becomes infected also.
Good luck and I hope the first round of meds work for you!

Yorkieluv · 07-31-2008, 08:03 AM

Yep, coccidia and giardia are both very dangerous. Coccidia almost killed my yorkie...

yorkiesmiles · 07-31-2008, 08:43 AM

So glad your new pup is doing better. But how sorry I am to learn the other dog now has it

- wow this is so much to deal with. The cleaning, etc. Hugs to you

Wylie's Mom · 07-31-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaPeque

Oscar is doing a lot better this morning, although when our other dog went out to potty, she had diarrhea spotted with mucus and blood.

Yes, it will pass between dogs. If your other dog is older, it will *likely* pass quickly, thankfully. My Wylie (the adult) got it from Marcel (the puppy), but it passed after just a couple days of diarrhea.

Taylormade · 07-31-2008, 10:05 AM

My understanding is that it will pass onto all of your dogs. if you dont treat it you will get it back and yes, stress will make the symptoms start. The problem is that many larger dogs carry it and then they poo and then your dog walks on the spores and then licks their feet and then gets it. So many folks don't treat it so it becomes an epidemic. You should be treating all your dogs in your house........not just your puppy. A person can have it on their shoes and introduce it into their home. Treat it and clean clean clean!!

07-30-2008, 10:11 AM	#1
LaPeque Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: State College, PA Posts: 177	Worried that intestinal bacterial infection not clearing up Hi all - I am new to this site and brought home a male Yorkie puppy about two weeks ago. (He is now 12 weeks old). A day or so after bringing him home, he started to have diarrhea episodes followed by mucus that was tinged with blood. I spoke to the breeder, who suspected it was just due to stress. He was eating and drinking fine, and had a lot of energy so I did not take him to the vet at the time. A couple days later he suddenly and completely quit eating and drinking, but was still having the diarrhea/blood which had also started to smell unbearably bad. As he had been a little piggy up until that point, I decided something was really wrong and immediately rushed him to the vet. The fecal diagnostic turned up an intestinal infection (coccidia and giardia), and the vet put him on 7 days of Albon and Metronidazole. Within about 24 hours his stool started to get firmer and the blood and smell decreased, but did reappear sporadically. This is day 7 on the antibiotics, and while his initial bowel movements seem normal, he has started to pass mucus again and the blood has increased from just a "tinge" to what looks like drops of undiluted, fresh blood. I took him to the vet yesterday and he did another fecal culture ... he said to continue the antibiotics (there was nothing in the culture that "alarmed him") and bring puppy back next week. What worries me is the reappearance and increase in the blood, the mucus, and the fact that his appetite never fully returned to his pre-sickness size. (He pics at his food now, although he is gaining and not losing weight). His energy is fine (my mom affectionately calls him the "Yorkshire Terror") and if it weren't for the icky poop I wouldn't suspect a thing was wrong with him. Should I follow the vets advice, finish the antibiotic and wait this thing out? Or should I take him back and insist that they run more tests? My mother has been remodeling her kitchen and even though I watch him like a hawk, ona couple of occasions he has swallowed small bits of remodel junk that fell to the floor. (Small bits of styrofoam). Could this be contributing to his upset digestive system? Is there a chance that there is some kind of obstruction? Thank you for your help! I'm probably super paranoid, but my internet research has me fearing the very worst if he even sneezes!

07-30-2008, 02:26 PM	#2
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	I would definitely see the vet again or at least call them. Something is not right. And I hate to say this, but the breeder may have sent you an ill dog. You need to find out exactly what is wrong and you may need to speak with the breeder again. Did you get a health guarantee from the breeder? I am so sorry this little one is so sick. Welcome to YT - sorry you found us under such horrid conditions __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

07-30-2008, 03:00 PM	#4
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 7,178	When my yorkie had coccidia as a pup, it took 3 rounds (if I remember correctly) of antibiotics to get rid of it completely, so that could be what the problems is. Many times, coccidia does not show up on the fecal exams... Probiotics would be helpful. Talk to your vet about them. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

07-30-2008, 05:35 PM	#5
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	So, if I have it right - you are still seeing some firm poos though? Even though you're seeing some drops of blood? If that's correct, I'm not surprised. Giardia alone (but along w/ coccidia) is incredibly draining on young puppies and can actually kill them - so GOOD job on getting him in right away . Also, it can reinfect them immediately when they're done w/ the meds - so you should be cleaning everything w/ bleach water right now bc, as they're being treated, they're shedding "giardia cysts" wherever they go - reinfection is very likely - so beware. I had to treat my Marcel twice. In adult dogs, giardia isn't such a big deal. However, in puppies - giardia can actually start to digest some of the intestinal tissue - so, you may see some ongoing digestive issues well after the giardia is gone. You may not run into this - but if you do - please let me know and I'll try to help you as I went through MONTHS without anyone knowing how to help me. In the meantime, keep him hydrated and keep giving the meds - and know that you may see some weird stuff for awhile. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

07-31-2008, 03:17 AM	#7
Taylormade YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 6	Keep on with medication Sorry you are having all these problems. I am appauled that the breeder is not concerned that she is sending out pups with coccidia and giardia!!!! Keep up with the antibiotics......don't miss any doses and make sure you clean well. Coccidia will live in the boards in your floor, outside in the earth where he has gone poo. It is extremely difficult to get rid of once you have it. Studies have actually been done of burning wood where coccidia eggs were and then incubated the remains and the coccidia thrived!!! An ammonia based cleaner is the best while the coccidia is active and then you can use a mild bleach cleaner. Be sure you wash well when handling the feces as giardia is highly contagious even with people!!

07-30-2008, 02:56 PM	#3
LaPeque Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: State College, PA Posts: 177	Thanks so much for your reply ... I actually have to go to the vet in an hour to pick up my mother's dog, who had a dental cleaning, and I'll definitely ask them again about my little guy. I agree with you that he was probably sick when he came to me. I don't think the breeder was intentionally hiding anything from me (I picked him up from her house, and his poop was normal there.) I'm just wondering if he had something already "simmering" in his intestines that stress of moving to a new home caused to get out of control. Regardless of the circumstances, I'm so glad I found this site! What a wealth of information and wonderful people concerned about their Yorkies.

07-31-2008, 12:40 AM	#6
LaPeque Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: State College, PA Posts: 177	Thank you so much for all your replies! He seems to be doing a lot better this evening. The poos are firm and there isn't any sign of blood. I appreciate the advice and information as far as disinfecting, the probiotics and the general pervasive and persistent nature of this kind of infection. I think we might be through the worst, although I'm going to be keeping a very watchful eye on him.

07-31-2008, 05:51 AM	#8
LaPeque Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: State College, PA Posts: 177	Oscar is doing a lot better this morning, although when our other dog went out to potty, she had diarrhea spotted with mucus and blood. What a nightmare. I'm sure my little guy has infected her. One more day spent on trips to the vet! I'm off to disinfect everything. The sooner I can get rid of this, the sooner I can get to the other 1,246,654 things I was supposed to be accomplishing this summer. Taylormade - I can't believe that about the spores! I feel like we're in a war zone. The breeder has been in frequent contact with me since finding out about Oscar's infection and seems genuinely concerned. I'd be interested in knowing if any of the other pups developed the same symptoms after arriving in their new homes...

07-31-2008, 06:09 AM	#9
nicksgf Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 158	Scooter had coccidia when I first got him too, the vet said the breeder probably had no idea because it is "ignited" by stress - like travelling or going to a new owner etc. So she wouldn't have seen any signs at home. It's very important your breeder knows also, because all of her dogs probably have it and she needs to do some serious cleaning and meds to get rid of it before another litter becomes infected also. Good luck and I hope the first round of meds work for you! __________________ Sarah and Scooter

07-31-2008, 08:03 AM	#10
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 7,178	Yep, coccidia and giardia are both very dangerous. Coccidia almost killed my yorkie... __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

07-31-2008, 08:43 AM	#11
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	So glad your new pup is doing better. But how sorry I am to learn the other dog now has it - wow this is so much to deal with. The cleaning, etc. Hugs to you __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

07-31-2008, 10:05 AM	#13
Taylormade YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 6	treat it My understanding is that it will pass onto all of your dogs. if you dont treat it you will get it back and yes, stress will make the symptoms start. The problem is that many larger dogs carry it and then they poo and then your dog walks on the spores and then licks their feet and then gets it. So many folks don't treat it so it becomes an epidemic. You should be treating all your dogs in your house........not just your puppy. A person can have it on their shoes and introduce it into their home. Treat it and clean clean clean!!