puzzled & desperate
 

Hello everyone. I really some opinions about what I should do! I will try to shorten this the best way I can.

At this point I've taken him to 5 vets. The first being the vet I've seen for 8 years since I got my 1st dog & the only vet Charlie has ever seen. I've got no real answers and I'm really worried. It had been 2 weeks since his 6 month check up. Everything was good & he got his trifexis. Completely normal.

2 weeks after the check up it all began. Out of nowhere, Charlie had something that looked somewhat like a seizure. He's never done this before so of course I immediately ran him to our vet. He said it was probably just a seizure and that Charlie would be sore for a few days. He didn't offer any explanation as to why this happened out of nowhere. I have trusted him for 8 years so I saw no reason to that day.
The next morning is when Charlie began acting completely different and out of character. This worried me the most and it broke my heart. He then threw up. It was yellow/white foam. Shortly after he had diarrhea that was black tar in color. I called my vet immediately and he kind of dismissed it and said AGAIN it was nothing to worry about. I couldn't figure out why he was acting this way. It was completely out of character. So Charlie had diarrhea again and I called the vet back and asked if we could just do some blood work and maybe an x-ray just to be safe. He said it was unnecessary so that was the last time I called him. I called around for advice on a good vet I could take him to. There was one about 1 1/2 hours away so I took him there. He felt on Charlie's stomach & he yelped like he was in pain. He said Charlie needed to stay over night to be observed. At this point, he hadn't ate or drank for 2 days. So even though I didn't want to I left him because I didn't know what else to do. I had tried everything at home and he was just getting worse. I picked him up the next morning and he looked worse then before I dropped him off. They said everything was checked and all was fine. So they just stopped looking and said he would be fine. I was nauseous because I thought "I can't believe this. He is sick and no one will help." I tried another vet that had good reviews and I asked if she could do some blood work and maybe an x-ray just to look at things. She didn't think it was needed and that it was just a stomach bug. Next, Charlie began alternating his food and water. Sometimes he wouldn't eat any food but drink an excessive amount of water at one time. Then he would switch to he wanted no water at all but would eat a small amount of food. But he was becoming more and more dehydrated. His gums were so white. And he was still not acting anything like his usual self. I felt like I was looking at a completely different dog and I couldn't take it. I was breaking down. I saw him withering away. The next vet did an x-ray and said everything looked & felt fine & she didn't know why he was so lethargic. I left there in tears while Charlie's head was slumped over because he didn't have the energy to raise it. We got home and Charlie really scared me. He started running his tongue out of his mouth over and over so fast, snorting, and body twitches. And he acted so weird. I could tell he knew if was about to happen because he would jump up really fast and run to me. Then he run away and hide in the corner. He wanted to be alone and he's never wanted to be alone. He's slept with us every night and he wouldn't stay in our bed. He would jump down and get on the back of the couch. Twice I went and put him back in the bed but he jumped down both times so I just went and layed on the couch beside him, cried, and never took my eyes off him until the sun came up. The next day the most bizarre thing happened. The 4th vet called and said she wanted to treat him as though he had Lyme disease. She didn't do any blood work but said he had some symptoms. I was so confused. And desperate so I tried the antibiotic but became worried so I stopped. He began acting somewhat better but then I got the biggest shock ever. One morning he was scooting his butt on the floor. This was the first time he ever did this. And then that night he had a bowel movement and it was full of WORMS!! I could not believe this was happening. He is up to date on everything and I cannot figure this out. I took him to the final vet and she said it was tapeworms. She gave him a pill. It's now 2 weeks later but he's passed no worms. And he's had some horrible diarrhea that looks like it's way to much to come out of his little body. Today he started eating grass anytime we have him on the leash outside. Usually he's preoccupied with running and chasing things but he eats grass the whole time we're out there. His poor tummy rumbles constantly and he's belching a lot! I'm lost and I can't find anyone who I feel knows what's really going.

I'm so worried so if anyone knows or has any ideas I would greatly appreciate it!

This is awful! You must feel so alone and scared! Do you have friends or family close by with pets who could help you find a vet? Are you in Rome, Italy?
I will pm some people to come and help you.

Shannon

Poor little Charlie and you! This is so frustrating not to have much help from the doctors.

Did they do a fecal test? I'm not familiar with how long treatment is for worms, but I don't recall hearing of such extreme symptoms.

How much does he weigh? Because of the seizure, I would switch from Trifexus to Sentinel or another product. I would also want bloodwork done to check liver functions and overall health: CBC, chemistry panel, BATs, and whatever else.

Do you have access to an internal medicine specialist?

The best vet school in the country is in Auburn, Al. http://www.auburnvethospital.com/ http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/hospital That isn't all that far. (140 miles) Your Baby sounds very, very sick and like he could die if something isn't done immediately. Please keep trying and update soon!

OMG......I can only imagine your frustration and dispair.I am sorry...I am not clear what "Rome" you are in. I am PRAYING you are here in the USA, and can do as suggested above and get to the vet school. I have no idea exactly how far you are from Auburn.....if you ARE here in the USA, load up your baby and head there....meanwhile, if I were you, I would STOP all heartworm, flea, etc medication....he is sick and these medicines need to be given to healthy animals....until you can get a diagnosis for this baby, do not give these or any of the other wormers/flrea prevention meds. My vet will not give Trifexis to my Yorkies on a good day.....when you get thru this event, maybe something you would want to reconsider. Please, keep us updated on your baby's progress....get to a vet school for help....they have all the specialists under one roof, with all the cutting edge equipment necessary to teach and train our nations vets....Being a Texan, I champion our own Texas A&M, but if Auburn is closer to you (we have a Rome, Texas too!) scurry there immediately.....I am fearful you may loose your baby without immediate help......

Totally agree...Charlie needs to see a Good vet & in your situation I'd be at Auburn asap since his life could be at stake. I've heard some really bad things about Trifexis lately and it scares me. I hope everything turns out ok Melissa, please let us know when you can since I know YT & everyone who reads this thread will be thinking of him.

(I checked the OPs zip from her profile & she's in Rome Ga.)

Just read your heartbreaking and frustrating story. I have no experience but just wanted you to know that I am sending positive thoughts your way and certainly hope that you find out what's making your baby sick... SOON. All the very best to you and Charlie!!!

This is how I knew where she was, which is about 50mi from me. I grew up 40 min from Auburn and have seen miracles worked there. I hope she gets that baby properly diagnosed and treated before he is unrecoverable. I am very worried.

I have also heard good things about Dalton Animal Care Dalton Animal Care - Our Doctors
Closer than Auburn, too

Praying you can find out what's wrong with your baby. I have heard some bad things about trifexis.

Thank you everyone. All of your messages and concern make me feel better. I am in Rome, Ga. I will definitely be taking him soon. I'll keep y'all updated.

Great! Looking forward to your update:) Drive safely, as we all know how these little ones can make us worry and be distracted. All the very best in your visit.

What's happening? I'm in Rome Italy and have a marvelous vet, but you seem to be in Georgia.. I can't believe how offhanded the doctors were with you. Keep us posted.

Also I'd get him on Denamarin to protect his liver...and see the specialist/vet school immediately.

dog
 

I do not like what I hear about reactions to Triflexis. I would NEVER put my Yorkies on this poison. Anyone reading these texts and using this med better reconsider. Seizures, vomiting. NO WAY Get your dog off this before they have problems.

awesome!
 

Oh my goodness, Sandy! For the past 4 hours I've been doing nothing but looking at Trifexis and it's side effects. And WOW!! Trifexis toxicity is ,without a doubt in my mind, the cause of all of Charlie's problems. Everything I have saw has fit him perfectly. Why not one of the 5 vets I took him to ever mentioned this I will never understand. But it all makes sense now. The fact none of this started until after the trifexis just shows even more what caused it. I am very relieved to know this now but I am still so upset because I don't know what to do next. He has good days but he still has really bad days majority of the time. Any opinions on what I should do next?

there is a whole facebook page devoted to Trifexis hurting dogs.
One lady said she did a liver flush on both her animals to get it out of their system. Not sure what it entails but I bet you would get some good advice on the page

so, I actually just got off the phone with a vet tech at Elanco. She said Charlie's symptoms were to extreme and have continued for too long for Trifexis to be the cause. She got my info & said she was giving everything to a vet there and he's gonna contact the vets I've seen. Then I would be getting a call back in a few days. I'm more confused now then ever :(

Well I imagine they are going to say that, they make the drug. Doesn't the trifexis stay in their system for 30 days? If it caused damage then its going to take a while to dissipate. Im not an expert and I could be wrong but I wouldn't go by them.

Rome, GA
 

I live in Rome, GA as well - just sent you a pm.

I am so sorry that little Charlie is so sick. A heavy infestation of worms can cause seizures and after deworming dead and dying worms can clog up the intestinal tract.

Geesh...yet one more little one showing strange symptoms after trifexis.

I seriously am puzzled as to why its still even on the market since so many dogs are having problems with it. I am sure there are some dogs that are just fine on it...but with so many getting sick, I am not sure why vets continue to recommend it.

So sorry to hear how poorly Charlie is doing. I do hope they can figure out what is going on and get Charlie feeling better soon. Sending prayers and best wishes for a good diagnosis and treatment plan. Who knows maybe the Triflexis caused the first reaction and the other medications are just compounding the issues. I know you are doing all you can and must be worried sick, I am so sorry. Just wondering but if the Vets are just discussing the symptoms you are not getting to what is the core problem, as it seems like the other Vets just pushed your concerns aside. Can Charlie wait a few days for them to discuss things? Is Auburn too far? Sending hugs.

Thanks for the prayers. They're very much needed! It's the worst feeling. I'm just so lost and I'm worried if I don't head to Auburn now I may severely pay for it. But then there are times when he seems better. Not himself but better. Some of the vets made me feel crazy. Like I was making a bigger deal of it then it is. But he's not their baby. He's mine. I love him and I refuse to sit back and watch him fade away.

OP...have you looked at the symptoms for liver shut??

I know one of the posters suggested a BAT and that is the test for that. Apparently, when dogs have liver shunt problems, it comes and goes. I watched a video of a dog who had it and it appeared as though the dog was restless, and was exhibiting odd symptoms. It likes to hide in corners and tight spaces.

I don't know how old your furbaby is and am praying it's not the case, but it is something, that unfortunately, runs through the yorkie line and may be worth checking out.


After I get health insurance for my 2 y.o, we will be getting his BATS done. I am doing it because I want a peace of mind. I am a worry wart.


So sorry you are having to go through this with your baby!! I am sure your frustrated not knowing. I pray that you find a vet that is aggressive enough to find out what it wrong. I had to go through 3 vets before I found one to help me so I totally know what you are going through.

Good luck and make sure you keep us updated!!

My dog has been on Trifexis for around 2 yearsmand has hac 3 neurological-type episodes, the last of whichnI was able to correlate with his dose of Trifexis, which he will never get again. Thankfully, all 3 episodes cleared spontaniously within 12-24 hours, and I ran emergently to the vet and had full lab workups with the 1st 2. I was on my way to take him to the vet with the 3rd episode when he again cleared up completely. I am very worried that your baby's symptoms have continued this long. He really needs full labs and if he is still acting neurological/not right, I would also recommend a head CT in case he has some type of encephalopathy related to the medicine. Please keep us updated! Am in Ringgold if I can do anything for you.

Has your baby been Bile Acid tested? I know it may be a long shot, but if he were to have a liver shunt or MVD, these chemicals would have a much harder time processing through his little body...just a thought. Sending prayers and good thoughts for your precious little one.

You know your dog and what is normal. You are not the only one who has issues with Triflexis http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...it-so-sad.html
I know we all go over in our heads what to do, what is best, but I think it is better to have them checked than wait and see. This poster he sadly illustrates the heartbreak of waiting and seeing. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...kie-worth.html
You are doing your best for Charlie and you must continue to be his advocate. Just because they are Doctors does not mean they always have the answers (my Dad is a retired Surgeon) and sometimes you have to go the specialists or teaching hospitals because they come in contact and study more complex cases than our local Vets. You have a support and the powerful YT prayer chain behind you and Charlie.

Thanks so much for your kind words. To answer the questions... The 3rd vet we went to kind of hinted at a liver shunt and he did blood work which he said was OK so he never mentioned it again. If there's a specific test for that I am pretty positive he didn't do it. I actually paid the last vet we saw $105 for blood work and she called me today and told me he's fine. But I don't know what she tested him for so I don't know what to think. And I have the same problem because I think it's his nerves but when we walk in a vet's office he suddenly is more alert and attentive. So when I say how sick he's been they look at me with a "yeah right" look on their faces. One vet actually said "well he doesn't look like he's gonna die tonight so let's send him home" I was shocked and devastated. He's never had a bile acid test. But it is a good idea. And you are right & this is the part I'm most sad about. Sometimes it's like I'm looking at a different dog and I breakdown. I need my Charlie back.

It certainly could be the Trifexis, but you need to have him Bile Acid Tested (BAT) regardless. With symptoms such as these, I think you would have to rule out a liver shunt for sure. The BAT is a test that takes 2+ hours. You would need to fast your baby, they take blood, then feed him, wait 2 hrs and take the blood again. If he were to have a shunt, the chemicals in the trifexis would make him extremely ill, as well as any other medications you may give him. You may also need to put him on a special diet to rid the toxins from his system. If the shunt is operable, then that is the route to go to save your baby. The fact that you say he acts "normal" at times, and sometimes not, can be indicative of a liver shunt. Different levels of toxins in his body can cause this reaction. Please ask your vet to do this test to rule out a shunt. Your baby is lucky to have you trying to figure all of this out!