Breeders- question for you - Page 1

Someone in our family bought a 12 week old puppy (not a GSD) in September 2011. The pup was shipped domestically by a commercial jet. Approximately 4 days after the pup arrived she had a fever of 106 degrees. The pup was immediately taken to the vet. Bloodwork was done and the pup was started on 2 antibiotics. She seemed recover and all seemed normal. In February 2012 she started having seizures. Many blood tests were run: Complete metabolic profile, complete thyroid panel including freeT3&4, tick panel, mycoplasma and a few other panels I can't remember. They were all normal. the pup was started on anti- seizure meds. There is no history of epilepsy or seizures in the dog's breed or pedigree. Many things were address such as food, treats, water, environment, flea, tick & heartworm preventative, vaccines, etc. Dr. Jean Dodds was consulted and reviewed everything. There was nothing the owner was doing tjat would cause seizures. The seizures continued. There were many trips back & forth to the vet. About $3000-$4000 in vet bills was spent. 2 weeks ago the pup started seizing and was rushed to the ER vet. Seizures could not be brought under control and the dog suffered brain damage and died. the ER vet thought the pup had a brain mass, but no MRI was done. There was also a guess that the pup may have had latent distemper. Again, no proof. The regular vet originally wanted to do an MRI & spinal tap but wanted to get the seizures better controlled first. The owner of the pup had been in close contact with the breeder throughout the entire process. The breeder knew the owner was doing everything possible. So, here is the question: If you had sold this pup and if your contract stated a replacement pup would be provided in the event a pup died from a confirmed congenital health issue within the first year what would you do?

yes ,this person should get a replacement.

The high temperature of this dog was enough to cause death or brain damage. It is very hot here in AZ people from other places hike with their dogs and many times both get is serious trouble. But yes I would replace the puppy as it is the right thing to do no matter the cause.

Thank you Trixx. So, even though there is no proof the pup died from a congenital health issue you think the pup should be replaced? I sure do, but I'm emotionally involved and that is why I'm looking for objective feedback.

yes as a breeder and  this contact sounds  alot like my contract, i would  for sure replace this pup it is just the right thing to do as  a breeder should stand behind what they produce.  i have even replace a pup once  when there was no guarantee as i felt so sorry , even if it was not a gentic thing. not all breeders are honest and knowing which ones are best to buy from is not a easy thing to know.

yes, i still think they should get a replacement if this breeder has a heart.

i would not replace accidents though, but in your case i would as there was something going on here.

I'd replace the puppy.

I would replace the dog with no questions asked. Anyone that will pay for a pup and shipping along with 3 or 4,000.00 in vet bills, they are the kind of people that you always want to have your dogs.

You should always have pups vet checked before and within a couple days of recieving pup. I call my vet ahead of time and let them know I have one on it's way so I can get right in. I don't like to bring a dog in I don't have checked myself.

A vet can not check for every thing but over all well being. And the condition after the trip. It's good for your records as well.

I doubt it was anything to do with the breeder, just as someone said "It's the right thing to do".