Very Worried!!

[Gen]

I need some advice. My Hadley just does not seem right. He did greet me today when I came home but then just laid down on my feet. Very unusual for him as he is usually quite energetic when I come home. I have noticed that his hair is falling out more than usual but I assumed it is because it is getting warmer here in Oklahoma and he is shedding. He seems to be uncomfortable and is hiking his leg to pee, which he usually does not do. He has never had a urinary tract infection but I am wondering if this sounds like what it could be. The only other time he has acted this way was after shots. He is just wanting to lay around and he has a sad look on his face. Hopefully I am overreacting. But we love our boy and I can't stand to see him like this. By the way he will be 2 in September and has never had any health problems.

Gen

[Ellie May]

Two year old Yorkies don't shed. They lose a little bit of hair like people, but that's all. It's something that has to be diagnosed. When was his last vet visit and blood work?

Lethargy that lasts for more than a day would also require a vet visit.

Lifting the leg is probably normal. Peeing too much or straining wouldn't be.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Just in case, take him to the vet and get a full check-up. Could catch something that might be going on at early stage. Lying down right at your feet instead of a greeting is worrisome to me! Not typical Yorkie greeting! Maybe just UTI or something simple and a couple of pills and he's right as rain. Keep us posted, please.

[Gen]

I would take him to the Vet but she is out of town until Saturday. I don't really trust another Vet. There aren't many who treat small animals in our area and he has only ever been treated by her. Her office said it sounds like a UTI and to make sure he is drinking plenty of water. We do have an ER three towns away. I may be headed there if he gets any worse. Thank you for your responses. My daughter just reminded me that he whined when she picked him up yesterday. So he is sore somewhere. I just hate this. Can't stand to see him so sad and not feeling well. He is usually bird watching through the windows this time of day. All he wants to do is lay in your lap. But he is eating and he is drinking.

[Ellie May]

Especially with the hair loss, I'd be very surprised if it was just a UTI.

How long have the urine symptoms been going on? Waiting two days to treat a UTI puts pup through a ton of discomfort. Being seen tonight or tomorrow morning would be much better. Maybe somewhere out of town would be better for small breeds?

[Bitsy]

If it were me, I'd take him to the ER vet right away. That he whined when he was picked up worries me a lot. Poor little thing. Please keep us posted.

[Buster Brown]

I am so sorry to hear your dog is not feeling well. I think many of us a tuned into our Yorkies so if you notice he is acting differently I would definitely see your Vet better safe.... I hope your Yorkie is back to boucing round and bird watching soon. Best wishes

[yorkietalkjilly]

You don't think another vet could just give you a diagnosis and some treatment until Saturday? If he is whining when picked up, sounds like he's hurting and he might need to be seen. Most vets can run tests and diagnose at least. Does he have a fever? I am praying for this baby and sure hope he's going to be okay.

[Sammy Mommy]

I hope Hadley feels better. Could you see the other vet for now and then go back on Saturday just to double check? I know how you feel. I love my vet but if she isn't there I will see another for an emergency. Hope Hadley is OK.

[Gen]

Ok Hadley is walking around a bit more and he is even bird watching out the window but he is not jumping around and trying to get the birds like he usually does. He has a little closet in his room with a puppy pad because I think its awful to make a dog hold it when your away. I noticed that he pees on the pad but then dribbles pee as he walks away. My husband took him out to pee and he peed a little in a lot of places. My neighbor who also has a Yorkie uses the same Vet and said that when she changed food her little girl was eating a lot instead of drinking and she got a UTI. I did just change Hadley's food per his Vets request and he is eating A LOT more. I had never thought of that. I am not going to wait until Saturday to have him seen. Another friend of mine has a Vet which she adores and if he is not markedly better by later tonight or in the morning I am taking him in. If he gets any worse tonight we are going to the ER. In the meantime I am wondering if giving him a baby aspirin would be okay? They had me give him one after his last shots and it helped him feel a lot better. Thanks to everyone for your concern. Hadley is my fourth child. I take care of him like he is one of the kids. My head is hurting trying to hold back tears because I don't want to upset the others. My husband says he thinks he is fine but I just know him and although he is not extremely sick, I know when something is not right. Can't rest until he is back to him normal.

[Ellie May]

No on the aspirin. Some vets do recommend it. It's a very bad drug to give dogs. So unless a vet tells you to for this episode, then I'd skip it. And if a vet did tell me to, I'd get a second opinion... It's a blood thinner and not healthy for them.

If he is dribbling, whether he gets better by morning or not, he has to go in. And I'd be very uncomfortable with the pain. You are right. Something is definitely wrong.

[Bitsy]

So glad you are willing to get him to the vet if you feel he cannot wait. These little guys are really good at hiding what hurts them, so if you can see it I think it needs attention.

Don't know about giving him aspirin??? My first thought is that it may irritate his tummy more if it is bothering him at all. Hopefully someone else can advise you on that. I know Tylenol is a huge no-no, but don't know about aspirin.

[Gen]

I have decided to take Hadley to the ER. I will let you all know what we find out. Thanks for your support. By the way, I had never heard aspirin was bad for dogs. I only gave Hadley half of a baby aspirin per Vets request. It did really help him a lot with his shots. I will ask them at the ER about the aspirin as well. Thanks again.

[TxVicki]

Yeah I'm glad you are taking him to the Vet now. If he does have an UTI those can be painful. Please keep us updated on him. Sending good thoughts for him.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, good decision. Please let us know when you can. We're all up watching the NFL Draft and the Royal Wedding night before coverage and would love to know how little Hadley is doing even if it is the wee hours. I am praying for Hadley and for you - can tell you are worried sick.