Question about Yorkie

Question
My friend has a mini Yorkie that is having trouble breathing at times.  The vet said it may be a collapsed trachea or could be spinal meningitis.  My friend lives in San Antonio Texas and would like to know if there are any vets in her area that specialize in Yorkies?

Answer
Hi Terri,

While there aren't veterinarians that specialize in the treatment of particular breeds, there are veterinary specialists in particular illnesses, just as there are for humans.

If your friend wants a second opinion on her dog's condition, she should get a referral (from her current vet) to see a canine respiratory specialist, or a veterinary Internist.  Your friend can find a specialist at the American Board of Veterinary Specialties web site:

http://www.avma.org/education/abvs/specialty_orgs/default.asp

Specialists can also be found at veterinary teaching hospitals. The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine has locations in Austin, Waco, and Houston.

The symptoms for a collapsed trachea and  spinal meningitis are vastly different. Common symptoms of meningitis include fever, stiff neck, hyper-reactivity to touch, and reduced mobility due to marked stiffness. The symptoms for collapsed trachea are "goose honking" cough, coughing frequently especially in  hot weather, coughing caused by exercise and excitement.

Your friend's vet can run blood tests, it find out if the dog has meningitis or not.

Best of luck,

Patti