sick yorkie..what to do

[lindz719]

rocky is 6.5 years old. back in the fall we noticed he was having difficulty jumping..which eventually led to him not being able to do the stairs. we figured it was his luxating patella. we did bring him to the vet. had a blood drawn done. showed elevated WBC and liver enzymes. also rocky started losing weight, even tho he was eating. we eventuallly did more blood draws. which showed the same results. he has been on tramadol, doxy, and now an appetitie stimulant. we had an abdominal Ultrasound. showed inflammation in his kidney and liver. they are still stumped at what can be wrong. he is so weak now, lays down in front of his food bowl. usually not eating but sometimes will eat off a plate or the floor. try hand feeding him and he takes no parts. still peeing and pooping. but at times i think from straining to poop and being weak he falls over. the other night he was under the couch. eyes open and breathing but he would not respond. i eventually got him moving by moving the couch away. but it scared the crap out of me,
so spoke to the vet. now he wants to do a liver biopsy, bile acid tests, and coagulation studies. he will start him on liver pills didnt ay the name and another appetite stimulant.
i feel like this could be the end. i do not think he would survive the anesthesia for the biopsy. he used to be 13 pounds when healthy. he has dwindled down to 8.8 lbs.
hes my first dog. i am clueless.. i keep asking what if there is a pill that will fix it all. am i just kidding myself. now i feel like he is suffering. whats a pet owner to do.
we want to take him for a second opinion. but what would you guys do. anyone elses pet do this. any tips or suggestions please!

[Wylie's Mom]

At his young age, I'd get a second opinion asap -- and I wouldn't go to a generalist vet, I'd go to a Vet Internist...the appt will cost more, but it'll be worth it for sure. Has his back been xrayed? Is he still jumping funny, has his gait changed? The shape of his back changed?

This is all very odd, and so very concerning. I can tell you're scared, and I sure would be too. I just know you'll find someone who'll be able to figure this out though. Please, do keep us posted on this precious little one...my heart breaks for him.

[lindz719]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

At his young age, I'd get a second opinion asap -- and I wouldn't go to a generalist vet, I'd go to a Vet Internist...the appt will cost more, but it'll be worth it for sure. Has his back been xrayed? Is he still jumping funny, has his gait changed? The shape of his back changed?

This is all very odd, and so very concerning. I can tell you're scared, and I sure would be too. I just know you'll find someone who'll be able to figure this out though. Please, do keep us posted on this precious little one...my heart breaks for him.

He's not able to jump anymore at all. He has a tough time walking in general. He has luxating patella. Which we knew about. He has fallen over a couple times...due to weakness I guess? His spine seems to stick out more..but then again he has lost so much weight. His back has not been xrayed

We have an appt tomorrow. I'll keep you posted

[yorkiemini]

Is there a vet school near you?

[OwnedByJezebel]

Did they test him for Lyme's?

[OwnedByJezebel]

Canine Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention DogHeirs | Where Dogs Are Family Keywords: Lyme disease, ticks, prevantatives, joint pain

[Bellabean]

Prayers you find an answer!

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Did they test him for Lyme's?

That is what I was thinking.

[xFoxyx]

Prayers for Rocky and you find some kind of answers and treatment...

[Ellie May]

Your pup needs to be immediately admitted to a major veyerinary hospital. There may be more than one thing going on. In any case, it sounds like your pup is in serious medical danger being this weak.

A general vet should not do a hiopsy right now. They should have bile acid tested a long time ago.

I'm so sorry.

[Patti]

I would get a second opinion like the others suggested. I would not make any decisions until he is seen by an internal medicine specialist. I hope it is something that can be taken care of and he can get back to be a healthy furbaby.

[theporkieyorkie]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Your pup needs to be immediately admitted to a major veyerinary hospital. There may be more than one thing going on. In any case, it sounds like your pup is in serious medical danger being this weak.

A general vet should not do a hiopsy right now. They should have bile acid tested a long time ago.

I'm so sorry.

So sorry to hear your pup is sick!! It sounds like your vet has no clue what is going on...time to take him into a vet school or a specialist before he gets any worse. These little guys can go downhill quick.

[lindz719]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

Is there a vet school near you?

no not that i know of

[lindz719]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Did they test him for Lyme's?

they did and it was negative. they still treated him with doxy just in case

[lindz719]

the vet started him on remeron for appetite stimulant and also Denamarin. with these two meds how quickly should i notice or see any improvement? we have an appt tomorrow for a second opinion