Bella isn't feeling well

[Suze225]

Ok guys, I need some advice here.

Bella is 13 weeks old and weighs in at just at 2 pounds. She has had 2 of her puppy vaccines so she is up to date on her immunizations. She is a very active and healthy puppy, up until today that is.

This morning, everything was as usual. She ate some of her dry food, but only a few bites. She was up and playing. An hour later she laid down and went to sleep. I put her in the bathroom(with her bed, her toys, her food and water and her potty pad) (as I always do) when I leave the house. I came back she had diarrhea 2 times and it was grayish white (NO BLOOD) and STINKY. OF course she walked in it, boy did she smell. Gave her a quick bath and kept her warm and dry in a towel. She again had another bout of diarrhea, same thing with color and smell. She has 'pooped' one time since the diarrhea but this one was fairly normal, no smell and dark normal color.

She has been very lethargic and sleepy for the past 3 hours and no more loose stools thank goodness. She won't even get up to follow me She has gotten up to move to her other bed a couple of times. She is drinking and eating ice if I offer it to her, which I do every 45 minutes or so. No fever, very cool wet nose and cool feet. I believe she has coccidiosis. (one of my big dogs had this as a pup) OF course it is Sunday, so no vets open locally. There is an ER vet about 1 1/2 hours away, if we absolutely have to. If she continues to drink and doesn't get 'too' lethargic do you think we can wait until right away in the morning to get her to the vet?? I did call the vets office, but no emergency numbers given, other than to the clinic 1.5 hours away.

Anyone have any hints on what to try to feed her?? Or if I should feed her anything until she sees the vet??? She normally eats just about anything offered to her, but I have not tried ANYTHING since the diarrhea started. Just sent hubby to the store to get some pedialite for her to drink. Any other ideas for now???

Sorry for the length of this, but I am so worried about my baby. I was in tears when I realized she was sick. I was supposed to go to the water park with friends today, but won't leave my babies side. My friends think I have LOST MY MARBLES, staying home with a sick dog. But she is my baby.......

Sue and Bella

[Ellie May]

It could be coccidea and it's good that there is no blood in it. However, parvo can't be ruled out without a vet and your pup is open to it now since she hasn't finished her puppy vaccines.

I'd personally err on the side of caution and go to the ER. Any diarrhea in a Yorkie pup and be dehydrating and cause extreme problems. At the least, please call them.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

It could be coccidea and it's good that there is no blood in it. However, parvo can't be ruled out without a vet and your pup is open to it now since she hasn't finished her puppy vaccines.

I'd personally err on the side of caution and go to the ER. Any diarrhea in a Yorkie pup and be dehydrating and cause extreme problems. At the least, please call them.

I agree. She is so young yet..and they can decompensate quickly.

To the OP: You have not lost your marbles! You are being a good yorkie mom.

[Perrella]

I'm so sorry little Bella is sick. I can't offer any advice, hopefully others will see this and give some. I don't think is silly to stay home with her, I wouldn't be anywhere else when they are sick and she is so young. I always just panick and go to the vet no matter how simple the matter is, some say that's crazy too. But, I don't want to take a chance on my girl. I so hope, she starts feeling better soon!! Keep us posted on her progress.

[Ringo1]

I feel your pain. Our only ER vet is about 45 minutes away . . a bit closer than yours; but I found myself there at 9:00 pm on a Friday night.

Your little one is so little and young . . and with diarrhea .. . it's probably better to go and get her checked out.

[Suze225]

A little update........Bella got up on her own and drank heavily from her water bowl. She played for a few minutes, somewhat slowly, but was up asking everyone to love on her. (Back to sleep now though)

The water stayed in, so I got her some chicken baby food. She ate about a TBSP of that and so far......no diarrhea!!!!!! None for several hours. (Hope this isn't the calm before the storm.)

One more question.....if it IS coccidiosis (spelling lol) does it always need treatment?? Or can it clear up on its own. Just trying to get my wits about me for tomorrow, IF we don't head in to the vet tonight.

[ladyjane]

No, it will not clear on its own.

Here is a link about Coccidia:

Coccidia


One about Parvo:

Parvovirus: Serious Diarrhea in Puppies & Dogs

It may not be either of these. Could be related to whatever you are feeding her...did you change her diet at all?

You need to make sure she is hydrated...and also that she does not get hypoglycemic.

Dog Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

[mojo]

When I got my little boy, he had coccidia. I very nearly lost him. I had to take him to work with me for weeks and force feed and hydrate him. I know you have gotten excellent advise here, I just want to reiterate how important it is to take your baby to the vet asap as they are quite fragile and can easily take a turn for the worse.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by mojo

When I got my little boy, he had coccidia. I very nearly lost him. I had to take him to work with me for weeks and force feed and hydrate him. I know you have gotten excellent advise here, I just want to reiterate how important it is to take your baby to the vet asap as they are quite fragile and can easily take a turn for the worse.

While traveling a distance is not fun, that is what we must do sometimes. I can tell you I would not be messing around with a puppy with diarrhea. Scary stuff.

[Suze225]

Hello again, just an update!!

Bella was acting completely normal by sunday early evening. Playing, eating and drinking. Erring on the side of caution, I made her a vet appointment monday morning. Vet said she looked good, had dropped a few ounces now at 1 pound 12 ozs. She had a slight temp of 102.8 (102.5 being the high side of normal) Parvo test was negative, Coccidia test was positive. We are on our second day of treatment. She is doing fantastic!! Completely back to normal. The vet did say that Coccidia can be very presistant and said to keep the meds in the fridge and that they will keep for a very long time if cool.....and that if she starts showing signs of it again, just start another 10 day regimine. She gave me enough to do 3-4 10 day treatments.

I am so glad to have my baby back. Thanks to all for the advice. It is much appreciated by me and Bella.

[ladyjane]

Thank you for the update! Happy to hear that Bella is doing well!

[mojo]

So glad you took her in!