Need help re:yorkie rescue

[Lexi's Mom]

I have a decision to make and am looking to this wonderful forum for advice...

We have been looking for a playmate for 9.5 month old Lexi for a few months. I have recently stumbled upon a 5 year old purebred Yorkie who is being sold because two of the children in the family have been diagnosed with asthma (this raises a flag because aren't yorkies hypoallergenic to begin with?).

Here are this pros/cons as I see them:
PROS: the price is more than reasonable, the dog is located in my city, it's a "yorkie rescue" - even though it's a private adoption, the dog is spayed and microchipped, up-to-date on shots, socialized with other dogs and children and (mostly) potty trained - they still put down papers in case she needs them.

CONS: the dog is listed as overweight (10 lbs) and has "breathing problems" due to being overweight. After questioning the owner about this, I've been told that the vet has checked her out and thinks she breathes loudly because her tongue is too long. Has anyone heard of this before?

I've sent an email asking if the current owner (who lives out of town - the dog is staying with a relative) is willing to share vet records. I want to ensure that the owner and the relative aren't getting rid of her because of her breathing.

I'm afraid to go meet her until all my questions are answered because I'm a sucker for Yorkies and won't be able to say no once I see her. I can't afford to rescue a dog that needs a whole bunch of medical attention.

It is very important to me that if she becomes part of our family, it is forever. Your thoughts???

[Babbie]

Can't you take the dog to your private vet to have evaluated by him? Maybe the breathing is problematic because of her weight...or some little thing?

[aimee]

I would call your vet and ask about the tongue/breathing thing. I haven't personally heard of that. Sandy is overweight but doesn't have problems breathing because of it.

But, I think it would be great if you got her! I know that having a playmate is so great for these guys. Sandy's energy level went up 200% when we got Tia!

[Babbie]

that is true...having more than 1 dog is a complete different thing for the dogs. I would check on the breathing...even if it is not temporary it may not be anything life threatning...

[kp&nala]

my lhasa is bad overweight and when she sleeps she snores b/c of it and also when she scratching or licking herself she kind of snorts (not sure what you call it) but it's also b/c of her weight. i also had a friend that had a pekinese (sp?) her tounge hung out of her mouth all the time b/c she had an overbite but that's all i know about that one.

[Lexi's Mom]

Here's how the current owner describes the breathing problem:

"<snip>...I know the vets explanation about her breathing sounds strange...i don't even remember him saying that about her long tongue, but my husband insists that he did :-) but I do remember that he didn't seem concerned about it or want to do any tests or anything...I'm trying to think of how to describe it...no, it's not like she's gasping for breath...it's not scary...it's pretty funny actually....sometimes she just breathes loudly, sometimes not, and she's just "snorty" :-) (that's the best word, i can think of) She "snorts" when she gets excited, like when someone first comes over, or she sees another dog..."

Sounds to me like a reverse cough??? I'm going to go see her and see for myself.

[aimee]

Yeah, that doesn't sound too serious to me. I think it's worth a visit, anyhow! How exciting - please let us know how it goes!

[kp&nala]

Originally Posted by Lexi's Mom

Here's how the current owner describes the breathing problem:

"<snip>...I know the vets explanation about her breathing sounds strange...i don't even remember him saying that about her long tongue, but my husband insists that he did :-) but I do remember that he didn't seem concerned about it or want to do any tests or anything...I'm trying to think of how to describe it...no, it's not like she's gasping for breath...it's not scary...it's pretty funny actually....sometimes she just breathes loudly, sometimes not, and she's just "snorty" :-) (that's the best word, i can think of) She "snorts" when she gets excited, like when someone first comes over, or she sees another dog..."

Sounds to me like a reverse cough??? I'm going to go see her and see for myself.

that is exactly what koko does. and like she described it, it's not scary or like she gasping for air. it's not serious in my opinion but i'm no vet either.

[Babbie]

Originally Posted by Lexi's Mom

Sounds to me like a reverse cough??? I'm going to go see her and see for myself.

Let us know how it goes...

[Diego]

One of my friends named Carlos just rescued an overweight Yorkie . His vet ask him to take several walks with him . In a few months the dog who was 10
pounds is now 8 and he is very healthy .

[StewiesMom]

How exciting about the new dog. What's it's name? Be sure to let us know what happens.

[browniesmom622]

so howd everything go do you have another baby whats going on

[Marie]

It doesnt seem too bad. I guess is a good idea to see the dog in person and get her check by your vet. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Diego]

Allergies in peoples are not always caused by the hair of the dogs . Most peoples are allergic to the dog's saliva .

[Rem&Silkmom]

I would most certainly have her approved by your vet before you commit. You never know...
chris