Chihuahua looks always tired

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my almost 4 months old chihuahua looks always tired, sleeps the whole day and when she wakes up she walks for a while (very slow) and then she goes back to sleep. She keeps sneezing and choking the whole day, I haven't done any of her vaccines because i got her 10 days ago. When she just arrived home she was always playing and crying at night, extremely energetic; 5 days ago she started to sneeze and yesterday she started to choke. She stayed at my vet's store for 3 days and I took her back yesterday, the vet says she has nothing and that it could be she is in a lot of "pressure". I don't trust the guy, sorry. I need an advice: Should I take my dog to another vet or should I just wait for her to get better by herself? Please I need hope, Zack.

ANSWER: Hello Zack...

I absolutely think that you need to take this puppy to another veterinarian for a second opinion!  Did the first vet do any blood work?  What did the vet do for this pup during the three days that she stayed at the vet hospital?  

Please try to find a veterinarian that has experience with small breed dogs...and Chihuahuas in particular.

I want to thank you for being so "complete" with your question and telling me the age of your puppy and that it was playing and crying at night when you first got it.  It's very important to know that this puppy was doing well when you first got it and then declined.  The crying at night most likely has to do with separation anxiety due to being taken from the mom and siblings.  Zack, did the veterinarian mention anything about hypoglycemia?  I'm not saying that this is what your dog has, but pups that are not fed good quality food often enough can suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and this will make them appear tired and lethargic.  However, this wouldn't have much to do with the sneezing and choking that you have mentioned and that's why you really need a second opinon from a very qualified veterinarian.

I do think that pups can have a difficult time adjusting to a new home...especially if the new "Chi parents" are not use to having such a small breed of puppy in their care, but I can't see your dog and evaluate it, so you really do need to have a second opinion by another experienced vet.  I hope that that your pup turns out to be just fine and that you'll contact me if you have any other questions in the future.

Oh, I almost forgot...  This pup should have had some puppy shots before now...  However, while ill all pups and dogs should NEVER be vaccinated.  Make sure that your pup is doing well before initiating or continuing the puppy vaccines.

Jo Ann

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your answer Jo Ann. My little baby was analyzed "distemper positive" by a fast exam that the doctor did by taking some of her liquids from nose and eyes. Since that moment my dog has been staying with that vet. I just came from visiting her and she really does look worst. I know that you already did everything that you could for me by answering my previous question, but I just want to ask one more: Is there any chance that my little dog can survive or shall I send her to "sleep"? I know is a very personal question but I am sure your answer will be full of realism and professionalism. Thank you in advance!

Zack

Answer
Hello Zack...

I'm so very sorry to hear that your pup was diagnosed with distemper. You did EXACTLY the right thing when you took her to another veterinarian for a second opinion right away like you did!  You are a good, caring companion to your dog that followed your instincts when you were told that nothing was wrong with her.   

Your question to me is a tough one Zack.  I'm not there to see the pup myself or ask the vet questions, so I'm really reluctant to give you too much of an opinion insofar as your question goes. I can, however, provide you with information and questions (for your vet) to help you in making an informed decision. I can also offer you my friendship and support during such a very difficult time...

Although dogs have been known to survive this disease, sometimes they can have other problems as a result of the disease. Have you talked to the treating veterinarian and asked what the prognosis is in their opinion?  As far as I know, there is no specific treatment to kill the distemper virus. Therefore, general supportive care and control of neurologic signs such as seizures can result in a reasonable recovery from this infection. This may be a long term project, though.  I've read that puppies that recover may have severe tooth enamel damage. The nose and foot pads of the young dog may become thickened---often referred to as "hardpad disease."  I think I could deal with tooth enamel damage but I would have to talk to a veterinarian about the prognosis for "hardpad disease" and see if it would reduce my dog's quality of life.  However, any severe neurological problems, or the potential for such problems, is very concerning.

I'd like you to take a look at this website:  http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/dedistemper.html

The following is from that website:

"Over time, it was recognized that a number of dogs were surviving the initial infection only to develop neurologic signs from one to a few weeks after infection. Seizures, behavioral changes, walking in circles and other ambulatory problems commonly develop. Many dogs who develop neurologic signs develop rhythmic motions or "tics". These are known as chorea. Sometimes affected dogs appear to be chewing gum due to the steady contractions of the muscles of the head. Dogs that survive both the initial infection and subsequent neurologic disease may go on to develop retinal damage, corneal discoloration or extreme hardness of the skin of the nose or foot pads. Infection with the distemper virus can be hard to diagnose with certainty."

This is another website that you may want to look at:  http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1556&aid=419

Do you know if your pup has been having seizures while at the vet hospital?  Did you discuss with the veterinarian the fact that you think that your pup looks worse? I really think that you need to schedule a consultation with the vet either over the phone or in person and have a list of questions ready for discussion.  

I found this Facebook page for you:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&viewas=0&gid=44311393326
You need to be careful about what you read (not all posters there have their facts straight), but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone and that there are others out there that have dogs that are fighting this disease.

Please don't hesitate to write me back if you have further questions or need a little support.  I am here for most of the day and tonight.  My heart goes out to you and I really hope that the information that I've provided to you helps you some - I know that this is so difficult and painful for you.  I really believe that you will not regret having made a list of questions that you ask the vet directly.  The vet should be able to provide you with a prognosis since he/she is caring for your puppy and monitoring it daily.

Jo Ann