The American Kennel Club classifies the Yorkshire Terrier as a toy breed, genetically programed to be an excellent companion dog. Yorkies weigh between 4 pounds and 7 pounds. As a result of their size, Yorkies, like other toy breeds, are especially prone to constipation. That's when a dog is unable to defecate or has difficulty doing so because of unusually large, hard or dry feces. Yorkie owners need to know the causes and symptoms of constipation, and at what point to call a veterinarian.
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Causes
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Constipation occurs when something from the dog's environment causes an obstruction in the intestinal track. According to The Yorkie Info Center, dietary changes often constipate dogs. These include include suddenly switching brands or formulas of dog food without a transition period and exposure to table scraps. Human foods with a high spice or fat content can disrupt a dog's bowels. A dog whose diet does not include adequate fluids is more likely to become constipated. Physical and emotional stress can also cause constipation. Owners who observe constipation in their pet should work to eliminate physical and emotional stresses that might contribute to the condition. If the dog eats a nonfood item that it cannot digest or easily pass, or if the dog eats bones, that may create a blockage.
Symptoms
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Common symptoms include passing little or no feces, passing hard or dry feces, eliminating less often than normal, asking to be let out more often than normal, diarrhea accompanied by straining, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Emergency
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Specific symptoms can indicate that your dog needs veterinary care. Seek medical advice if your dog does not defecate for three or more days, if your pet repeatedly strains to eliminate or if you observe blood or mucus the dog's feces. Other signs to watch for and report to your veterinarian include bloating, loss of appetite, lethargy and stomach pains.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians use their observation of physical symptoms to diagnose constipation. However, a veterinarian might suggest further testing to verify the cause. Diagnostic testing could include X-rays, ultrasound, blood pathologies and urinalysis.
Treatment
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Treatment largely depends on the cause of the constipation. If X-rays reveal a cause for the blockage, a veterinarian will likely start by working to remove this blockage. This may include enemas, intravenous hydration and colonic palpation. If the veterinarian believes the problem is related to a medication, he might suggest that you discontinue use, at least temporarily. Your veterinarian might change the prescription, as well. If the constipation is related to the dog's diet, a veterinarian may recommend changing the food to perhaps one rich in fiber. For chronic constipation, a veterinarian might recommend soap-water enemas and an exercise routine. In the event that a dog suffers from a serious impaction or medical dehydration, it might require advanced medical care including intravenous fluids, manual removal of fecal matter, repeated enemas and observation.
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