Information

Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common problem with all toy breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier. Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar, which is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the level of blood sugar in the puppy. In small breed puppies, from post-weaning to 4 month of age, the most common form of hypoglycemia called Juvenile Hypoglycemia, because it is seen in young puppies. Veterinarians unfamiliar with toys often misdiagnose the condition as viral hepatitis or encephalitis. As a small Yorkie owner, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to treat it. Many puppies are lost needlessly to hypoglycemia because of ignorance on the part of their owner or veterinarian.

It is important to understand that just because a puppy has an episode of hypoglycemia. It does not mean that the puppy is truly “hypoglycemic”. True hypoglycemia is a chronic condition caused by overproduction of insulin by the pancreas. Even though the pancreas may function properly, toy puppies can still have a isolated hypoglycemic indent in reaction to stress or fasting. Pups of any breed are more likely to develop hypoglycemia than adults, because their skeletal muscle mass and liver size are smaller and brain size is larger, in proportion to the rest of the brain, which is dependent upon adequate glucose in order to function. In small and you breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemia “attack”.

Yorkie puppies with Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia have normal liver size and function, but inadequate glucose precursors or glucose in its stored form (body fat). Hypoglycemic incidents are almost always preceded by a stress of some kind. Some examples of common stresses include: weaning, teething, vaccinations, a change in environment, shipping, over-handling, cold temperatures, intestinal parasites and forgetting to eat.

The first sign of hypoglycemia would be the puppy slowing down and acting listless. The puppy will then begin to tremble or shiver. This is a reaction caused as the brain is starved for glucose. More signs of an attack are weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth - sometimes even a seizure and draining of blood from the head. His body will be limp, lifeless, and a check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color, rather than a healthy bright pink. The body temperature will be subnormal and, after a time, the puppy will become comatose and may even appear to be dead. The puppy can go into shock and if not cared for properly and promptly, may even die.

If you see your Yorkie has hypoglycemia and you catch it in the early stages, rub Nutri-Cal (Caro syrup will do if you have no Nutri-Cal) on the puppy's gums, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth. Get a heating pad or heating blanket and slowly warm the puppy to proper body temperature. If the puppy responds, all is well.

Feed a quality, canned food containing, high-carbohydrates and protein right away (you may want to mix it with egg yolk) and then monitor the puppy to be sure that the condition does not recur. Be sure to eliminate the stress that caused the episode if at all possible.

*********************************************************************************

Allergic reactions to Canine Vaccines

Although most puppies hardly even notice when their puppy shots are given, and show no ill effects afterward, it's not terribly unusual for a pup to have an allergic reaction of some sort to a vaccine.

Most of the time these reactions to puppy vaccinations are mild, and last only a day or two. But occasionally they can be severe enough to need veterinary attention.

Because of this, it's a good idea to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. These can include:

Mild Reactions
Most reactions are mild and symptoms can include a lump/swelling/knot at the site of the injection itself, a slight fever, lethargy or a depressed or sad looking little pup! Sometimes there will be some loss of appetite, and maybe even loose stools for a day or so. BUT, don't worry, in these cases your puppy is just feeling a little tired or 'off color' and the symptoms are short lived and don't usually need veterinary treatment. Note: Although these symptoms usually show up within a 3 - 24 hours of vaccination, they can appear much later, sometimes several days to a week after the puppy shots were given.

Moderate Reactions
Symptoms of a moderate allergic reaction to puppy immunizations usually involve swelling and/or hives. Often particularly noticeable around the mouth, eyes, face and neck, although welts can appear anywhere on your puppy's body.

This kind or reaction usually occurs within a few hours of the vaccination. It can progress and become severe, so if you notice any swelling or hives appearing on your pup, take him back to the veterinarian's office right away. As an intermim measure you can give your little guy/gal some Benadryl to help reduce this swelling - but do check this with your vet first. The correct dosage for a dog is 1/2mg per pound of body weight, given every four hours. With very young pups or tiny breeds, this may not be safe... so again TALK TO YOUR VET FIRST! Veterinary treatment for this type of reaction may also include steroids and other anti-histamines.

Severe Reactions
The most serious allergic reaction to puppy shots is anaphylaxis. This is life-threatening and usually strikes within minutes of the vaccine being given. It may start out with vomiting/diarrhea and a loss of balance. It causes a sudden drop in your puppys' blood pressure, and generalized swelling which can result in breathing difficulties, seizures and even death.

It's an emergency situation and if you have already left the veterinarian's office you need to get your pup back there immediately. He/she may need oxygen, IV fluids or other medical intervention, so don't waste any time.

Luckily moderate to severe allergic reactions to puppy shots are pretty rare and are generally much less of a danger to your puppy than the diseases they prevent.

Although a puppy or dog can react badly to any canine vaccine, there seems to be a higher incidence of allergic reaction to the vaccines for Rabies, Parvo and Leptosirosis.

Also, there are some dog breeds that are more likely to experience these type of issues. They include, but aren't limited to, Miniature Dachshunds, West Highland White Terriers, Old English Sheepdogs, Akitas, Portuguese Water Dogs, Weimaraners, and Harlequin Great Danes.

So, the bottom line is that you need to watch your puppy closely for the first day or so after he's had his puppy shots. Any major reaction is most likely to occur within 24 hours (often much sooner). An allergic reaction of any sort is unlikely to happen after the first shot though, it's subsequent ones that you should pay particular attention to.

*****************************************************************************

Parvo Symptoms in Newborn Puppies

Puppies need protection from parvovirus.Parvovirus can attack your puppy as young as 6 weeks of age. Pet owners should have their puppies vaccinated at this age and then again at 10 weeks, and then at 14 weeks. It is important to make sure your furry friends have all three shots, as one and sometimes two are not effective in staving off the disease. Parvo can be passed to a puppy through the placenta of an infected mother. There is no cure once full-blown symptoms occur. However, if you catch it in time, you puppy has a chance at survival.

Beginning Symptoms
Parvo symptoms in puppies are often painful and severe, and can start as early as 48 hours after contact with an infectious source. Your puppy will get a high fever that leaves it with a lack of appetite. If your pup is not weaned, you will notice that he is not rushing to eat, like the rest in the litter. He may even lie off to the side of the litter. Unfortunately, if your puppy is born to a mother that was not vaccinated against parvovirus, and is born with parvo, your puppy's outlook is not good. Keep in mind if one pup has parvo, there is a good chance the others may, as well. Parvo can easily wipe out an entire littler of newborn pups.

Mid-stage Symptoms
Your pup will develop lethargy from the pain and lack of food. If you pick your pup up, you will notice it has lost its puppy spunk, and is no longer responsive to petting. A puppy in pain will express itself by rolling its eyes and then closing them or whimpering and whining, when its abdomen is touched. At this point, you should suspect parvo, and immediately separate the pup from the rest of the litter and its un-vaccinated mother. Call your veterinarian, as he may suggest you start treatment with fluids and antibiotics while waiting for parvo test results.

Late-stage Symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhea are common due to the virus' attack on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The puppy stool is often yellow in color, bloody and foul smelling. You will have to move quickly as by now, the virus is already rapidly spreading to your puppy's bone marrow, lymph nodes and heart. If you have not already separated him from the rest of the litter, you should, as parvo can survive in the environment for up to five months clinging to shoes, floors, beds and other surfaces. It can even survive in your yard, so be sure to keep the other puppies away from where the ill puppy lay or played for five months after treatment.

End-stage Symptoms
Dehydration occurs, despite your attempts to hydrate the pup. If you have not hospitalized your pup and begun life-saving treatments, the virus' attack on its little system will cause the puppy to go into shock and in most cases, die. Many puppies with full-blown cases of the parvovirus do not survive without immediate medical intervention.

*******************************************************************************

T-Cup, Teacup, Purse Puppy, Micro, Mini, Micro Mini

It does not matter what fancy name you call it, they are the smallest of the litter. A Yorkie that matures to 4 to 7 lbs is what every reputable breeder strives for, consistently breeding within breed standards; nothing more and nothing less. Uncaring kennels deliberately and continuously breed high-risk small Yorkshire Terriers, charging outrageous prices for the tiniest of offspring. Many charge up to $10,000.00 for a Purse Puppy.

These babies are prone to numerous health issues. Occasionally two regular size Yorkies will produce a small offspring. These babies are less likely to have the same health issues as those that are bred down. However, if you choose to purchase a baby puppy, you need to be aware they are at a higher risk for health problems and accidents because of their size. These babies also should not be breed, as they do carry their parents genes. A 2 lb baby puppy would not be able to carry a litter to term. A 2 lb male may stud with a 3 lb bitch, but he is going to pass on his parents 4 and 5lb genes, which has a high probability of killing the bitch before she comes to term.