Don't know where to start....:-)

[YorkieSue]

First of all, I am hoping beyond hope that this new server 'works' a bit better for me (and of course, all of those who might have been experiencing the same frustrations I was)than the old one. I wrote to administration (yup, angrily a couple of times) because I AM COMPUTER SAVVY and I simply could not get or send messages. Sometimes, no matter what I did I was stymied by the site and had to continually sign in. I wrote to a couple of people that I had no idea if they got my private messages and well, you get the picture. And soooooo, I am going to be very happy if this server makes things simple and uncomplicated for ALL of us.

Secondly, in case all of you didn't get my last message, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR your support during my days of waiting on Buddy's blood tests. He DOES NOT have liver shunt and in fact his blood work came back very normal. We do not know why that lower jaw trembles on occasion with a concomitant tongue thrust and short staring period, but the vet and I agreed that I should simply keep a close eye on him (love doing this anyway) and if I see it again to call her. The other option was to bring him in to her and place him in the 'close observation' room. But this would mean a cage and Buddy's last person punished him in a crate and crates scare him badly. I really cannot bring myself to do this. I also think that it would be entirely possible that even if he had an episode under 'close watch' that it mighit be missed and that no one would see it. Wouldn't that be something to cage him for two or three days only to hear, "We didn't see anything". I can watch him more closely than any low paid worker who cleans cages and feeds the animals in them. But for now, I am happy and Buddy is just fine. What a guy!!

Now, liver shunt is NOT ALWAYS a death sentence but it is one of the nastiest diagnoses a toy breed can have. Most people will not pay for or cannot afford the terribly expensive surgery esp. since it is not a one shot deal and there is NO GUARANTEE THAT it will save the pups life. It is a horrendous disease for the pup to have and if it happens in later life then the chances of survival, even with the best care, are simply depressing. Please google 'LIVER SHUNT IN YORKIES' to read exactly what this disgusting malady does to little dogs. But, some dogs do survive and some surgeons can fix them...still, it is a truly sad thing to think about. Anyway, Buddy dodged a bullet with this one and I am thrilled. He is the silliest looking Yorkie you all have probably ever seen LOL (almost 10 SUMO pounds of him <laughing here>) and he would have been a prime candidate of unscrupulous breeding. Anyway, folks, I am thrilled to share that he is fine.

I should probably start a new thread and I may, but for now, I am asking if anyone has any home remedies for Buddy re: car sickness. I have discovered (or rather my new Prius has <igh>) on three diff. occasions that Buddy gets violently car sick. I do NOT FEED HIM ONE MORSEL before a trip and god knows where he gets what he upchucks but it's awful. I have placed a plastic mattress cover over seats etc. but this doesn't solve HIS PROBLEM. My vet says there is a prescription (the name escapes me for now) and someone else said, try, Dramamine. Help!! Anyone, have similar problems? I travel a LOT in my RV and this really is going to be a hindrance. Thanks for your help folks. Nite now, Yorkie Sue, Dixie and Buddy's Human

[Doodlebug]

I'm glad to hear that he doesn't have liver shunt. Sorry I don't have any answers about the car sickness. Wish I could help.

I didn't know that they could get liver shunt when they are older. That's scary. Do the bigger yorkies get it too? (12-13 pounds)

[AMD]

oh, I'm so glad to hear it's not liver shunt!!

[mvatthezoo]

Hi, my name is Mary and I am new to the site. I have not posted an introduction but I just had to respond to you. I had a new Prius (2 mos old) and a new Yorkie (4 yrs old). My first one, both of them! She christened the Prius and my son nicely a few weeks after we got her. He still gets oozy at the thought. She has not done it again, thank goodness. There IS a prescription med that works very well. I used it on another and much bigger dog. Dont remember the name, sorry. You might ask your vet.

Love reading yall's stories and will post more later.

Mary

[sshaw]

Glad to hear no liver shunt, and my little Sahara also gets car sick as well. Poor little thing, she is only 2 1/2 pounds so it is not a big mess to clean. I am hoping that she will out grow it as she will be a year old may 12th.

[YorkieSue]

The liver shunt situation is MOSTLY in very young dogs. It seems to show up around age 4-8 months. I am no expert but have certainly done my reading and learned through my vet and friends' sad experiences. In older dogs it is not that common and I wouldn't worry too much; it really seems to show up in very young puppies, IF it is going to show up at all. A blood test can usually rule this out. If they are not sure then a much more expensive ultra sound is performed. It's just that is always in the back of my mind with Yorkies. However, now that Buddy has had his blood work, I can forget about it forever with him. The best way to avoid this is to be sure to go to reputable breeders, meet both parents, see the paperwork on a couple of generations back, speak to people who have purchased that particular breeder's pups and ask the breeder the important health questions. Has she had the pup tested for subluxated knees? liver shunt? There are so many more but if anyone who is contemplating getting a Yorkie or any other pure bred does his/her homework then you will be fine. Of course, when one rescues or buys from a pet shop then you have different risks but life is a risk, right?

Yes, there is a prescrip med that the vet has for car sicknesses. Buddy has gotten sick each time I have taken him so now I know he WILL get sick <arrghh>---even when I haven't fed him. THAT is the part I don't understand. Where do his stomach's contents come from if he has had no food? God, what a mess. Some have suggested dramamine but my groomer says it doesn't work. I am really sad over Buddy's situation in the car since I do travel a lot and now I have to plan for this too!! Dixie is just fine in the car, thank God.

In another writing I will share Dixie's story with you all who love Yorkies. Two years ago I was writing here, ready to tear my hair out over her dominant aggressive behaviors. In fact I was almost in tears. She has improved a lot but I am still told that it's a good thing I had her because she may have wound up in rescue. She was TOUGH as a pup (not funny at all) and is still absolutely alpha. She is cute and somewhat affectionate but a family with kids could and would never have kept her. She is a little rough on Buddy too but I think he is adjusting. I only step in if things seem dangerous--which they did for the first week or so. I had a gated community right in my home because of Dixie. But things are calmer now although Buddy still does not sleep in the same room with Dixie and me. I wouldn't dare!!! For Buddy's and my sake. Dixie is totally territorial but I hope to be able to figure this out.

Bye for now, Yorkie Sue

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by YorkieSue

The liver shunt situation is MOSTLY in very young dogs. It seems to show up around age 4-8 months. I am no expert but have certainly done my reading and learned through my vet and friends' sad experiences. In older dogs it is not that common and I wouldn't worry too much; it really seems to show up in very young puppies, IF it is going to show up at all. A blood test can usually rule this out. If they are not sure then a much more expensive ultra sound is performed. It's just that is always in the back of my mind with Yorkies. However, now that Buddy has had his blood work, I can forget about it forever with him. The best way to avoid this is to be sure to go to reputable breeders, meet both parents, see the paperwork on a couple of generations back, speak to people who have purchased that particular breeder's pups and ask the breeder the important health questions. Has she had the pup tested for subluxated knees? liver shunt? There are so many more but if anyone who is contemplating getting a Yorkie or any other pure bred does his/her homework then you will be fine. Of course, when one rescues or buys from a pet shop then you have different risks but life is a risk, right?

Yes, there is a prescrip med that the vet has for car sicknesses. Buddy has gotten sick each time I have taken him so now I know he WILL get sick <arrghh>---even when I haven't fed him. THAT is the part I don't understand. Where do his stomach's contents come from if he has had no food? God, what a mess. Some have suggested dramamine but my groomer says it doesn't work. I am really sad over Buddy's situation in the car since I do travel a lot and now I have to plan for this too!! Dixie is just fine in the car, thank God.

In another writing I will share Dixie's story with you all who love Yorkies. Two years ago I was writing here, ready to tear my hair out over her dominant aggressive behaviors. In fact I was almost in tears. She has improved a lot but I am still told that it's a good thing I had her because she may have wound up in rescue. She was TOUGH as a pup (not funny at all) and is still absolutely alpha. She is cute and somewhat affectionate but a family with kids could and would never have kept her. She is a little rough on Buddy too but I think he is adjusting. I only step in if things seem dangerous--which they did for the first week or so. I had a gated community right in my home because of Dixie. But things are calmer now although Buddy still does not sleep in the same room with Dixie and me. I wouldn't dare!!! For Buddy's and my sake. Dixie is totally territorial but I hope to be able to figure this out.

Bye for now, Yorkie Sue

Thank you for explaining about LS. I am so relieved that we will probably not have to deal with it. You gave a lot of good advice for anyone looking for a new pup. Taking the time to find a good breeder is definitely worthwhile when you consider the pain and heartache you could face by not getting a healthy puppy. I plan to follow your advice if and when I am looking for another yorkie pup. thanks again.

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by mvatthezoo

Hi, my name is Mary and I am new to the site. I have not posted an introduction but I just had to respond to you. I had a new Prius (2 mos old) and a new Yorkie (4 yrs old). My first one, both of them! She christened the Prius and my son nicely a few weeks after we got her. He still gets oozy at the thought. She has not done it again, thank goodness. There IS a prescription med that works very well. I used it on another and much bigger dog. Dont remember the name, sorry. You might ask your vet.

Love reading yall's stories and will post more later.

Mary

Welcome to YorkieTalk!!! It's so nice to have you here.

Sorry to hear about your baby's accident in your new Prius and on your son. I'm glad she is doing better.