My Beautiful Yorkie

[danaf]

I have a wonderful beautiful yorkie that I've had for 13 years, since she was a pup. She is one of the smartest and best dogs I've ever had. She's been the longest relationship I've ever had with anyone (aside from parents, family ect.). Sad but true. I would write all the awesome things about her but it would make this post very long.

My beautiful yorkie is sick. Her breathing is laboured. She's been spending less time with me and more time under the bed, or in some corner out of the way (which is so not like her). This is not some virus or cold. This has been something that has been developing over a long period of time, even before I brought her to the vet 6 mos ago. But since then, it has gotten much worse. I've been in denial for a while about her symptoms and what it means but tonight I realized that I need to come to terms about it.

I am bringing her to the vet next week but I really don't need a vet to tell me what I already know, can feel, and smell (yep, I can smell that she is sick). I don't want people thinking I'm playing all knowing ect. but a mother knows.

Maybe the vet will tell me something hopeful but I doubt it. I've seen her symptoms in friends dogs, in my mil's dog, ect. So I am bracing myself in having to put her down because I don't believe in keeping her alive to prolong a suffering life because I'm not ready to deal with loosing her.

In so far as dogs go, this one has been a rock in my life (if that makes sense to anyone).

This is going to be really hard. Really really hard.

[epiphany]

I have a wonderful beautiful yorkie that I've had for 13 years, since she was a pup. She is one of the smartest and best dogs I've ever had. She's been the longest relationship I've ever had with anyone (aside from parents, family ect.). Sad but true. I would write all the awesome things about her but it would make this post very long.

My beautiful yorkie is sick. Her breathing is laboured. She's been spending less time with me and more time under the bed, or in some corner out of the way (which is so not like her). This is not some virus or cold. This has been something that has been developing over a long period of time, even before I brought her to the vet 6 mos ago. But since then, it has gotten much worse. I've been in denial for a while about her symptoms and what it means but tonight I realized that I need to come to terms about it.

I am bringing her to the vet next week but I really don't need a vet to tell me what I already know, can feel, and smell (yep, I can smell that she is sick). I don't want people thinking I'm playing all knowing ect. but a mother knows.

Maybe the vet will tell me something hopeful but I doubt it. I've seen her symptoms in friends dogs, in my mil's dog, ect. So I am bracing myself in having to put her down because I don't believe in keeping her alive to prolong a suffering life because I'm not ready to deal with loosing her.

In so far as dogs go, this one has been a rock in my life (if that makes sense to anyone).

This is going to be really hard. Really really hard.

I'm so sorry to hear that Dana. I have been there twice with cats and it is never easy. Wouldn't it be nice, since they're such good friends, if they had the same life span as we do?

When it comes to animals, I too believe "a mother knows". Really very sorry for you.

EP

[One Half Full]

I don't know. I had an old Maltese (over 10 years old). He began to be lethargic, showing obvious pain symptoms, and screamed each time I picked him up. One day he just screamed and screamed. I went to the Vet in tears, thinking the worst. I thought I would have to put him down and it made me sick! I avoided going to the vets because I thought he was dying and I didn't want to face putting him down! Well, when I got there, I learned that he had some arthritis. And he probably had fallen because his back was kinked and painful. It took him some time to get over the pain. One quarter of a baby aspirin per day made it hurt less. He is still alive though I gave him to a wonderful woman from work who loves him and takes him everywhere. So, that is an illustration of how I thought my dog was dying and he really wasn't. The best thing that you can do if you have doubts is take him to the vet when you fist notice symptoms. I have 2 dogs now. One is older and was the only one who stuck by me when I had a broken leg and everyone left me. I know I really learned about love from a dog. I know it is very painful to contemplate putting a dog down. I hope it is not as bad as you think it is. If It is bad, then I agree that keeping the dog alive is more for you than the dog. I do not look forward to the time when I will inevitably have to do this. Just thinking about it makes me cry.

[FLBK7]

I am so sorry, Danaf. I understand so well the love you have for your baby and how terrifying the thought of losing her is. The symptoms you describe are not encouraging, but I'm an eternal optimist and know that animals, particularly small-breed dogs, have a way of coming around that surprises even the vets themselves.

Love, pamper and spoil your baby today, and take her to the vet tomorrow. Please let us know what happens. My thoughts are with you.

[cool33097]

Sorry to hear that. Big HUGGS to you.

[Cassiopeia]

So sorry, danaf! I am a dog lover myself, well any pet really. I have a pitbull and a beagle, and I can't imagine life without them.

You and your baby are in my thoughts and prayers!

[twuoo]

I'm very sorry to hear and I feel for you. I have a dog that is getting more and more fatty tumors.

I'm on the fence in terms of a) the cost ($800 or more) and b) his age. Is it more painful than what it would be worth for him. I don't know. Wish someone would just tell me what to do.

It makes me feel so sad.

I wish you the best! HUGS

[Dutchess]

I am so sorry to hear about your girl being under the weather being a dog lover myself.I would make them check her heart that can cause the labored breathing maybe she just needs some meds to help get rid of the fluid.

[Minnymouth]

Absolutely see the vet,
Her symptons are sign of heart trouble (labored breathing) and hiding.....

A simple fluid shot may solve the problem for a while. Sounds like she's filling up with fluids (as most heart trouble does)..... and if you can keep the fluid flushed out, then they will live amazingly a lot longer.

I have lost 6 of my babies over the last 40 years and each one of them was precious. I only had to put one down, the rest died naturally of old age.

Putting your "buddy" down is a very hard thing to do..... I don't envy anyone who has to do it, but remember we also do it out of love for them. We don't want them to suffer either....

Hopefully yours will be with you many more days, just get to the vet and see if extra fluid is what is causing the problem right now....

[danaf]

Thanks for your kind words everyone. My husband is taking her to the vet tomorrow and I will update.

[fred333]

I am sorry to hear about your Yorkie. I have one myself. Hope everything works out.

[Tribecca]

I have 2 Silky terriers, much the same as Yorkies. One is 12 years old and has some respiratory problems also. My heart is with you. They are like children and provide so much love. We love them dearly. My prayers are with you and your precious little girl.

[danaf]

I really appreciate everyone's support. The diagnosis is not as bad as a feared. She has low thyroid problem, treatable by meds. She has a slight liver function issue which is treatable by meds & change of diet. She has an enlarged heart (and murmur) and an issue with her trachea which could cause the trachea to collapse but there isn't anything I can do about this. So she should be around for a while more. Thank God!

[twuoo]

That's good news that she is treatable by meds! Love her lots!!

[chpxiii]

Dana, that is good news! I know you must be relieved. Give your yorkie a scritch behind the ears for me.