New GSD Puppy Parasite Question (Please Advise) - Page 1

For starters I've really only owned labs in the past, so I'm new to the whole GSD world. I just recieved a new GSD puppy from breeder at 6 weeks, rather than the 8 weeks when I was suppose to get him (I was told to come get him, which I though was odd since we never let lab pups go before 8-10wks). Anyway I took him to the vet the next day to have him checked out. The vet said he looked a little malnoursished at 7.5lbs and stomach seemed bloated/enlarged, so the vet did a fecal test and found coccidia. The vet also said he may have an intestinal virus which would cause the enlarged stomach. She said he would likely come around, but looked like he had a bad start. I kind of would like some other opinions on how serious this is or if I should consider returning the puppy. :-/ If so I need to make a decision today. 

On the flip side, in 2 days the pup learned to sit, lay, come, and is basically potty trained which is crazy to me so young. Also, his ears are already up, which I've never seen in a GSD at that age. Is that normal? Thanks for any advice. 

I would have never taken a puppy at 6 weeks, they are just starting to imprint and grow there personalitys- which over the next week will be pretty set. 

Coccidia is fairly common with any breeder, any breed. Its not quite a bacteria, it is easier for the new home to treat it than the breeder ( because there is lots of this germ on everything). Birds, goats, calfs and baby dogs carry Coccidia. It get's on everything.. its everywhere in nature too.. but the good thing is that Puppies  Immune system matures at about 14 weeks old and they will never be affected by it agian. In the mean time your Vet will prescribe a mild antibiotic ( Albon) and it may be gone in less than 10 days. Keep your puppy from eating its poop, clean the dishes and mop the floor, give him a bath with Dawn soap- and this will increse your chances that he won't catch it from himself agian.

7 1/2 lb at 6 weeks is not small, its normal for a large sized litter. I recently had puppies checked at 6 weeks and they where 4 lb for a runty girl to 6 1/2 lb for the biggest boy, they have doubled in size by 10 weeks old.

Coccidia does slow down growing also, because its busy sucking up all the Vita B. Albon actualy keeps your dog from producing Vita B , then the Coccidia starves to death and dies. Its not good to keep puppies on Albon for a long time and that is why alot of breeders still get coccidia in there litters, it just happens. Sometimes we as breeders are deceved because the puppies are totaly normal until after they go home, the won't have diarreah unless stressed ( moving causes stress).

Good luck with your new puppy, It sounds like you picked a very smart one.

Since the vet told you that your puppy could have an intestinal virus, did you get some type of antibiotics along with the worm meds?

There are so many factors to consider before making a decision as to whether to return the puppy or not. First and foremost, Is this the puppy you really want?  How attached are you to the puppy?  In YOUR opinion, is this puppy worth the expense it will take to get it healthy?  In YOUR opinion, is this puppy worth the purchase price you paid? Were you given a warranty on this puppy? Are you ready to let this puppy go back to the breeder.?  

Have you talked to the breeder/seller since the vet visit?  Regardless of what you decide to do, the breeder should be aware of what you have found out...Perhaps you should see if the breeder offers some kind of compensation.

The only thing anyone can tell you is what they would do.  No one can tell you what you should do without knowing all the details of the sale and the warranty if there is one....Hope this give you something to think about while trying to make a decision with your puppy.. Sounds like you have a fast learner on your hands....

Good Luck, and keep us updated....Could you post pics of your baby?

I dont think any breed pup should be weaned at 6 wks. The weight doesn't seem that bad. If I was guessing breeder doesn't sound like much. when they took the fecal they probably found worms also. If the vet is on top of it and it sounds like they are, the pup itself will surely be better off  with you. and they should be able to get it tracking without to much problem. Some of these things are from the mother and others from un sanitary conditions all of them from breeder neglect. good luck
hank

  Taking pup so early is too early and in many U.S. locations, against the law. In general, reputable breeder would not allow taking pup so early.

Coccidia is NOT something that one must put up with because ALL breeders have it in their kennel. Breeders and kennels that properly build, maintain and disinfect kennels and treat when required don't have it.

Eating feces from licking paw or other ways or getting from moma is general method of infection. Treat all dogs in area to be sure to get rid of it. and Clean CLEAN CLEAN.....

It is a protozoan and one must clean appropriately to prevent it and to keep it from being reintroduced. It can be difficult to get rid of once introduced if you don't know how to clean up or have surfaces that can not be cleaned well.

NONACONA  - Antibiotics  are not appropriate for viruses but for bacterial infections....this is basic knowledge.

All this being said, some pups pick it up from some breeders.  You should notify breeder and breeder should pay for vet and medication if you have good contract.  You get proper medication from vet and be fastidious in your cleaning, don't allow other dogs in the same area, finish medication and the pup will probably do just fine.

Wahreit,

Thanks for pointing out your knowledge about infections and viruses..Whos says that viruses can not be treated with certain antobitcs. In some cases there are viruses that could be treated with antibiotics.....and that is also basic knowledge.......Modern medicine is not limited to laymen's knowledge......

Now back to the OP of opinions on what to do.

 Jsou všichni Američané tak neznalý?

Viruses are not killed by antibiotics.  Maybe bacterial infections that are secondary infections, such as pneumonia from a chest cold, but no, antibiotics kill only bacteria.

Jsou všichni Američané tak neznalý?

English translation, "Are all Americans so ignorant?

That really isn't  nice.......

Thank you Red Sable....I understand what you are`saying....The reason I asked if antibiotics were given is because, Infections can be caused indirectly by viruses..That would be the purpose for the antibiotics....Guess I didn't explain myself clearly enough for everyone to understand....