New Here - Heaving among other issues
 

Hello all,

I have been reading here all about the Yorkie's dry heaving. But they are all in pups it seems. I have a 15 year old Toby. He has been through hell. Attacked by 2 boxers when he was 2. He developed an ailment that caused osmosis which he was blowing up like a balloon cause he was losing all his protein. When we figured it out and got him fixed up by prednizone, mct oil, and a new diet. He's been great for 5 years since then. Now he is getting the dry heaves, lethargic, heavy breathing and sleeping a lot. He is old so the sleeping a lot is common. He is eating still, drinking water, and peeing and pooping ok. But I don't know if he is a drama queen but he is moping around the house. I do have an appointment with the vet tomorrow. Can a 15 year old get that trachea problem? I have read about bloat, is this common is a Yorkie? (Dry heaves can also indicate bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus), a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs. The dog's stomach becomes twisted, trapping air and fluid, and progressively gets larger. Left untreated, this can lead to shock and ultimately death.)'

Thanks in advance. I will update tomorrow on how Toby is doing and what his problem is.

Derek

Welcome to Yorkie Talk! I'm sorry Toby has been through so much in his life. I don't have any answers for you but I will keep him in my thoughts and hope your appointment tomorrow will give you much needed answers.

He's a cutie! and he is obviously very loved!

I too don't know what could be causing the problem, but I wanted to say Toby is absolutely adorable and I hope the vet can find out whatever the problem is & that he feels better very soon. Welcome to Yorkie Talk, and I hope the vet clears up the problem and little Tony is back to normal in no time! :love: Prayers going out to you!

He's a beautiful boy and I'm sorry he's having issues...I don't know anything about it but want to say GOOD LUCK !!

Welcome to Yorkie Talk! Toby is just darling! Hope you are able to figure out what is wrong and give him the help he needs. Good luck!

Thank you. You are all very kind.
 

Here's an update on my little guy. He is getting the same problem again where he is getting fluid around his lungs. Its pure protein. So I asked my vet if Toby was going to die and he gave me a look like I'm an idiot and said NO. So what is being done today is that they are going to drain the fluid around his lungs. Then he is going to have his Prednizone dose increased. More MCT oil in his food and he should be good. The cough was cause he was laboring trying to breathe. He's not in pain just uncomfortable. He is a little fighter. His heart and lungs are strong. Doc figures he could live to 20. I will keep you all up to date how he makes out.

I want to thank you for all the kind words all you people gave me.

Thanks again

Derek

Oh, he is SO darling. Why oh why are animals allowed to age? It should be against the law.

So glad to hear they found the answer - you are such a good parent to this little fella!

So glad to hear your baby's better:D

Update 2
 

We took Toby back to the vet to get the fluid removed in his chest this afternoon. He looks thin again. He is breathing better. Eating more and definately more lively. He is on a new diet. All protein. I think he'll be eating better than me. Eggs, rice, and chicken. Prednizone went from 1/2 a pill every 3 days to 1 pill at day. Looks like he gained a few years of his life back. I thank you all again on your kind words.

My boy is back.

Derek

Good to hear Toby is feeling better. Is he jumpy from the prednizone? I am sure the vet told you the steriod can cause them to become unable to relax. He is a beautiful pup and have you had him all his life?

prednizone
 

He's been on the prednizone for over 5 years but a small dose. I don't know how he will react at a pill a day. Now that you told me, I will keep an eye on him to see how edgy he gets. As for how long we've had him. He was a breeding dog until he was a year and a half then I bought him. So he's been in the family for 14 years now.

I am sorry that your little guy has been through all of this. Toby is lucky that you are taking such good care of him. Hope all continues to improve.

That is wonderful that he has been in your home for all of those years. Sending healing thoughts to Toby and hope you remain on YT. Warmly, Deborah

Hi Derek,

I'm so happy to hear Toby is much more comfortable now! Must be a huge relief for you!

Keep on posting!

Update on the old boy
 

Heres an update on Toby. He is back to his old self 100%. I took a picture this morning. He would let me out of bed. For a little guy he takes up a lot of room.