Sick Yorkie
From LoveToKnow Dogs
A sick Yorkie is a very fragile creature. The smaller a dog's system, the quicker it can be overcome by an illness. Share one visitor's tale of his beloved pet's struggle.
Visitor Has a Very Sick Yorkie
I have a six-year-old Yorkie. She used to weigh about 21 pounds. I realize that's rather big for a Yorkie, but she was very strong and healthy. For about the last week and a half she has not wanted to eat, and she urinates on herself with no control. She has never done this before.
She is also losing weight, and we do not know what to do. The vet did blood work and checked a stool sample. All was clear, no parasites or infection.
What is the next step? She is getting weaker everyday. Daisy is not herself, and we are afraid of where this could be leading.
Thanks~~ Ed
Expert Reply
Hi Ed,
I'm so sorry to hear the Daisy is ill. Let me give you my thoughts.
First, 21 pounds is very large for a Yorkie. Was she ever checked for a thyroid problem, because that can affect weight and appetite.
Second, the uncontrolled urination could be a sign of kidney disease, and I think this is definitely something your vet should be checking her for. Have her drinking habits changed? Excessive thirst is also a sign of kidney disease.
All in all, I'd take her back to the vet right away before she becomes too weak. She has a better chance of recovery and responding favorably to treatment while she still has some strength left to fight. Your vet may even want to keep her there to put in an IV to help stabilize her.
In the meantime, perhaps you could coax her to eat a little cooked ground beef and rice? The scent of real meat is very enticing to dogs. Let this mix simmer in some water to create a broth. This will also help her if she is beginning to dehydrate.
I truly hope your vet is able to figure out what's going on. Thank you for your question, and please let me know what you find out.
~~ Kelly
Comments
Suzanne, My heart goes out to you in this very difficult time. I don't know what my family would do without our Yorkie, Tyson. My thoughts are with you...
-- Contributed by: Kimive got a 8 yr old yorkie ... called daisy also who we rescued 2 and a half years ago, she settled in with us very quickly and soon became a big part of the family!.... in november 07 she was diagnosed with kidney disease through blood tests as she was weeing herself and drinking loads and also having trembles!...the vet gave her a few weeks to live, but we are now in march and shes still going but over the last week she started to deterioate quite rapidly and im not quite sure on what i should do for the best!...im in a real dilema and my heart is breaking on the thought of having her put to sleep as she is loved so deeply!...ive got her a appointment at the vets tomorrow so they will tell me whats the best for her but at the bottom of my heart i know the outcome!!!!
- Hello Suzanne,
Few things in life are as difficult as this type of decision you're facing. I have had to put an old friend down before, and even when you're sure it's for the best, it still isn't easy. Take heart in the fact that you've done everything you can to make sure your dog received all the care she needed during this illness. Some dogs are not so fortunate to have such a caring owner. If this truly is the right time to say good-bye, I think you'll know it after talking to your vet.
Thank you for sharing, and please give Daisy a hug for me.
-- Contributed by: suzanneThis page has been accessed 736 times. This page was last modified 17:02, 9 September 2007.
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