Problems With Samoyed Puppy

[badboyz]

Perhaps you can let us know where in Qld you are and someone may be able to recommend some well respected vets and possibly a raw meat supplier, which may be a better option than a dry food. Only you can decide if you want to return the pup or to continue with her. A tough decision.

[pip1981]

I don't have any advice, just wanted to say I'm so sorry you're going through this emotional rollercoaster...

I agree the breeder should offer to take the puppy back, and provide a full refund. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with taking another puppy from the same breeder as compensation. However, you've mentioned the breeder may be struggling financially, so I'm guessing they may not be able to offer a refund at all, which IMHO suggests they perhaps shouldn't be breeding right now. I'm sorry if this sounds too harsh, but it just doesn't add up that they have somehow let you know they are struggling, but are obviously continuing to breed (they're offering a new puppy). If they can't afford to offer you a refund, I wonder how they could afford vet treatment for a whelp gone wrong, etc. A question to breeders- Do you make sure you have funds available just in case you may need to provide a refund to a puppy-buyer? Maybe I'm being too pedantic, I don't know?

All that being said, I personally would be too emotionally attached to surrender the puppy at this point, even though it's causing you a lot of heartache and is totally unfair :D

I know some have mentioned that basically it's no ones business what happens to a pup after it is surrendered back to the breeder, and that is legally correct I guess, you're 'giving up' the pup, in all senses, but it is completely understandable that anyone that has loved and nurtured a baby puppy for 4 months would like to know what the pup's future holds and would have the pup's best interests at heart. That may very well apply to the breeder too, but I would want to know that for sure.

Very difficult situation..I really feel for you and your little girl. Good luck

[Greytmate]

As for the gullet problems, I'd definitely get the dog's throat x-rayed to

determine/rule out Mega E. There's heaps on the I/net, but this is as good a

place to start as anywhere ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megaesophagus

That is what came to my mind too.

If it is mega E, the dog would be better with a moist meal than a dry one maybe?

[NewMum]

In response to the questions above:

My puppy had an x-ray of her throat at the same time as she had the endoscope, which showed that her oesophagus was the correct size (I just forgot to mention it in previous posts). So at least that's something ruled out!

The endoscopy showed that she has a short soft palate - the vet said that a geneticist might say that it was technically a cleft soft palate, but that they wouldn't go as far as to say that.

I live in Brisbane. Any "fantastic vet" recommendations would be appreciated! I'm willing to travel (within reason).

The breeder currently has a litter and has two planned for later in the year. She hasn't offered a refund, but has offered a replacement puppy from her final litter due at the end of the year. She said will pay for the endoscope when she gets paid for the puppies from her current litter.

Regardless, I've decided that I can't give her up. I'm going to persevere and cross my fingers that she'll be alright. I tried to visualise putting her back on a plane to VIC, but it was too upsetting. I love her way too much!!!

Edited June 24, 2010 by NewMum

[KitKat]

Oh...also...there is no harm in mixing a bit (eg a spoonful) of wet food in with her kibbles - however i'd suggest Natures Gift puppy food as it's great stuff and available from your supermarket.

What kibble was the breeder feeding her?

[Kirty]

You could also just add some hot water to her biscuits, let them soak for a while and then give them to her. They soften up nicely and seem to be yummier for the dogs. I sometimes also add a teaspoon of gravy powder to the hot water.

If she is having trouble swallowing and has UTI's, etc, I would think more moisture would help? So adding water to her food may be a way for her to get some more water without having to drink.

[NewMum]

Oh...also...there is no harm in mixing a bit (eg a spoonful) of wet food in with her kibbles - however i'd suggest Natures Gift puppy food as it's great stuff and available from your supermarket.

What kibble was the breeder feeding her?

Eagle Pack Puppy, which is what I'm feeding her. She must be bored with it - I can't say I blame her!

[NewMum]

You could also just add some hot water to her biscuits, let them soak for a while and then give them to her. They soften up nicely and seem to be yummier for the dogs. I sometimes also add a teaspoon of gravy powder to the hot water.

If she is having trouble swallowing and has UTI's, etc, I would think more moisture would help? So adding water to her food may be a way for her to get some more water without having to drink.

The gravy powder suggestion is a great idea - I'll try that and see how she goes!

[KitKat]

Generally dogs don't get 'bored' of a food - but without the competition of the other pups she may not feel she has to get her share no matter the taste! Also if she is having a problem swallowing then the dry kibble might be more difficult for her - i'd even try a bit of warm water inthe food...let it soak in a little and let her try it and see how you go.

[persephone]

Gravy powder has quite a bit of salt in

why not boil up a chook frame or three - with some carrot ... no salt .. reduce it to make a nice fresh chicken stock Use that to soak her food in , maybe? if she doesn't like chicken.. boil up a lamb shank ... do NOT give her the cooked bones ;)

[betsy]

Hi

Ok, so I'm not a dog expert, but have a bit of experience in people health

I think a video-fluoroscopy sounds like a good idea (basically give a food with x-ray contrast in it), this assesses the physiological swallowing of your dog. It may be very useful to delineate the swallowing issue. (This is done on humans a lot)

Sounds like your pup has been on a lot of antibiotics aswell. It may be good to evaluate how the periods off the antibiotics were in terms of health. (Do you also try natural yoghurt to try and balance natural flora.) It appears that many people on here have suggested some of the "conditions" the antibiotics were prescribed for are fairly normal puppy issues.

It definitely is worth considering seeing a specialist vet if this is what is offered, or getting a 3rd opinion. Remember the vet you see has to be very familiar with many different animals, and it is possible that your pup has an uncommon condition that is best managed by a specialist..

As for sending pup back, I'm no help there. Its a very personal decision IMO.

Good luck

[tdierikx]

The incontinence could be from a congenital disorder of the bladder... may need an ultrasound to verify it. If it is a congenital bladder issue, then it's not going to be something that will be fixed cheaply, or permanently. That could also be why she had the UTI...

T.

[dandybrush]

I live in brisbane too and the only vet i would recommend is Animal Options at Ormeau - definately worth the trip you want Dr Rowan Kilmartin (i think thats right)

my mums poodle was going to need hip replacement op...Dr rowan did some acupuncture and trigger point stuff and prescribed some meds that the dog only really needs now when he runs himself silly and comes up sore or during winter (the cold affects him) doesnt need the op anymore and his pain is managed

http://www.animaloptions.com.au/index.php?...=animal-options thats the website...definately worth a look IMO

[Clyde]

I would send her back Easy for me to say than for you to do, I am sure. I would be worried that these problems could just be the start of a 'problem dog'. To me it sounds as though the breeder is trying to do the right thing and this is a blessing as some would cut you loose. I think it's just really, really bad luck that you got a pup with problems and seeing as this breeder sounds ethical and you already researched her I would still get a replacement puppy from her, but perhaps not a repeat mating.

You have already poured a lot of money in a dog where you don't know if the end result will be one that you want. Give yourself a financial cut off too. I don't envy your position

[dandybrush]

I agree it is a tough decision you really have to decide what you want to do. If you cannot afford the potential treatment costs then maybe financially getting a more solid dog is the way to go. but if you are willing to put in the time, effort and money then fall in love with the little bundle and do everything you can to give her the best life she can possibly have with you

[OSoSwift]

As hard as it sounds, I wouls consider returning the puppy. It is easy for me as I do not have any emotional attachment to her. The breeder sounds ethical and willing to work with you which is great.

You may decided to keep the puppy and get the replacement puppy, but the thing you need to think of is do you want two dogs? Can you afford two dogs? Especially seeing as one may have long term medical issues.

I really do not envy your situation. I hope you find a solution soon.

[W Sibs]

I have nothing else to offer but

Edited June 25, 2010 by CW EW

[Bjelkier]

Ouch, nasty situation to be in Newmum

I might have missed something here but did the breeder know about the problem before you got the puppy? And if they did, were you told about it?

Personally I would send the pup back and get a refund.

If you decide you can't do this (and no one would blame you if you couldn't) the first thing I would be doing would be looking further at the throat issue.

If you arn't happy with the vets you are seeing keep looking until you find someone who will listen, you'll get there eventually.

Oh and as for food, have you tried mixing tuna brine or freash meat in with the kibble?

One of my Sammies was a real monster about food until he grew up and this always got him eating.

[Red Fox]

I tend to agree with what Lilli said in her first post.

If it were me I would consider adding ACV and probiotics to her diet, and perhaps cranberry for the UTI. You can also try mixing natural yogurt and mince in with the dry food rather than canned food.

How has the vet suggested that you deal with her palate issue?

[labsrule]

In response to the questions above:

My puppy had an x-ray of her throat at the same time as she had the endoscope, which showed that her oesophagus was the correct size (I just forgot to mention it in previous posts). So at least that's something ruled out!

The endoscopy showed that she has a short soft palate - the vet said that a geneticist might say that it was technically a cleft soft palate, but that they wouldn't go as far as to say that.

I live in Brisbane. Any "fantastic vet" recommendations would be appreciated! I'm willing to travel (within reason).

The breeder currently has a litter and has two planned for later in the year. She hasn't offered a refund, but has offered a replacement puppy from her final litter due at the end of the year. She said will pay for the endoscope when she gets paid for the puppies from her current litter.

Regardless, I've decided that I can't give her up. I'm going to persevere and cross my fingers that she'll be alright. I tried to visualise putting her back on a plane to VIC, but it was too upsetting. I love her way too much!!!

I believe you are doing the right thing by not sending you puppy back to the breeder, despite her problems I can't understand people advising you to send her back when it is not their puppy and they have no emotional investment in her :D IMO puppies/dogs should not be treated like "goods" to be returned because they may be "damaged/defective" in some way and particularly when they have been living with their new owner for a number of months :D I have never understood how people can think like this :D . I know there can be a huge amount of stress and angst when problems occur with puppies as we just want them to be happy and healthy and well loved and protect them, but this also includes taking full responsbiliity for them when you take them on.

If a major problem is diagnosed in a pup that requires treatment and the breeder will not/cannot help out financially for the treatment and the new owner does not have pet insurance or the problem is not covered by the pet insurance or the new owner is not in a financial position to cover this treatment, then it is the owner's responsibility to provide the level of care to keep the pup as comfortable and happy as can be and when their quality of life is severely affected, then do the right thing and PTS.

I am so sorry you are having health problems with your puppy and I so feel for you. :D I have a 9mth old pup and I would be completely and absolutely shattered if I was faced with any major health problem with him, but he is MY responsibility and has been since he came to live with at 10 weeks of age. I personally don't know how people could send their "damaged/defective" pups back to a breeder, I could never live with myself and I don't say this to make you feel guilty for considering this, it is just how I feel and I take my responsiblity to my pup and dogs very seriously which includes caring for them when or if they are faced with any major health issues during their life and making that heartbreaking decision to end their life if their quality of life is seriously affected. :D

Good luck with getting a definitive diagnosis on your girl and I hope you receive positive news and she gets to lead a long and good quality life