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-   -   2.8 pound yorkie needs our help (https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sick-injured-emergencies-talk/239650-2-8-pound-yorkie-needs-our-help.html)

dionysios5 01-05-2012 08:48 AM

2.8 pound yorkie needs our help
 
Her name is Zoey, shes 2.8 pounds and is 18 months old.

Since winter started she has not been outside except when in the car when we visit family.

She gets plenty of exercise, her favorite game is catch and given her size our 4 1/2 apartment is more than enough for her to run around chasing the ball and tire herself out.
She is always jumping onto the couch and getting on the top cushion to look outside the window at her sworn enemies, the squirrels.

DAY 1: She started running funny, her back right leg was not being used, looked like a limp. She could no longer jump onto the bed or the couch.

I though maybe it was something caught between her toes or some long hairs, but that was not the case.

DAY 2: The next day she started tilting her head to one side, and then falling over when she walked. always on the same side as if her balance was affected.

DAY 3: The next day it got worse and she puked on my sister in law so we decided to take her to the vet.

They could not give us a definite answer so they prescribed antibiotics in case its an ear infection.

Later that evening we noticed an improvement in her rear leg function and the tilting was reduced.

DAY 4: The next day the symptoms came back and now I want to know if anyone has experienced this and how long before we start seeing some improvements.


Other things ive noted :

She pukes 3-4 hours after takign her pill, baytril 15mg. The vet said we had to keep her on this pill for 2 weeks and then another 4 after that if she gets better.

Appetite is reduced but i sill find her poop so shes definitely eating.

Has not been able to jump since Day 1.

Zoey is greatful for any help :D

chachi 01-05-2012 09:25 AM

There could actually be a couple of things going on for her luxating patella with the leg and maybe something neurological with the inbalance and falling over. I think you need to take her to a specialty vet like a neurologist

MorkieMomma 01-05-2012 09:28 AM

Hi there,

Admittedly, I am definitely *not* a Yorkie expert, but I have experience with tiny dogs.

I would first and foremost purchase, or build, two sets of pet steps. One leading up to your bed and another leading up to the couch. Tiny dogs, especially the weight you describe, should not be jumping off and on couches and beds.

They're really easy to construct. My husband made ours from plywood and plush carpet for around twenty dollars (we had the extra carpet already).

If not, like I said you can purchase them. PetCo has some here, as does PetSmart. I'm sure you could even order some online.

They're VERY easy for your pet to get used to, and it's fairly easy to train them to use them. :)

I'm definitely not pinpointing her injury/illness to jumping off and on your couch and bed, but I do know that its really dangerous to let them do that, as it can easily cause injury of the skeletal and muscular system, as well as host of internal issues.

I pray someone here will be able to assist you in regard to her symptoms and possible causes, and that your Zoey is feeling MUCH better, very very soon.

:animal-pa

Bitsy 01-05-2012 09:30 AM

Sounds to me like an immediate trip to a neurologist is in order.

PLEASE take her in for a full examination with someone board certified.

Good luck and keep us posted please.

broodizt 01-05-2012 09:57 AM

Has she had any recent shots? Muffin experienced tilting her head to the side and falling over after she had rabies and another shot together. Heavy metal poisoning for Muffin. Don't know if this is the same thing. If she did have shots recently, get her to a wholistic vet ASAP. If not, then not sure, but these symptoms are the same as Muffins. Muffin was about 3lbs.
Good luck. I'll be thinking of you.



Quote:

Originally Posted by dionysios5 (Post 3778599)
Her name is Zoey, shes 2.8 pounds and is 18 months old.

Since winter started she has not been outside except when in the car when we visit family.

She gets plenty of exercise, her favorite game is catch and given her size our 4 1/2 apartment is more than enough for her to run around chasing the ball and tire herself out.
She is always jumping onto the couch and getting on the top cushion to look outside the window at her sworn enemies, the squirrels.

DAY 1: She started running funny, her back right leg was not being used, looked like a limp. She could no longer jump onto the bed or the couch.

I though maybe it was something caught between her toes or some long hairs, but that was not the case.

DAY 2: The next day she started tilting her head to one side, and then falling over when she walked. always on the same side as if her balance was affected.

DAY 3: The next day it got worse and she puked on my sister in law so we decided to take her to the vet.

They could not give us a definite answer so they prescribed antibiotics in case its an ear infection.

Later that evening we noticed an improvement in her rear leg function and the tilting was reduced.

DAY 4: The next day the symptoms came back and now I want to know if anyone has experienced this and how long before we start seeing some improvements.


Other things ive noted :

She pukes 3-4 hours after takign her pill, baytril 15mg. The vet said we had to keep her on this pill for 2 weeks and then another 4 after that if she gets better.

Appetite is reduced but i sill find her poop so shes definitely eating.

Has not been able to jump since Day 1.

Zoey is greatful for any help :D


kalina82 01-05-2012 10:00 AM

Welcome to YT! Glad you found us.

I would be very concerned about the head tilt and falling over. I would seek a second opinion from another vet. The best thing to do is ask your current vet for a referral to a board certified neurologist. There could be something seriously wrong with her spine and she could become much worse very quickly. It could also be something as simple as an ear infection and LP, but I'd rather be sure it wasn't something serious immediately then wait it out on the antibiotics for 2 weeks.

Baytril is a very strong antibiotic and can cause stomach upset. Make sure you give it with food and not on an empty stomach.

Did your vet do a swab of the ear to see if it was infected? Was he very concerned about the head tilt? Did he do any x-rays or range of motion on her neck and rear legs?

I would also recommend not letting her jump on or off of something because she is so tiny. These guys can break bones very easily. There have been many threads on YT about this very thing. The dog usually has to have surgery and be in a cast for at least 2 months, and be on strict crate rest 24/7. Its not fun.

I have stairs that I got at petco for my couch and my bed. I also had my father build a ramp out of ply wood and then stapled a towel to it for traction. Worked very well for the dog but I eventually got rid of it after running in to it one too many times during the night. :rolleyes: plastic stairs are much more forgiving.

gemy 01-05-2012 10:02 AM

Agree with Bitsy. You should see a specialist. The head tilt coupled with falling over is a worrisome sign.

I also would recommend you call your vet - as she is throwing up the pill, you need to know if enough of the medicine is remaining in her system to do any good.

What blood work was done? Was an xray taken of the leg? Is she bearing any weight on the leg at all? If she is non weight bearing that is not a good sign. There can be a fracture of any of the tarsal bones, or luxating patella, or a ligament rupture, any number of things from her hip on that side to her toes.

Fractures how-ever do not account for the head tilt or the "falling over". Dogs can get by really well on three legs. The two aforementioned signs can be signalling a neurological deficit, that can originate from the upper cervical spine or very high on the thoracic spine.

For her safety I would restrict her activities right now, until her condition improves and or you get a diagnosis. No running and chasing after balls.

Do you have a good specialty hospital in Montreal? I would be taking her there for a consult. At this type of hospital you have a team of specialists on board.

dionysios5 01-05-2012 04:03 PM

Thanks for all your replies

We Have a step for her To Get into bed , I also had one for the couch but she prefers jumping straight onto it given it's pretty low

They did not offer to draw blood they simply looked at her eyes for signs of a seizure I think

Then they tried to look in her ear but could not identify the problem she then sAid that the swelling of the drum can be hard to see in such a small dog do she opted for the antibiotics

Her back legs are being used now which is nice, she still seems disoriented n head tilt and falling over still an issue

I also noticed she does not like stepping on the cold tile in the bathroom where her food n pipi pad are perhaps this is pointing more to her being sick hopefully n not neurological

My spouse is especially stressed if there are no improvements in the next 48 we will bring her to another vet

My zoey thanks you all and would give you kisses if she could :)

gemy 01-05-2012 05:01 PM

Something like this place that has specialists on staff:

Centre Veterinaire DMV

megansmomma 01-05-2012 05:07 PM

A neurologist is needed ASAP. There is something going on that needs to be address further. Please keep us posted.

Mom to Hot Rod 01-05-2012 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chachi (Post 3778643)
There could actually be a couple of things going on for her luxating patella with the leg and maybe something neurological with the inbalance and falling over. I think you need to take her to a specialty vet like a neurologist

:thumbup:

TxVicki 01-05-2012 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dionysios5 (Post 3779198)
Thanks for all your replies

We Have a step for her To Get into bed , I also had one for the couch but she prefers jumping straight onto it given it's pretty low

They did not offer to draw blood they simply looked at her eyes for signs of a seizure I think

Then they tried to look in her ear but could not identify the problem she then sAid that the swelling of the drum can be hard to see in such a small dog do she opted for the antibiotics

Her back legs are being used now which is nice, she still seems disoriented n head tilt and falling over still an issue

I also noticed she does not like stepping on the cold tile in the bathroom where her food n pipi pad are perhaps this is pointing more to her being sick hopefully n not neurological

My spouse is especially stressed if there are no improvements in the next 48 we will bring her to another vet

My zoey thanks you all and would give you kisses if she could :)

I know if this was my dog, there is no way I would wait another 48 hrs. If it is something neuro, waiting that 48 hrs could cause more damage. I would take to the Vet Specialist ASAP.

Buster Brown 01-05-2012 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dionysios5 (Post 3779198)
Thanks for all your replies

We Have a step for her To Get into bed , I also had one for the couch but she prefers jumping straight onto it given it's pretty low

They did not offer to draw blood they simply looked at her eyes for signs of a seizure I think

Then they tried to look in her ear but could not identify the problem she then sAid that the swelling of the drum can be hard to see in such a small dog do she opted for the antibiotics

Her back legs are being used now which is nice, she still seems disoriented n head tilt and falling over still an issue

I also noticed she does not like stepping on the cold tile in the bathroom where her food n pipi pad are perhaps this is pointing more to her being sick hopefully n not neurological

My spouse is especially stressed if there are no improvements in the next 48 we will bring her to another vet

My zoey thanks you all and would give you kisses if she could :)

I am so sorry to hear that Zooey is having multiple problems and hope you are able to find out what is causing her issues. For me I would not wait 48 hours. I would take Zoey to an emergency vet for a second opinion and defintiely set up an appointment with a neurologist. They did not draw blood, your vet tried to look in the ear but it was too small, and only did a visual check of the eyes for a seizure. So no real intensive diagnostic tests were done for a definitive diagnosis. I am no vet and mean no disrespect to your vet but just giving antibiotics seems a bit like a bandaid treatment for some very serious symptoms. I hope you will reconsider and take her in sooner than later. I hope everything turns out ok and wish Zoey and her Mom and Dad all the best. Please keep us updated on her and let her know that Buster sends her kisses and hopes she is feeling better soon.

Bitsy 01-05-2012 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buster Brown (Post 3779341)
I am so sorry to hear that Zooey is having multiple problems and hope you are able to find out what is causing her issues. For me I would not wait 48 hours. I would take Zoey to an emergency vet for a second opinion and defintiely set up an appointment with a neurologist. They did not draw blood, your vet tried to look in the ear but it was too small, and only did a visual check of the eyes for a seizure. So no real intensive diagnostic tests were done for a definitive diagnosis. I am no vet and mean no disrespect to your vet but just giving antibiotics seems a bit like a bandaid treatment for some very serious symptoms. I hope you will reconsider and take her in sooner than later. I hope everything turns out ok and wish Zoey and her Mom and Dad all the best. Please keep us updated on her and let her know that Buster sends her kisses and hopes she is feeling better soon.

I completely agree!

ladyjane 01-05-2012 09:01 PM

Agree with everyone else...I would not wait 48 hours. She needs to be seen asap! I will say a prayer for your little Zoey...
Please keep us updated.


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