Low white cell count and weight loss?

[Cooper2010]

I took Cooper to the vet Thursday because he didn't seem himself, I had to physically pick him up from the bed to take him outside after waking. Then he went right back to bed. He wasn't lethargic or anything, just didn't want to get up. He normally sits on the back of the couch barking at the kids walking to the bus stop.

Anyway, she wanted to do lab work to make sure he is healthy enough for his upcoming dental (he has lost a tooth and has several more loose ones, normal for a 5 year old??). He had also lost more than half a pound since we were there in February. He's always been 7-7 1/2 pounds and never a big eater, more of a grab and go snacker.

Got a call Friday saying his white cells were low, that he would likely start vomiting and having diarrhea and to start him on the antibiotics I had gotten for his dental. (Zydaclin). She also said to add wet food to his dry to entice him to eat more. I got a grain free Wellness wet food, mixing it with his grain free kibble. He's eating well and seems back to his normal self. I'm to call her tomorrow and let her know how he's doing.

Reading about the low white cells is pretty concerning considering all the other health issues he's had. Any ideas or other people here with a similar incident?

[ladyjane]

I would avoid google ... there are so many reasons a white count can be lowered. Hopefully when you call today she will give you more clarification. It sounds to me like she is not horribly concerned.

Many times the things we worry about are nothing....just speak with her about your concerns and see what her plan is for Cooper.

[Cooper2010]

LOL, true about Google! I've diagnosed myself with terminal illness more than once by looking up symptoms. He seems to be back to normal.

Thanks!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

LOL, true about Google! I've diagnosed myself with terminal illness more than once by looking up symptoms. He seems to be back to normal.

Thanks!

You are not alone.

Glad to hear he is doing better!!

[maxdog]

I love a happy ending

[Cooper2010]

I called the vet this morning. She said to keep him on the antibiotics (I'll have to get more Friday) and she would see him Tuesday for his dental. So all is good

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I called the vet this morning. She said to keep him on the antibiotics (I'll have to get more Friday) and she would see him Tuesday for his dental. So all is good

Great...keep us posted!

[Cooper2010]

Will do!

[Wylie's Mom]

Hope everything continues to go well for him. What did you mean, though, by "all his other health issues"...are there other things in add'n to the WBC's?

[Cooper2010]

He was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes at a very young age, 7 months. He has very dry skin and itches severely, first thought it was a flea allergy (his Advantage Multi treatments stopped working for him) but he's flea free and still has bad problems. When that flares up I give him a round of steriods and he's good for about 6 weeks. He has chronic eye infections that I have to use ointment for and he's on the thin side. His teeth seem to be worse than they should be at his age (he's 5).

For the dry skin I put fish oil in his food and give him coconut oil which seems to help some but he still flakes. Years ago on here I went into detail about the breeder he came from. Cooper isn't your typical yorkie, he's never had any interest in toys or play, he just sees his role as watchdog and will leap off of the furniture spin in circles and bark uncontrollably at any movement. Even when I stand up he barks at me. He has a VERY LOUD bark too, not the bark of a small toy breed. I've tried clicker training, spray collars, treat training....everything to my ability.

I dont know this for sure, but I think he wasn't socialized at all as a puppy. He was 5 months old when I got him and he seemed unsure what to do with grass under his feet. I know now that I should have run from that breeder. I wasn't allowed to see where he was born and raised. Every red flag you can think of was present and I know that now, I just didn't then.

I guess he doesn't have any serious health issues, just a lot of small ones that insure that we spend more time than normal in the vet's office.

Also, due to circumstances beyond my control I have to move soon, more than likely into an apartment setting and I'm terrified that his barking will cause major problems with neighbors. I don't know how to make him stop.

[dinkster]

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

He was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes at a very young age, 7 months. He has very dry skin and itches severely, first thought it was a flea allergy (his Advantage Multi treatments stopped working for him) but he's flea free and still has bad problems. When that flares up I give him a round of steriods and he's good for about 6 weeks. He has chronic eye infections that I have to use ointment for and he's on the thin side. His teeth seem to be worse than they should be at his age (he's 5).

For the dry skin I put fish oil in his food and give him coconut oil which seems to help some but he still flakes. Years ago on here I went into detail about the breeder he came from. Cooper isn't your typical yorkie, he's never had any interest in toys or play, he just sees his role as watchdog and will leap off of the furniture spin in circles and bark uncontrollably at any movement. Even when I stand up he barks at me. He has a VERY LOUD bark too, not the bark of a small toy breed. I've tried clicker training, spray collars, treat training....everything to my ability.

I dont know this for sure, but I think he wasn't socialized at all as a puppy. He was 5 months old when I got him and he seemed unsure what to do with grass under his feet. I know now that I should have run from that breeder. I wasn't allowed to see where he was born and raised. Every red flag you can think of was present and I know that now, I just didn't then.

I guess he doesn't have any serious health issues, just a lot of small ones that insure that we spend more time than normal in the vet's office.

Also, due to circumstances beyond my control I have to move soon, more than likely into an apartment setting and I'm terrified that his barking will cause major problems with neighbors. I don't know how to make him stop.

I just had to respond. Dinky has the SAME personality. He had a sister as his only littermate, but he seemed to have no idea how to play. I don't think the breeder ever took him outside. (He was born in February, and it is cold there, but we got him in June) He seemed stunned when we brought him outside. he would just sit there and stare. He has very little interest in toys. Mostly, he thinks he is a watch dog. Now I know that a good breeder makes sure pups are socialized.
He has problems with barking. I have to pick him up if anyone comes over. He cannot greet a guest politely.
He will play with me or DH. He will chase a toy or do tricks.
The only dog he can play with is a relative's dog that he has seen hundreds of times and finally, finally, has figured out how to play, and this is only bc their dog is amazingly patient and well behaved.
health issues.
I did not want to hijack your thread, but when you described your dog's behavior, I was so excited to find another dog that acts like Dink!

[Cooper2010]

Thank goodness he isn't the only one. Before I got him I bought all kinds of toys, he never touched them. He will play with other dogs and he will take a toy from them, not to play with it just to take it.

If I go outside without him he will spin in circles and bark angrily. Then he will sit or stand with his butt turned towards the door until I come back in. If my husband leaves he constantly runs back and forth to the door barking at every sound and sniffing loudly until he comes back. It's all over if the doorbell rings, spinning and barking.

He has days where he, for lack of a better word, is just defiant. He gets plenty of attention, he's with me more than he's alone. He's my first Yorkie and more than likely my last one. I do not have the same experiences I read about on here with the cuteness factor. I love him very much and I'm committed to him for his lifetime, to provide him a safe happy home and try to make sure he's healthy but he can be challenging and frustrating.

I don't know how many littermates he had as a pup or how he interacted with them.