What a terrible scare!
 

I've only had my fur baby Lyla for a few days, but she has already worked herself deep into my heart....I'm madly in love!

When I picked her up from the breeder she mentioned that the puppies had had some diarrhea. I didn't think much of it, I know puppies can get loose stools from any number of causes and it usually resolves quickly. Lyla didn't eat much after I brought her home. I thought she was just adjusting to her new home, and as long as she is drinking, her eating will follow.

Last night she had some watery diarrhea and she was vomiting and seemed listless this morning. Her vomiting and diarrhea continued, and since she is so tiny (1 pound at 9 weeks old) I called the vet. The woman on the phone told me that it sounds like she has Parvo, and she went on to tell me the potential costs of her being seen, and how all the money is due up front, etc. She showed no concern whatsoever for my baby, none.

I was absolutely stricken at the word "Parvo" and started crying, I knew such a disease in my tiny baby was likely fatal. I hung up the phone, not knowing what to say. My fiance came in the room and saw me crying, and urged me to call the breeder, who told me to bring Lyla over right away.

I did, and she looked Lyla over, gave her a few drops of corn syrup and a few bites of puppy food. Lyla perked up a bit after that, but didn't want to play with the other dogs, she seemed very tired. The breeder told me not to worry, Lyla doesn't have Parvo. She probably had low blood sugar from not eating much, and exhaustion from the vomiting/diarrhea. The other puppies did fine, but Lyla's siblings are nearly twice her size and have more reserve. (Incidentally, the breeder believes it was a bad batch of puppy food that started this whole thing...she took it back to the pet store and they refunded her money.)

I brought Lyla home, gave her a little moist puppy food and water, and she took a nice, long, two and a half hour nap in a quiet room. When she woke up, she was ravenous and ate more, drank some water, and then wanted to play....she's been spunky ever since, hopping around like a bunny and playing with her toys!

I am grateful beyond words. I've never had a dog so tiny and delicate and even though I am a nurse and should have been able to figure it out, when your baby is sick you can't think straight. She is the most precious thing ever and I would have been absolutely devastated to lose her.

I just had to share my story. I know some of you out there have been through this. Thanks for listening!

Diann

I'm glad that Lyla is feeling better, and I hope she continues to thrive. I'm horrified that the person who answered the phone at the vet diagnosed Lyla over the phone and seemed more concerned about getting paid than the health of your dog. You might consider getting a new vet. Secondly, for a puppy that small, you should have some corn syrup on hand in case Lyla has another bout of hypoglycemia. It's very common in small Yorkie puppies. Corn syrup is NOT a substitute for good nutrition, and should only be used in cases of hypoglycemia to perk the dog up enough so it can eat its normal food. Food and water should be available at all times during the day until Lyla outgrows the hypoglycemia, and try not to overly exhaust Lyla during play time. A one pound puppy is rather fragile.

Thank you so much for your reply! I do have corn syrup on hand. I have read about hypoglycemia in small yorkies, but when the vets office mentioned "the P word" all rational thought left my head.

Lyla is perky today, her stools are firming up and all she wants to do is play! She is rather fragile right now, I had read about it which is why I didn't intend to get a tiny puppy. But oftentimes when you go to look at puppies, "the one" chooses YOU instead of the other way around. LOL And so it was with Lyla. It was her personality and sweet face that drew me to her.

Thank you so much for your advice. Do you have any idea what her adult size might be? I'm hoping for her sake she will grow to a somewhat normal size, it would be tragic to live an entire life in such a fragile state. I'm feeding her high quality puppy food in the hope she will reach her maximum potential size. No matter her size, she is definitely a part of me now, and steals the heart of all who see her. :)

Diann

Your breeder should have given you detailed info on recognizing, treating, and preventing hypoglycemia. As tiny as this baby is you are going to have to be very aware of any potential problems and correct them immediately. You are going to have to make sure she eats, and if she has any diarrhea or vomiting a call to your vet should be made right away. I hope you have some Nutrical on hand in the event she has hypoglycemia again, because your quick response will be the only thing preventing her death. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby!

First of all I want to say welcome to yorkietalk! Congrats on your little one!! Make sure you always keep some on hand incase another episode happens. As far as size my girl I adopted at 10 weeks and she was 1 pound and she is now 3 pounds full grown.

Your breeder should have never let her leave her home with diahrea. That is not something reputable breeders do. She made what was her responsibility yours

Oh and parvo is just one of many diseases that can cause diahrea you need to have the pup vet checked the breeder should have already did that. How does she know for certain its the food did she eat the food and get sick. I am not trying to be smart alec just trying to get nyou see this breeder is not a vet and cant diagnose this pup. Diahrea can be a very dangerous thing especially with a small pup

I am glad Lyla is doing better today. I would have her checked by the vet tomorrow or as soon as you can to make sure she is ok.
I got my Cali at 9 weeks and 1 lb and she had several bouts of hypoglycemia. I had to feed her every 3 hours until she grew a little even through the night. Cali grew to a nice weight of 5 lbs.

Your puppy is very small and needs frequent feedings. You also should take her to the vet for an exam so that you have someone to call besides this breeder. At least she did assist you, but honestly, a vet is where you need to start taking her.
As for the "P" word, it is definitely something that should be mentioned. My guess is that the person who answered the phone was trying to make you realize just how scary things can be for these tiny pups. It is not always a dreadful thing but a vet should be the one diagnosing health issues. Diarrhea in a tiny pup like yours can be deadly in a very short period of time.
I agree the breeder should have never sold her when she had diarrhea, but what's done is done...moving forward, please find a vet for your puppy! Vetting properly is not cheap but it is a necessary evil.
You really ought to consider purchasing health insurance for her. There are a lot of threads on this forum about insurance. Good luck! :)

I am going to presume that the vet you called last night was an emergency vet. If so, yes they do want payments up front. If it's your regular vet, then I would be on the hunt for another one!

I hope your little girl is doing better today, but please don't take this lightly. Even if it was the food causing problems, these little ones don't have much reserve and need to be seen by a vet ASAP. If it's something worse, then delaying treatment could be the difference between life and death.

Im glad she is okay, Im sorry the gal over the phone was such a butt head. They worm there way in your heart very quickly, they are such a great breed, I could not survive without my 11.5 year old chester

I am glad that she is better// I have a 2 lb male who we watch like a hawk with his eating But Indy eats like crazy// he is one of Breny Greens baby// we are so much in love with our little guy// I keep nutristat on hand at all times// when we brought Indy home he weighed 1.80 pounds but he is gaining weight now

Lyla has taken a turn for the worse. :( I took her to the vet, and posted about it in a new thread. Please pray for her!

I don't see a new thread. I will keep Lyla in my thoughts and prayers...

Your new thread must be holding for moderators to approve. For new members, the first few posts are held.

I am very sorry hear Lyla is not doing well. Praying for her that the vet has diagnosed the problem and has a treatment plan for her.