My 7 month old yorkie has 2 rows of teeth

[extazzz]

He weighs only 1- 1/2 lbs and has had health problems since I got him 2 months ago. His hair won't grow and looks thin, he gets weak all the time although I give him Nutri Cal 3 X day. He WAS eating Eukunuba dog food but can only eat soft food now and since last night, won't even eat soft food. The vet is closed til Monday so I am looking at a LONG weekend with him. He has thrown up twice today already. About a month ago he had what I would call a seizure out of the clear blue sky, no warning. Took him to ER Vet and they said he was stable and to take him home (All that for $115.00!!!) I now give him vitamins whever possible but so far nothing seems to help him. ANY suggestions? THANKS!!!

[Rerun201]

I would get him to a vet ASAP. If he's that tiny and hasn't eaten since yesterday and has thrown up, he needs to be seen immediately. Please don't wait til Monday, that may very well be too late for the little boy. Please keep us updated as to what you find out.

[megansmomma]

He sure is tiny! Have you tried to sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on his food? Dog eat by smell and sometimes the cheese does the trick. How about a little chicken and rice? He really needs to eat and drink.

I would be concerned that he is throwing up. If you cannot get him to eat you might consider the ER.

Many Yorkie have double teeth. They are usually removed during spay/neuter around this age.

[extazzz]

I use the Parmesan cheese trick alot. I finally got him to eat some tunafish. I was eating a sandwich and he showed interest so I opened a can for him and put it on a plate. He DID eat some!! Thank GOD!!

[Ladymom]

Has he had a bile acids test? Many of his symptoms suggest he may have a liver shunt which are very common in Yorkies, unfortunately. In fact, Yorkies are 36 times more likely to be born with a shunt than all other breeds combined.

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

[Jemma]

Your post states he has a double set of teeth?

[extazzz]

He is at vets as I write. They are keeping him this afternoon and running some tests. They also are doing bloodwork. Please pray for the little fellow!! Thanks!!

[Rerun201]

Lots of prayers being sent your way for both your baby and you. It sure is scary when they're sick, isn't it? Please keep us posted on how you're both doing!

[TLC]

Originally Posted by extazzz

He is at vets as I write. They are keeping him this afternoon and running some tests. They also are doing bloodwork. Please pray for the little fellow!! Thanks!!

Not to freak you, but I strongly believe he may have liver issues. As stated above Yorkies are more prone to LS. Also, the facts that you stated: tiny, health problems, picky eater and that he DID have a seizure leads me to believe he may indeed have liver issues. But not to worry, this is not a death sentence. PLEASE make sure your Vet is going to do a serum Bile Acid Test This will show liver function.

[smartpuppiepets]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Has he had a bile acids test? Many of his symptoms suggest he may have a liver shunt which are very common in Yorkies, unfortunately. In fact, Yorkies are 36 times more likely to be born with a shunt than all other breeds combined.

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

This was the first thought that came to my mind ... although i personally have no experience with this, there are many posts here about it... and the symptoms you describe seem to be present in most threads about this Liver Shunt condition, including the seizures... the vomiting and the small size. It seems that the smaller ones are even more prone to this condition.

You said that the vets are doing blood work, did you ask for the specific test to rule out the liver shunt, it is mentioned by someone else, Bile acid, i believe it is simple blood work , if it is it should not cost you much.

How did you find this baby?

Keep posting and updating... there is great help in this site !!!

Blessings .

[extazzz]

We're back from the vet's office. She did blood work and said his blood was fine, they also did a stool sample which came back fine also. She has put him on Amoxicillin 2 X a day and I am to "force feed" him every morning and night then give his meds. She gave me high protein canned foods to give him too. She advised that he was not absorbing enough protein when he ate although I have offered him EVERYTHING I can think of to make him eat!! She said to return in one week and if this doesn't make him bounce back then our next step is to go to the University of Tennessee (in Knoxville 3 and a half to 4 hours away) and that they can do tests there to check and see if it is either an enlarged kidney/heart or if they are too small and also to tell if a shunt would be possible or improbable. And I have to keep a diary on him for the next week to let her know everything he does.
So keep saying your prayers and we'll check back in a week.
p.s. She also said his teeth would be OK and that they were definitely NOT causing his problem!

[suzieqnova]

Poor baby... I definitely will keep you guys in my thoughts.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by extazzz

We're back from the vet's office. She did blood work and said his blood was fine, they also did a stool sample which came back fine also. She has put him on Amoxicillin 2 X a day and I am to "force feed" him every morning and night then give his meds. She gave me high protein canned foods to give him too. She advised that he was not absorbing enough protein when he ate although I have offered him EVERYTHING I can think of to make him eat!! She said to return in one week and if this doesn't make him bounce back then our next step is to go to the University of Tennessee (in Knoxville 3 and a half to 4 hours away) and that they can do tests there to check and see if it is either an enlarged kidney/heart or if they are too small and also to tell if a shunt would be possible or improbable. And I have to keep a diary on him for the next week to let her know everything he does.
So keep saying your prayers and we'll check back in a week.
p.s. She also said his teeth would be OK and that they were definitely NOT causing his problem!

So no bile acid test was done?

I am concerned that your vet gave you high protein food for him. If a liver shunt is even suspected, that is absolutely the worst food for him. The ammonia in animal proteins build up in toxic levels in the body of a dog with a shunt, causing seizures and other neurological symptoms. If you notice him feeling worse, please, please stop the food asap and contact your vet.

I am glad you are near U of T. I think he really needs to be seen there.

[extazzz]

So you think I should NOT be giving him high protein foods? The vet said his body was NOT absorbing the Protein. Am confused!!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by extazzz

So you think I should NOT be giving him high protein foods? The vet said his body was NOT absorbing the Protein. Am confused!!

I am not a vet so I am not going to advise you to go against her recommendations. I just wanted to let you know if he does have a shunt, the high protein food will make him very sick. The ammonia from the protein will build up to toxic levels because the liver can't process it properly. If he starts acting sicker, please stop the food and contact your vet asap.

This is what the U of T website says about diet for dogs with a shunt:

Diet: Because many of the toxins produced in the intestines come from protein, it is important to reduce the amount of protein in the diet. Dog food for adults and puppies usually contains 25% and 29% protein, respectively, and may have meat byproducts. Dogs with shunts need high quality proteins made from milk or vegetable, and are restricted to a protein content of 18% or less (on a dry matter basis). The diets should be easily digestible, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and low in copper and iron.


Portosystemic Shunts FAQ