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Old 08-31-2008, 06:47 AM   #1
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Default Depressed Dog Query from New Poster....

Hello! My partner and I are the proud parents of Bruiser, a 2 1/2-year old teacup Yorkie who usually is the loveable diva queen of our household (which includes us, my partner's father, my partner's father's caregiver -- who is here three days a week when my partner and I are out of the house for work -- and four cats who lived with us before we got Bruiser). Normally Bruiser is energetic and playful and clever and a total ham for attention.

However, over the last couple of weeks we've noticed some changes in our dog that makes us wonder if she is depressed or if she is suffering from a more physical ailment.

First, Bruiser had a somewhat upset stomach about two weeks ago. She threw up a little...but seemed to bounce back from that quickly with her usual personality intact.

But over the past couple of days, Bruiser's personality has seemed to shift in the following ways:

She is very reluctant to eat...progressing from not wanting pet food but liking treats and approved people food (e.g., scrambled eggs, roast) to refusing many approved people foods after a couple of bites to today needing her treat to be broken up into little pieces and hand-fed to her before she would eat it.

She seems noticeably more lethargic...sleeping more and not as excitable (a big change for the dog who used to jump and growl excitedly anytime any animal or person she did not recognize went by our house...or would play-wrestle our cats then cuddle up with them).

She is not enjoying her normal fun activities as much. For example, she used to dance around when the word "walk" was mentioned...and now she kind of shuffles over when we bring out her leash and harness. In fact, sometimes she sits in front of the house and refuses to budge when we want to take her on a walk. However, we sometimes see flashes of her old personality...like this morning when she wrestled one of our cats.

My partner and I have looked online this weekend to see what Bruiser's symptoms might indicate...and a lot of what we've read seems to suggest that she might be depressed (although we don't know why...unless something happened while we were at work). Has anyone dealt with depression in Yorkies that might be able to give us some insight? Or does anyone recognize these symptoms as sign of some other condition possibly? We are making an appointment with Bruiser's vet, but she is closed for the holiday weekend. Thanks for all replies!
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Old 08-31-2008, 07:11 AM   #2
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The depression I've seen in dogs has always been related to a very specific event (i.e., another pet has died in the house, a person has died, they've been re-homed etc.). So, it doesn't really sound like this to me.

But, anytime there is an appetite change in a dog, you really need to get to a vet - as this is a sign that the dog really is not feeling well at all. This appetite change, coupled with the lethargy makes me think there could be something going on here.

Btw, welcome to YT - I'm glad you found us, wish it was under better circumstances. Please update when you can and good luck with your baby.
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Old 08-31-2008, 07:28 AM   #3
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Welcome to YorkieTalk

I agree with Wylie's Mom. Little Bruiser needs to go to the vet for a good ole fashioned checkup including bloodwork. It sounds like there may be some underlying issues that might be causing the loss of appetite. I am glad to hear that you are going to make an appointment when this holiday weekend is over.

Please be sure that Bruiser takes in enough calories to sustain her until you can figure out what is going on. You don't want hypoglocemia to add to her discomfort. If she won't eat her regular food, offer something special - maybe some homemade chicken/rice with a few veges tossed in for good measure. You can also rub her gums with a bit of Kayro syrup, but if you go this route, be absolutely certain that she eats a slow buring carb - if not she can have an energy spike followed by a crash.

Good luck!
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Old 08-31-2008, 08:21 AM   #4
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I agree with the others. She needs to go to your vet for a complete physical including bloodwork.

This link shows what a simple CBC will tell your vet:

A typical blood chemistry panel usually includes

Has she ever had a bile acids test? Liver disease can cause the symptoms you have described and since it is so common in Yorkies, I'd have her BAT tested, too. All Yorkies should have a BAT test anyway.
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Old 08-31-2008, 08:35 AM   #5
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I can't add anything to what has been suggested above, but wanted to welcome you to YT and say that I hope your baby starts feeling better soon.

Please keep us posted on Bruiser's cond.

BTW, what a funny name for a little girl! cute
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Old 08-31-2008, 09:50 AM   #6
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Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice. Your note about depression being triggered by a specific event makes a lot of sense. I definitely agree that the appetite change is a big red flag, and we are planning on scheduling a vet visit ASAP.

I definitely will write in with an update as soon as we have news. Thanks again!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom View Post
The depression I've seen in dogs has always been related to a very specific event (i.e., another pet has died in the house, a person has died, they've been re-homed etc.). So, it doesn't really sound like this to me.

But, anytime there is an appetite change in a dog, you really need to get to a vet - as this is a sign that the dog really is not feeling well at all. This appetite change, coupled with the lethargy makes me think there could be something going on here.

Btw, welcome to YT - I'm glad you found us, wish it was under better circumstances. Please update when you can and good luck with your baby.
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Old 08-31-2008, 09:51 AM   #7
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Thanks for the insights...especially regarding the calorie count. We are trying to offer her favorite foods...and breaking them up for her (she seems to eat small bits more than even cut-up pieces). Thanks again!

Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom View Post
Welcome to YorkieTalk

I agree with Wylie's Mom. Little Bruiser needs to go to the vet for a good ole fashioned checkup including bloodwork. It sounds like there may be some underlying issues that might be causing the loss of appetite. I am glad to hear that you are going to make an appointment when this holiday weekend is over.

Please be sure that Bruiser takes in enough calories to sustain her until you can figure out what is going on. You don't want hypoglocemia to add to her discomfort. If she won't eat her regular food, offer something special - maybe some homemade chicken/rice with a few veges tossed in for good measure. You can also rub her gums with a bit of Kayro syrup, but if you go this route, be absolutely certain that she eats a slow buring carb - if not she can have an energy spike followed by a crash.

Good luck!
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Old 08-31-2008, 09:53 AM   #8
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Thanks for the information! I did not know that liver disease was so prevalent in Yorkies. I really appreciate the talking points for the vet!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladymom View Post
I agree with the others. She needs to go to your vet for a complete physical including bloodwork.

This link shows what a simple CBC will tell your vet:

A typical blood chemistry panel usually includes

Has she ever had a bile acids test? Liver disease can cause the symptoms you have described and since it is so common in Yorkies, I'd have her BAT tested, too. All Yorkies should have a BAT test anyway.
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Old 08-31-2008, 09:54 AM   #9
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Don't know if my previous post made it through.... Wanted to say thanks for teh talking points for the vet visit, especially since I was unaware that liver issues are so prevalent among Yorkies. Thanks for the good info!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladymom View Post
I agree with the others. She needs to go to your vet for a complete physical including bloodwork.

This link shows what a simple CBC will tell your vet:

A typical blood chemistry panel usually includes

Has she ever had a bile acids test? Liver disease can cause the symptoms you have described and since it is so common in Yorkies, I'd have her BAT tested, too. All Yorkies should have a BAT test anyway.
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Old 08-31-2008, 09:56 AM   #10
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Thanks for the warm welcome and concern.

Bruiser's name comes from LEGALLY BLONDE (my partner loves the flick...and he always said if he had a small dog he would name it Bruiser). Of course, she does live up to the name usually...wrestling our cats, going all guard dog when animals or strangers walk by the house, not just asking for but demanding attention. And we love her for it immensely! :-)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra View Post
I can't add anything to what has been suggested above, but wanted to welcome you to YT and say that I hope your baby starts feeling better soon.

Please keep us posted on Bruiser's cond.

BTW, what a funny name for a little girl! cute
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Old 08-31-2008, 10:20 AM   #11
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Your dog seems ill
Take her to a vet.
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Old 08-31-2008, 12:25 PM   #12
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Hi

It does sound like your little Yorkie has some health issue that is more than depression. I know the anguish that this makes you feel, these little dogs have a way of stealing our heart and souls. I have a few important suggestions for you while you are waiting to take her to the vet this weekend.

first, IT IS IMPERATIVE that you have Nutri-cal on hand and give it to her at least twice a day ( suggested amount) . this is so important, as these tiny dogs can go down hill very fast and crash. Even though she is past her puppy age, she can still get Hypoglycemia if her sugar falls too low.

How much does Bruiser weigh??

It is also IMPERATIVE that you make sure she stays hydrated. I suggest that you go and buy Pedilyte ( baby section at store). this will be excellent for maintaining her electrolytes and keeping her better hydrated. I would do this right away!

Do not be tempted to offer her many different foods, in hopes that she will eat. They have very delicate digestive systems and this could add to her distress in a big way. As has already been suggested, you should boil some skinless chicken, mix it with rice and see if she will eat this. another good possibility is to buy the strained meat (baby food) chicken or turkey, even the beef will be alright. This will be easy for her to lick up and they seem to really like it. It is so important that she have calories.

Watch her very closely this weekend and if she appears to be declining...Take her to an emergency vet. I know that this can expensive, however, sometimes it is just necessary.

Over the weekend, and while you are waiting to get her to the vet, allow her plenty of rest. I would forgo the walks or any other outings until you can find out what the problem is. If you have plans this weekend, I would stay home. I know this sounds extreme, but it is better to be there with her in case she needs you.

Please don't wait to get her to the vet if she seems at all worse over the weekend. Make her appt right away after the holiday.

We all understand the love you have for little Bruiser. I hope this will help ..you will be able to at least feel as though you are helping while waiting on the vet!

Welcome to YT!! I don't know what I would do without all of these caring people!

Please keep us posted, we will be following to see how she is.

Patti
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Old 08-31-2008, 12:34 PM   #13
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A few more thoughts...

Do think back to when you first noticed these changes...

Try to remember everything that you can which could have contributed to her current state.

Was she at the vet for anything? Shots?
Is she going potty normally, no changes?
Be sure to check her gums , make sure they are pink , not white.
While you are away at work...has your father or his caretaker noticed anything different about the way she acts or changes in her attitude with them?

Just ideas, my heart is with you.
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Old 08-31-2008, 02:10 PM   #14
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Hi and welcome to YT. I would definately take your baby to the vet ASAP. She is showing signs of not feeling well, so something medical needs to be ruled out.
Best wishes to you and your Bruiser.
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Old 09-01-2008, 10:38 AM   #15
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Thank you to everyone who has posted. I appreciate the vet suggestions, food tips, and other ideas and queries. Bruiser actually is feeling and acting much more like herself today, although we still are scheduling a vet appointment for her to get her checked out by a professional.

Regarding when the personality changes occurred...my partner's father's caregiver said she seemed sad around the middle of last week (at that point she was eating normally but the caregiver just said that she seemed "bummed out"). We chalked it up to her being sad that not only did I go back to my regular work hours (I was on a summer break and working fewer hours for a couple of months) but my partner also had a couple of late meetings last week. However, she still seemed happy when we came home, was eating her food, and was enjoying her fun activities like walks. It wasn't until this weekend when she was not eating much that we thought it could be something more serious.

Again, we are taking Bruiser to the vet this week, but she is doing much better today...much more energetic, reclaimed appetite, and acting like her usual loveable diva self. :-) Thanks again!
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