PLEASE READ... Our New Yorkie Pup is Sick!

[Cerise]

From the research I found it sounds like Coccidia:

Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that live in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They cause disease most commonly in puppies and kittens less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed, or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present).




How are coccidia transmitted? A puppy is not born with the coccidia organisms in his intestine. However, once born, the puppy is frequently exposed to his mother's feces, and if the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces, then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop within the young animal's intestines. Since young puppies, usually those less than six months of age, have no immunity to coccidia, the organisms reproduce in great numbers and parasitize the young animal's intestines. Oftentimes, this has severe effects.

From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is about 13 days. Most puppies who are ill from coccidia are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. Although most infections are the result of spread from the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected puppy or kitten is contagious to other puppies or kittens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those that are not.


What are the symptoms of coccidiosis? The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease.

Most infected puppies encountered by the authors are in the four to twelve week age group. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhea is encountered in this age group. A microscopic fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a diagnosis.

It should be mentioned that stress plays a role in the development of coccidiosis. It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy puppy to arrive at his new home and develop diarrhea several days later leading to a diagnosis of coccidia. If the puppy has been at the new home for less than thirteen days, then he had coccidia before he arrived. Remember, the incubation period (from exposure to illness) is about thirteen days. If the puppy has been with his new owner several weeks, then the exposure to coccidia most likely occurred after the animal arrived at the new home.


What are the risks? Although many cases are mild, it is not uncommon to see severe, bloody diarrhea result in dehydration and even death. This is most common in animals who are ill or infected with other parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Coccidiosis is very contagious, especially among young puppies. Entire kennels may become contaminated, with puppies of many age groups simultaneously affected.


What is the treatment of coccidiosis? Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon®) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen®) have been effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy's own immunity to develop and remove the organisms. Drug treatments of one to three weeks are usually required.


How is coccidiosis prevented or controlled? Because coccidia is spread by the feces of carrier animals, it is very important to practice strict sanitation. All fecal material should be removed. Housing needs to be such that food and water cannot become contaminated with feces. Clean water should be provided at all times. Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water, or a 10% ammonia solution are the best methods to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing.

Cockroaches and flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to another. Mice and other animals can ingest the coccidia and when killed and eaten by a dog, for instance, can infect the dog. Therefore, insect and rodent control is very important in preventing coccidiosis.
The coccidia species of dogs and cats do not infect humans.

[Cerise]

The sad thing is if the Vet is right (which probably is) it would mean the breeder doesn't have a healthy enough environment for her Dam or litters. I am beginning to realize there are far too many amateur breeders out there that take people for granted by claiming to sell healthy puppies.

[ARCHIE]

I want to add my prayer's for your baby to get well.
Hope today was a better day for her. Once all the
info is together I would have no problem passing that on
to the breeder and requesting those vet bills be covered!
Even if it's not a shunt, praying it's not, coming to her new
family with Coccidia is unexceptable! All her other dogs must
be sick as well!
Good luck to you. Sorry instead of feeling joy your going
though such a stressful time.


Hugs,

[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I want to add my prayer's for your baby to get well.
Hope today was a better day for her. Once all the
info is together I would have no problem passing that on
to the breeder and requesting those vet bills be covered!
Even if it's not a shunt, praying it's not, coming to her new
family with Coccidia is unexceptable! All her other dogs must
be sick as well!
Good luck to you. Sorry instead of feeling joy your going
though such a stressful time.


Hugs,

Good luck w/that!!!...Sometimes, these inexperienced back-yard breeders are so unaware of coccidia, they will swear on a stack of bibles, that the pup didn't have it, when they left their premises...But, as your printed documentation clearly states, pups are not born with coccidia in their intestines, they have to contract it from somewhere!!! It just doesn't rear it's ugly head 'till the pup is under stress, from a move, etc., It's called being in that river in egypt...Denial....

[mylittlegirls]

Cerise, it's wonderful to have people like you on Yorkie Talk to supply such great information. I've never heard of this and I've had Yorkies for 19 years.

I sure hope your little one get's better real soon. I don't think I could handle a small puppy this size. When I got Breese she was 2.5 lbs and I was just plain worried just having her that small.
Breese was born with birth defects and was very withdrawn from her brother and sister's. In time she has become very outgoing and loving to everyone. Considering I'm with them 24/7 and we're the only one's in my cottage, maybe this made the difference. Breese birth defects were corrected at a year old and she has a little trouble but doesn't keep her down.

I'll keep checking back for updates. I'll keep her in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

Thanks again for all the interesting information.
Kathleen.. Mom To My Little Girls: Punken Pie and Breese Be Be

[YorkieMom6]

WOW - It is great to see all of the information and great advice from so many.

I have no advice to give but want you to know that we hold Phoebe and you in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for continual improvement and comfort!

((huggs))

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cerise

The sad thing is if the Vet is right (which probably is) it would mean the breeder doesn't have a healthy enough environment for her Dam or litters. I am beginning to realize there are far too many amateur breeders out there that take people for granted by claiming to sell healthy puppies.

Or, they simply do not know. Pretty difficult to imagine someone breeding and not being knowledgable about something as common as coccidea; but it does happen.

I know someone that happened to and the breeder blamed the person for the illness....just a few days after purchasing the puppy. Either the breeder thought she was stupid OR the breeder was just that ill informed. You would think that, if the breeder loved the pups, he/she would want to know and apologize for not knowing and do what he/she could to help the person and assure them that they would not let it happen in another litter. But....no, they chose to play the blame game. As you called it: "amateur". That is why so many are in rescue...too many amateurs.

I feel awful for the reputable breeders who must all cringe when they hear the stories out there.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Cerise

The sad thing is if the Vet is right (which probably is) it would mean the breeder doesn't have a healthy enough environment for her Dam or litters. I am beginning to realize there are far too many amateur breeders out there that take people for granted by claiming to sell healthy puppies.

I am sorry for anyone who has to go through this. I've never bgeen thrlough it but I can imagine it is not fun.

The problem is that these parasites an lay dormant in the system until it is stressed, such as a long car ride, or a new home. It does not mean the the breeder does not have a clean or a safe environment.

As the information stated, worming them does not get rid of the parasite it just puts it back to it's dormant state. It can flare up again if the dog is stressed, but after 6 months of age their systems are stronger.

It's sad for a new owner to have to start off with a sick puppy, but that is one of the risks that you take when you get a new puppy.

It does not mean that the breeder did anything wrong or that the facility is dirty or that the dogs are unhealthy or neglected.

She probably wormed the puppies several times before you got her.

Many breeders like to worm them just before they go to their new homes in hopes of preventing a flare up.

I hope your little one is getting better.

[ladyjane]

Isn't deworming different than treating coccidia? And, shouldn't a breeder know whether or not their pups are carriers and warn the people buying of the possibility of coccidia? Or, am I expecting too much?

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Isn't deworming different than treating coccidia? And, shouldn't a breeder know whether or not their pups are carriers and warn the people buying of the possibility of coccidia? Or, am I expecting too much?

Yes it's different and since it comes from the mother's feces breeders should have their dams tested and treated. And keep her clean and in a clean environment. BYB's (amateurs) have no clue to what makes a puppy healthy. They don't do test. They just breed two AKC or whatever registry pair of dogs together and pray for healthy appearing puppies. They lie and say the puppies all checked out great from a commercial vet. They claim to be experts and say that they don't have time or associate with snobby breeders (reputable ones) because they love the breed to much for the politics of being a part of a club. They claim to breed because they LOVE the breed so much and everyone always wants one of their gorgeous puppies from their beautiful Dam and Sire. Then they make up some excuse to why the both (the parents) look shabby when you go to see the puppies...they haven't had time for the groomer lately with the pregnancy, they've been too busy, etc., etc. Knowing they don't spend that much money on their parent dogs in the first place. They use cheap food and send you home with a ziplock bag of it and a questionable vet chart for vaccinations on an eight week old puppy and sometimes younger, and sometimes a little older because the puppy hadn't sold yet.

All of this amateur stuff makes me sick!

[Cerise]

Oh,

BYB"S never tell the fact that they got their Dams and Sires from BYB"S too.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Isn't deworming different than treating coccidia? And, shouldn't a breeder know whether or not their pups are carriers and warn the people buying of the possibility of coccidia? Or, am I expecting too much?

No it is part of the deworming that they do. they treat with albon for Coccidia and panacur for giardia.

And NO absolutely not. There is NO way for a breeder to know, because unless the dogs are neglected and under stress, the adults will not show any symptoms and neither will the puppiesw unitl they are stressed.

So there can be no signs at all at the breeders facility. It is not fatal if it is caught and treated, it is just a bad situation for the new owner and most of them blame the breeder. But when the puppy left the breederes home it was healthy.

I am not unsypmpathetic to the new owners. I imagine it is a terrible way to start out. But in most cases if you bought from a reputable breeder it truly is not their fault. sometimes Sh** happens and no one is to blame.

This could kill a breeders dogs also so no one will leave it untreated.

[nsleik]

First of all… Thank you to EVERYONE for the overwhelming number of replies and PMs. Your support and prayers mean a lot to us and little Phoebe!

Chattiesmom… Phoebe’s NapSak is the little piece of home that is with her right now (as she is STILL at the Vet’s office). The vet says, “She LOVES that thing”. Thanks for everything ;o)

Patti & Lillymae… Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately “Albon” (for Coccidia) is unavailable via IV. However, I’ll have to keep Cesar’s in mind in case she continues to not eat.

Lioncross4, chestermama, Sweet Apple, ladyjane, jnlellison, Mom to Hot Rod, Micah my love, ARCHIE, mylittlegirls, YorkieMom6, JeanieK… Thank you for ALL of your kindness and prayers. We’re sure little Phoebe is doing better because of it.

WV~Yorkies… To answer your question: Phoebe will be 14 weeks old on Friday (12/04/09).

Dwerten… Thank you for the link. Our vet did in fact conduct both pre and post bile acid tests and thankfully, they came back with “Normal” results. The test was sent out and NOT conducted in-house. He was watching her blood glucose closely to prevent another hypoglycemic attack (from her not eating/lack of interest in food). The vet suspects that her Coccidia infection is coexisting with some other more serious bacterial infection – hence the “Shift to the Left” with her white blood cells (WBCs). His tech discovered a trace amount of green discharge from her eye leading him to believe she may have a respiratory infection. After 2-3 days of antibiotics, she’s doing somewhat better.

Cerise… We appreciate your concern and taking the time to look up all the information on Coccidia. Your contributions to YorkieTalk REALLY DO mean a lot!

[nsleik]

***PHOEBE'S UPDATE***
The news we’ve ALL been waiting for. Late last night Phoebe showed interest in food by having a single lick of Hill’s a/d food (didn’t eat it though). This was her first sign of interest in almost a week (since last Friday, 11/27). Today (12/03) the vet called to let us know she ate small pieces of hamburger and then ate a little bit of the a/d food. Things are definitely going in the right direction! He wants to keep her one more day to begin Albon treatment and make sure the vomiting and/or diarrhea don’t return. Hopefully by this time tomorrow, our little girl will be home! Thank you to everyone for ALL of your love and support through this very stressful dilemma. Please continue to pray as we still worry that she may revert back to NOT eating when she comes home. We love you all… Thank You!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

No it is part of the deworming that they do. they treat with albon for Coccidia and panacur for giardia.

And NO absolutely not. There is NO way for a breeder to know, because unless the dogs are neglected and under stress, the adults will not show any symptoms and neither will the puppiesw unitl they are stressed.

So there can be no signs at all at the breeders facility. It is not fatal if it is caught and treated, it is just a bad situation for the new owner and most of them blame the breeder. But when the puppy left the breederes home it was healthy.

I am not unsypmpathetic to the new owners. I imagine it is a terrible way to start out. But in most cases if you bought from a reputable breeder it truly is not their fault. sometimes Sh** happens and no one is to blame.

This could kill a breeders dogs also so no one will leave it untreated.

Oh, I realize they will not know the first time. But...the first time should give them a clue.

But, the puppies do not have to be under severe stress and/or neglected. It could be as simple as being taken from their moms and moving to a new home! They clearly get it from the carrier...and ANY stress might start it. Not fair to blame a buyer.

After the first time I believe breeders should tell people so that IF a pup shows any signs they know exactly what it is and what to do about it.

Actually the person I know imo did not buy from someone reputable...there were no checks done on the buyer...zilch, none, and no contract.