Questions for Vet if puppy is going to be about 2 pounds - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BittyIzzyBella · 01-01-2006, 08:15 PM

We go to the vet tomorrow and I need to know what I should ask the vet to make sure Izzy Bella will be okay. She is 17 week and I started a link about thin hair. She is only 17 ounces and nearly died at 6 weeks with her littermates at a pet store. She was saved by a customer of mine and I've had her just over a week. the growth charts show she will be about 2 pounds and I need to know should I have the vet look for anything? anything not to do since she is so small? I am so in love with this little thing and want her to be okay. We have had no hypoglycemia since about 13-14 weeks and she eats 4 times a day with enervite before bed.

Thanks- Bitty Izzy Bella's Momma

feminvstr · 01-01-2006, 08:23 PM

I would check for body mites or mange. Poor little thing has gone through a lot. It could be an allergy to her food though since she is so tiny her system may not tolerate much. Check the ingred. of her food see if corn is listed, if so, is it close up in the list. Many dogs have allergy to corn.

hope this helps
good luck
what a sweet little thing and a good mommy to rescue her!

SoCalyorkiLvr · 01-01-2006, 08:37 PM

As little and sickly as she is I would not allow any vaccinations until she is much stronger. That is one thing that might push her over the edge since her immune system is just not strong right now. Vaccines are actually small dosages of the actual disease they are designed to prevent and my vet says they can actually CAUSE them to get the disease if they are immuno compromised or sick at the time of the vaccine. In fact the only dogs he has ever known to get distemper were vaccinated against it!! Hopefully your vet will not even suggest vaccines but some just don't know....

I would not let them do anything that isn't ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that may cause her any stress until she is stronger. She is obviously a fighter because she is still alive despite all that she has been through.

Poor little thing. I am sure once she gets healthy and is eating well she will gain weight quickly. She will probably get to more than two pounds based on her looks. She weighs so little now because of her emaciated state. Are you giving her puppy colostrum to fatten her up? I would try that.

I also think she will get hair once she is healthier since she has it on her head.

She is a real cutie and you are an angel to be caring for her.

BittyIzzyBella · 01-01-2006, 08:47 PM

She does not itch or scratch at all, should I have them test her skin? The skin tests sound painful. She eats very well, poops, pees, plays, loves and can be very feisty when playing. She has been on Cefa Drops since 12-10 for a cough and received parvo vacccinations on 10-11 and 10-24, distemper on 10-21, and vanguard 5 plus on 11-8 per her puppy record from the breeder. She was wormed last on 11-8.

thanks for all of the support...she makes loving her easy.

fourdez · 01-01-2006, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

As little and sickly as she is I would not allow any vaccinations until she is much stronger. That is one thing that might push her over the edge since her immune system is just not strong right now. Vaccines are actually small dosages of the actual disease they are designed to prevent and my vet says they can actually CAUSE them to get the disease if they are immuno compromised or sick at the time of the vaccine. In fact the only dogs he has ever known to get distemper were vaccinated against it!! Hopefully your vet will not even suggest vaccines but some just don't know....

I would not let them do anything that isn't ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that may cause her any stress until she is stronger. She is obviously a fighter because she is still alive despite all that she has been through.

Poor little thing. I am sure once she gets healthy and is eating well she will gain weight quickly. She will probably get to more than two pounds based on her looks. She weighs so little now because of her emaciated state. Are you giving her puppy colostrum to fatten her up? I would try that.

I also think she will get hair once she is healthier since she has it on her head.

She is a real cutie and you are an angel to be caring for her.

Absolutely, discuss not giving her any injections just yet. I got a healthy 1 lb. baby girl a couple of weeks ago on Dec. 14th (Millie) she was 12 weeks old when I got her. She's small but full of energy, eats well, etc.. I went to my appointment with my Vet and she gave her the distemper shot and was going to give her the rabbies shot and I told her I was not comfortable with giving her the 2 shots being that she's so small. Since I was against it, the Dr. said "ok" we'll wait if that makes you comfortable. WELL... during the car ride home from the Vet, Millie starts to throw up then came the diahrea. I had to rush her back to the Vet where she continued the vomitting and diahrea. The vet had to start an IV to inject liquids into her so she wouldn't dehydrate. I almost lost her. I had to sit in the Vet office 3 hours to make sure she was over that episode. She had a really bad reaction to the injection. So, please be careful. Now, what would have happened if I didn't object to the rabies shot. I hate to even think about it.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 01-01-2006, 09:29 PM

Oh my goodness Nedda!

Your story is so common.....I am so glad you told it because vaccines should not be viewed as "routine", especially with smaller yorkies. There are side effects and some can have life long ramifications. With a reaction like tjhat to her shot I would try to get a waiver for the rabies since with her size the chance of her actually ever being exposed to rabies is basically non existent!

All of mine have waivers and will not have that shot again. In my area there has not been a case of canine rabies in over 40 years!! I feel the shot is not necessary and it is not required in my county if you get a waiver from your vet.

DevineMissM · 01-01-2006, 09:39 PM

I have been reading this forum for quite some time. But when i saw the picture of your puppy i felt the urge to sign up so I could respond to you. Please have your vet check this puppy for Pituitary Dwarfism! I reconized the physical attributes because I bred a Yorkie puppy with this condition. He will never grow up no matter how long he lives. He is still very tiny now at 8 months of age. He has all of the symptoms described below! Compare the symptoms (in red) for your puppy condition. My puppy LOOKS exactly like your puppy does with the facial expression and hair loss only his hair loss is more pronounced now. At first it appeared as if he just had a "failure to thrive condition". We found this condition after numerous tests by doing skin biopsies (sp) under the direction of a canine skin specialist. Numerous other hormonal etc tests were all negative. So if your vet agrees I would just do the skin biopsy based on the clinical physical signs. I would advise you take her to a specialist. Also we opted NOT to treat my puppy. The drug treatment is a human growth hormone which is very expensive and still may not provide a cure. Do a google search for "pituitary dwarfism". You will find much information. It is very rare in Yorkshire Terriers but it is known to happen. No one knows yet the reason why it happens in Yorkies. In other breeds it is an inherited condition probably by way of recessive genes in both parents. Good luck! I hope she does not have this disease.

What is pituitary dwarfism?

This rare disorder is a result of reduced function of the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. This small gland secretes hormones necessary for normal growth and development. Signs are apparent at a young age and are associated with slowed development and growth.

How is pituitary dwarfism inherited?

In German shepherds and Carnelian bear dogs the disorder is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. The mode of inheritance has not been demonstrated for other affected breeds.

What breeds are affected by pituitary dwarfism?

This disorder is rare. Inheritance has been shown in the German shepherd, and the Carnelian/Karelian bear dog.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does pituitary dwarfism mean to your dog & you?

Breeders or owners will usually notice abnormalities by 2 or 3 months of age. The signs caused by a deficiency of pituitary growth hormone (somatotropin) include slow growth rate, retained puppy coat and eventual hairlessness, darkening of the skin, delayed eruption of permanent teeth, suppressed immune responses, and an altered mental state. These pups are proportionate dwarves - that is, they are of small stature but normal proportions - and they often have a shrill bark.

Other hormones produced by the pituitary gland are also decreased and this causes abnormalities in thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal function.

Most dogs affected with this condition will have shortened lifespans.

How is pituitary dwarfism diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made based on the history and characteristic clinical signs in a young dog. Your veterinarian will want to rule out other possible causes of delayed growth.

FOR THE VETERINARIAN:

CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: may see a mild normochromic, normocytic anemia, hypoglycemia (secondary to ACTH deficiency), and hypophosphatemia (secondary to GH deficiency); often routine clinicopathologic tests show no significant abnormalities
GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS: Growth hormone assays or serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) assays may be available in some laboratories [check with your diagnostic laboratory].
How is pituitary dwarfism treated?

Dogs are treated with replacement growth hormone (GH), which is expensive and difficult to obtain. Treated dogs must be monitored for the development of diabetes mellitus which is a potential side effect of GH therapy. Secondary hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism can also be treated if indicated.

Genetic counselling

This condition is generally apparent before dogs are sold. Breeders should avoid breeding parents of affected dogs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

YorkieRini · 01-01-2006, 09:55 PM

Now if she's not the cutest thing I've ever seen!!!! Bless her little heart. She sounds like a fighter, just like my Evan. He had a rough start with Hypoglycemia, I almost lost him 3 times. He lost all his hair from only eathing baby food that was syringe feed for a month straight. I thought he would stay tiny. I couldn't possibly place him with anyone else so I kept him. Anyway, I would suggest you have a full blood panel done on her. They draw blood (no fasting needed) and test her for a lot of stuff including Liver Shunt ( won't give exact readings but indicate whether her levels are on track or off track). I agree about the vacc comment.

Don't assume anything as far as weight goes. Even at 17 wks she can do a 180. Here is Evan at 13wks losing hair and all, and then here is Evan now! Love is the best medicine!!!

BabyFidgette · 01-01-2006, 10:58 PM

Oh, she does look sickly, but she is so cute. I hope her vet visit goes well!

BittyIzzyBella · 01-02-2006, 07:28 AM

she has gained 6 ounces in just over a week! The vet said she needs TLC and a better diet that what they had her on (Iams dry and Nutro wet). He said the stress factor alone would make all the difference in the world. She is now 23 ounces, on Albon 5% .35cc for 14 days for the cough, her lungs are clear, heart is good and she is parasite free. We go back in a month and they will do blood work and shots then, but he wants to see what a difference a stable life, good food and lots of love will make.

thanks to all....

Izzy Bella's Momma

livingdustmops · 01-02-2006, 07:31 AM

Just interested in what your vet suggested for food? She is adorable and you wait, her coat will be beautiful with good food and lots of TLC.

BittyIzzyBella · 01-02-2006, 07:43 AM

He sell science diet in the office, but would not give me a direct you should use this "blah blah blah' recommendation. He said all dogs are different and she may be sensitive to certain ingredients. We are going with trial and error for a while. The canine commisary sells alot of premium food and most have sample size bags. We are looking for good ingredients, no gas and normal poop. Chicken Soup has received mixed reviews (and yes I know they are made by Diamond) and Nutro has out a new puppy natural that is almost the same as chicken soup. The chicken soup brand is a 20 plus min drive and the Nutro Natural is around the corner from work...Also many have posted to add missin link to her food and watch for improvement with her hair and appearance.

thanks again to all who have posted, it's great to have people who understand how she makes me feel.

Izzy Bella's Momma

chachi · 01-02-2006, 07:46 AM

The Nutro is just as good of a food as the Chicken
Soup so I would continue with that since you can find it closer. I use Missing Link also and it is good for their skin and coat.

livingdustmops · 01-02-2006, 07:49 AM

Not in favor of the science diet and just stay away from corn in their feed. If I remember right even though Chicken Soup is done by Diamond food there is no corn in it which caused the death of the other dogs. It will be important to find a good, quality food that your little one will eat as you know.

P.S. Vets have very little or no training in nutrition for a dog so you have to do alot of research. If you do a search in YT you will find lots of threads on this and maybe it will help you. I have never had this comfirmed to me but I am sure Science Diet setup a program with the vets and pays them a high commission to sell their product.

chachi · 01-02-2006, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Not in favor of the science diet and just stay away from corn in their feed. If I remember right even though Chicken Soup is done by Diamond food there is no corn in it which caused the death of the other dogs. It will be important to find a good, quality food that your little one will eat as you know.

P.S. Vets have very little or no training in nutrition for a dog so you have to do alot of research. If you do a search in YT you will find lots of threads on this and maybe it will help you. I have never had this comfirmed to me but I am sure Science Diet setup a program with the vets and pays them a high commission to sell their product.

Yes my vet gave us Science Diet too.

01-01-2006, 08:23 PM	#2
feminvstr Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 4,405	I would check for body mites or mange. Poor little thing has gone through a lot. It could be an allergy to her food though since she is so tiny her system may not tolerate much. Check the ingred. of her food see if corn is listed, if so, is it close up in the list. Many dogs have allergy to corn. hope this helps good luck what a sweet little thing and a good mommy to rescue her! __________________ Kimberly

01-01-2006, 09:39 PM	#7
DevineMissM BANNED! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: I live with MissM Posts: 78	Pituitary Dwarfism? I have been reading this forum for quite some time. But when i saw the picture of your puppy i felt the urge to sign up so I could respond to you. Please have your vet check this puppy for Pituitary Dwarfism! I reconized the physical attributes because I bred a Yorkie puppy with this condition. He will never grow up no matter how long he lives. He is still very tiny now at 8 months of age. He has all of the symptoms described below! Compare the symptoms (in red) for your puppy condition. My puppy LOOKS exactly like your puppy does with the facial expression and hair loss only his hair loss is more pronounced now. At first it appeared as if he just had a "failure to thrive condition". We found this condition after numerous tests by doing skin biopsies (sp) under the direction of a canine skin specialist. Numerous other hormonal etc tests were all negative. So if your vet agrees I would just do the skin biopsy based on the clinical physical signs. I would advise you take her to a specialist. Also we opted NOT to treat my puppy. The drug treatment is a human growth hormone which is very expensive and still may not provide a cure. Do a google search for "pituitary dwarfism". You will find much information. It is very rare in Yorkshire Terriers but it is known to happen. No one knows yet the reason why it happens in Yorkies. In other breeds it is an inherited condition probably by way of recessive genes in both parents. Good luck! I hope she does not have this disease. What is pituitary dwarfism? This rare disorder is a result of reduced function of the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. This small gland secretes hormones necessary for normal growth and development. Signs are apparent at a young age and are associated with slowed development and growth. How is pituitary dwarfism inherited? In German shepherds and Carnelian bear dogs the disorder is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. The mode of inheritance has not been demonstrated for other affected breeds. What breeds are affected by pituitary dwarfism? This disorder is rare. Inheritance has been shown in the German shepherd, and the Carnelian/Karelian bear dog. For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. What does pituitary dwarfism mean to your dog & you? Breeders or owners will usually notice abnormalities by 2 or 3 months of age. The signs caused by a deficiency of pituitary growth hormone (somatotropin) include slow growth rate, retained puppy coat and eventual hairlessness, darkening of the skin, delayed eruption of permanent teeth, suppressed immune responses, and an altered mental state. These pups are proportionate dwarves - that is, they are of small stature but normal proportions - and they often have a shrill bark. Other hormones produced by the pituitary gland are also decreased and this causes abnormalities in thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal function. Most dogs affected with this condition will have shortened lifespans. How is pituitary dwarfism diagnosed? The diagnosis is usually made based on the history and characteristic clinical signs in a young dog. Your veterinarian will want to rule out other possible causes of delayed growth. FOR THE VETERINARIAN: CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: may see a mild normochromic, normocytic anemia, hypoglycemia (secondary to ACTH deficiency), and hypophosphatemia (secondary to GH deficiency); often routine clinicopathologic tests show no significant abnormalities GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS: Growth hormone assays or serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) assays may be available in some laboratories [check with your diagnostic laboratory]. How is pituitary dwarfism treated? Dogs are treated with replacement growth hormone (GH), which is expensive and difficult to obtain. Treated dogs must be monitored for the development of diabetes mellitus which is a potential side effect of GH therapy. Secondary hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism can also be treated if indicated. Genetic counselling This condition is generally apparent before dogs are sold. Breeders should avoid breeding parents of affected dogs. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

01-01-2006, 10:58 PM	#9
BabyFidgette Learn Yorkie CPR! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,855	Cutie Oh, she does look sickly, but she is so cute. I hope her vet visit goes well! __________________ Nicole & Baby "The more men I meet, the more I love my Yorkie!"

01-02-2006, 07:28 AM	#10
BittyIzzyBella Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 12	We went to the vet and... she has gained 6 ounces in just over a week! The vet said she needs TLC and a better diet that what they had her on (Iams dry and Nutro wet). He said the stress factor alone would make all the difference in the world. She is now 23 ounces, on Albon 5% .35cc for 14 days for the cough, her lungs are clear, heart is good and she is parasite free. We go back in a month and they will do blood work and shots then, but he wants to see what a difference a stable life, good food and lots of love will make. thanks to all.... Izzy Bella's Momma Last edited by BittyIzzyBella; 01-02-2006 at 07:29 AM. Reason: type o

01-02-2006, 07:31 AM	#11
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Just interested in what your vet suggested for food? She is adorable and you wait, her coat will be beautiful with good food and lots of TLC. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

01-01-2006, 08:37 PM	#3
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	As little and sickly as she is I would not allow any vaccinations until she is much stronger. That is one thing that might push her over the edge since her immune system is just not strong right now. Vaccines are actually small dosages of the actual disease they are designed to prevent and my vet says they can actually CAUSE them to get the disease if they are immuno compromised or sick at the time of the vaccine. In fact the only dogs he has ever known to get distemper were vaccinated against it!! Hopefully your vet will not even suggest vaccines but some just don't know.... I would not let them do anything that isn't ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that may cause her any stress until she is stronger. She is obviously a fighter because she is still alive despite all that she has been through. Poor little thing. I am sure once she gets healthy and is eating well she will gain weight quickly. She will probably get to more than two pounds based on her looks. She weighs so little now because of her emaciated state. Are you giving her puppy colostrum to fatten her up? I would try that. I also think she will get hair once she is healthier since she has it on her head. She is a real cutie and you are an angel to be caring for her.

01-01-2006, 08:47 PM	#4
BittyIzzyBella Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 12	She does not itch or scratch at all, should I have them test her skin? The skin tests sound painful. She eats very well, poops, pees, plays, loves and can be very feisty when playing. She has been on Cefa Drops since 12-10 for a cough and received parvo vacccinations on 10-11 and 10-24, distemper on 10-21, and vanguard 5 plus on 11-8 per her puppy record from the breeder. She was wormed last on 11-8. thanks for all of the support...she makes loving her easy.

01-01-2006, 09:29 PM	#6
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	Oh my goodness Nedda! Your story is so common.....I am so glad you told it because vaccines should not be viewed as "routine", especially with smaller yorkies. There are side effects and some can have life long ramifications. With a reaction like tjhat to her shot I would try to get a waiver for the rabies since with her size the chance of her actually ever being exposed to rabies is basically non existent! All of mine have waivers and will not have that shot again. In my area there has not been a case of canine rabies in over 40 years!! I feel the shot is not necessary and it is not required in my county if you get a waiver from your vet.

01-02-2006, 07:43 AM	#12
BittyIzzyBella Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 12	He sell science diet in the office, but would not give me a direct you should use this "blah blah blah' recommendation. He said all dogs are different and she may be sensitive to certain ingredients. We are going with trial and error for a while. The canine commisary sells alot of premium food and most have sample size bags. We are looking for good ingredients, no gas and normal poop. Chicken Soup has received mixed reviews (and yes I know they are made by Diamond) and Nutro has out a new puppy natural that is almost the same as chicken soup. The chicken soup brand is a 20 plus min drive and the Nutro Natural is around the corner from work...Also many have posted to add missin link to her food and watch for improvement with her hair and appearance. thanks again to all who have posted, it's great to have people who understand how she makes me feel. Izzy Bella's Momma

01-02-2006, 07:46 AM	#13
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	The Nutro is just as good of a food as the Chicken Soup so I would continue with that since you can find it closer. I use Missing Link also and it is good for their skin and coat. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

01-02-2006, 07:49 AM	#14
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Not in favor of the science diet and just stay away from corn in their feed. If I remember right even though Chicken Soup is done by Diamond food there is no corn in it which caused the death of the other dogs. It will be important to find a good, quality food that your little one will eat as you know. P.S. Vets have very little or no training in nutrition for a dog so you have to do alot of research. If you do a search in YT you will find lots of threads on this and maybe it will help you. I have never had this comfirmed to me but I am sure Science Diet setup a program with the vets and pays them a high commission to sell their product. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!