My 2 year old Yorkie is very very sick. Anybody have any thoughts on her condition?
 

My Yorkie, Bailey, is 2 years old and very anemic. After spending $840 in vet bills yesterday I see no positive results.

Bailey really doesn't have any diagnosis because the ultrasound and surgery cost so much more money. The 2nd vet I went to last night at the ER impressed me very much and was very awesome to talk to about the situation. She thinks bailey has a spleen issue, but she is not ruling out cancer either. Her white blood cell count is slightly raised, but not high enough to be a severe bacterial infection. The issue is her anemic state. Her red blood cell count is so low that she borderline needs a transfusion.

The doctor gave me a few possible outcomes:
#1) $300 ultrasound and $1,000+ spleen extraction operation and possible blood transfusion and maybe Bailey will recover.
#2) ultrasound and surgery and find out that bailey has cancer, then everything changes and gets more expensive.
#3) Bailey's spleen issue could be the result of a virus coming from a mosquito, flea, or tick. If her blood is toxic then she will need blood transfusions for her entire life.

At this point, Bailey is still eating, having regular bowel movements, and shows no sign of pain. I took her home and will monitor her health. When I see that she is suffering and has zero energy, I will have her put to sleep. I bought a bag of beef livers last night to feed her. I read that it is a recommended source for iron and a good home remedy for anemia, maybe it will kick start her red blood cell count a little bit, but I don't think Bailey will have any major recovery. Her energy is much lower than usual, but her appetite and H20 consumption is normal, she is moving around fine, is climbing the stairs, jumping on and off the bed, following our other dog around fine, and able to go in and out of the house for bowel movements.

I think Bailey is one tough little dog to be so active and yet anemic and so skinny. She is so bony right now that it is pretty sad and she is losing her fur really bad too. She could last another week or more or she could get even worse today, only time will tell.

My biggest source of confusion is her temperament in the face of such a low red blood cell count. The ER ruled out any liver complications from her blood work, but they don't want to prescribe antibiotics in fear that they could shut down an organ.

I always say to contact the breeder.....
1) The breeder needs to know about this condition in the pup, because this is in a pup that is a result of her breeding program. She needs to be aware there is an issue, a MAJOR issue.
2) Since this is a life and death situation, perhaps she will be willing to stand behind her dog and give you some help. Look at your contract and your health guarantee.....see what it says about conditions such as this. This is where dealing with reputable breeders comes in so handy.....this is where the difference becomes real evident.

I am so sorry for what you are facing with your baby.....how heartbreaking....I wish I could offer somekind of help....Check into opening up a GoFundMe account!!! I have no idea how those work, or how to set it up, but you can research this and see if it is something you would be interested in doing....I have seen a lot of funds raised thru this site, for different causes....that little yorkie in Clear Lake that was mauled by another dog, collected over $20,000.00 for vet bills and therapy!!!!

Was Von Willenbrands Disease ruled out? Not common in Yorkies, but can happen to any dog really.


A GoFundMe set up might help to secure some funds - as well as applying for CareCredit.


Also yes you should let the breeder know. Even without the reason for anemia, the breeder might step up to the plate and pay for some diagnostics thAt might rule in or out various conditions.


Was this condition ruled in or out? immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia?

The weight loss is worrisome especially as your pup is eating well. I am so very sorry that your pup is ill, and hope for a return to health for him

Please do not put her to sleep just because you can't afforded care. Please look into a yorkie rescue please.

Yes, I agree there is alway rescue. Have you contacted any Yorkie rescues regarding surrendering her for the care she needs?

PLEASE do not let Bailey suffer and die due to a lack of money.

Two choices here:
1. get the money and get her to a specialist asap (I HIGHLY recommend Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houson)

3. turn her over to a rescue

Here is a Facebook page where you might find help with funding:

https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofalexinc


If interested in a rescue, send an email to:

yorkiehavenrescue06@yahoo.com

Bailey
 

I agree with everyone. Please, please don't put her to sleep. OMG, this is so, so sad. Please keep searching for help. With YT and your Vet and other community
Services there IS help out there.
My heart breaks for you and Bailey.

I am sorry that Bailey and you are going through this. I was wondering why the Vet suggests Ultra sound and spleen extraction or Ultra sound and surgery for cancer when she thinks it might be one of these but does not know. These options seems so overwhelming when the issues has not be actually diagnosed. Why not get the Ultra sound and see what you are dealing with before deciding. I was also confused by " The ER ruled out any liver complications from her blood work, but they don't want to prescribe antibiotics in fear that they could shut down an organ." So medication is being ruled out for an unknown issue. I know this must be so overwhelming for you and it is so sad for your baby. Please look into a rescue if you cannot afford to get him to a specialist. I know it is heartbreaking and I am so sorry but don't let him waste away if he could be helped. Sending prayers and hugs.

I'm hoping you try Gulf Coast Animal Specialist in Houston like Lady Jane suggested. You will at least get the answers you need in order to help your baby.

I hate that you are going through this. Please contact the rescue Ladyjane recommended. They have taken babies in that are in terrible shape and provided them with outstanding care. Please consider a rescue before considering putting her to sleep.

How is the baby doing today? Have you made a decision on how and where to get help for this unfortunate pup? Such a terrible situation you are in, having to make heartbreaking decisions.....and that poor suffering baby.....

They haven't been back since they made the post :(

oh................great............

I hate these things....do hope that baby girl is ok.

Sick baby
 

The poor dog was very sick, praying he was treated and saved.

Bailey's status
 

We have been nursing Bailey at home for a few days. She is getting weaker but can still get around when she wants to. I have been trying to keep her still and hydrated as much as possible. Her anemia is really starting to show badly, she does need an emergency blood transfusion to get oxygenated red blood cells back into her system. The ER vet we had Bailey in is Animal Emergency Clinic North East in Humble, TX. They are a little pricey, but excellent in what they do.

Bailey's breeder was a huge blessing to us and has offered to take her and continue treatment. I sent her off this morning with my brother (he is off work today) and I hope she receives the care she needs.

We have been nursing Bailey at home for a few days. She is getting weaker but can still get around when she wants to. I have been trying to keep her still and hydrated as much as possible. Her anemia is really starting to show badly, she does need an emergency blood transfusion to get oxygenated red blood cells back into her system. The ER vet we had Bailey in is Animal Emergency Clinic North East in Humble, TX. They are a little pricey, but excellent in what they do.

Bailey's breeder was a huge blessing to us and has offered to take her and continue treatment. I sent her off this morning with my brother (he is off work today) and I hope she receives the care she needs.

Is the breeder going to find out what is wrong with her so it can be fixed or seen if it's fixable? Just giving the transfusions I doubt is go to fix what is causing the anemia. I have been anemic several times and it is terrible and misrable.

Bailey
 

Thank you so much for the update. I am sorry that Bailey is getting weaker but happy that she hanging in there. It is wonderful news that the breeder is taking her and treating her, and hopefully she can be diagnosed and get well again.:)
Good to know your breeder has compassion and is prepared to take on the responsibility for one of her sick pups.
You must be so relieved. Please let us know how Bailey is doing. Praying for her.

I am so sorry that your baby is so sick. I'm glad you posted here and I hope the breeder can get all of the issues taken care of for the poor pup. Please keep us informed of how she is doing.

I will keep Bailey in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for letting us know! :)

So sorry Bailey continues to suffer but my heart is warmed that your breeder stepped in and is trying to help. Please keep us updated. I am a total Pollyanna and am very hopeful that Bailey can still be saved.

Sending Prayers for Bailey. I hope the breeder is able to help and Bailey improves. Thank you for updating us, hugs to you during this difficult time.