OCD - Page 2

mb1, it would be pretty much impossible to test a dog for every thing. The things like H/E are pretty simple and straight forward. But it's the things seldom heard or experienced that can easily be hidden. A spine issue, EPI, etc can easily be covered up.

There is probably little you could have done to protect your self other than maybe a certain time period for the dog to pass a vet evaluation.

It's a sad story and $13,000 is an incredible amount of money for most. A lot can be said for your character in that you placed the dog and took the loss, rather than trying to pass it on to the next unsuspecting person.

Here's hoping you recover and continue on in your goals.

best,

Rik

Rik, you rock.


mbi, yours is now, a very cautionary tale. I am hoping the dog responds well to the surgery. You paid the $13K as a lump sum? And didn't get your own vet to check the dog? That is a big caveat emptor mistake. OUCH.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I read the hock article. It was fairly consistent with what I learned at OSU. Surgery can help if done early but unfortunately she is almost 3. As I said I am new at this I tried to get started with my drug dog a couple of years ago but he has elbow problems so I am afraid to jump him.  I have actually purchased three puppies from reputable breeders that have had, EPI, spinal degenerative, and ED. But they where pups so of course you could not tell. The symptoms did not show until 2-4 years at which point there is no way I would give them up .I decided on the older dog so I would be sure she would work and be healthy. I guess there is no sure thing.
When I purchase horses there is a very standard pre purchase exame. does such a thing exist for dogs?

When I purchase horses there is a very standard pre purchase exame. does such a thing exist for dogs?

Only if you insist!

It is very discouraging....I haven't forked out $13,000.00 in one lump sum, but if you add up the surgeries, vet bills, x-rays & diagnostics for my dogs, I'm quite sure we're in the same ball park, probably exceeded. I'm an LPN, I don't make a lot of $$$ either, & my dogs were all researched back several generations to try to ID any future problems......ALL have one problem or another. Spinal injury, hip dysplasia, elbow problems, EPI, corneal issues, the aforementioned hock issues, cryptorchid, intersusseption, cancer....I'll never be able to retire, because of my dog's health care needs! And all parents were screened, but some things simply aren't that detectable, & breeders generally don't announce their issues. Now I'll add that out of the 7 pups from my only litter, 4 owners are happy with no problems. I kept back the 2 females with issues, & I placed 1 puppy with a lady who knew about his issue, & neutered him, & she loves him to death & he couldn't be happier, but she paid for a knee surgery on the same pup. They are very atheletic climbers & hikers, & the dog goes on every hike, every climb, so........whether or not that had anything to do with his knee injury, I don't know.
But it sure makes planning any kind of career with this breed a crap shoot. You must need really deep pockets to keep taking hits like that.....or maybe a good tax accountant!
Good luck, jackie harris

They say misery loves company but I am sorry you are probably my company at the vet's office. I think OSU holds the second mortgage on my house. What I don't quite understand is that my mother raised GSD in the 80's and with probably 50 pups we had one get cancer at 9 and another had siezures.  Like you I have researched the dogs I buy with terrible results. My mother recently purchased a puppy with HD. There is no happy ending to that however, the breeder gave her pick of any pup in the kennel.

There is no way they sold you a 3 year old dog without knowing there was a problem. You said they were in Hutto but not who actually sold you the dog. There are a few people in Hutto, care to say who stuck you? jvp

Sorry, JVP,
I don't think this is the forum for that.  If you really need to know then please contact me privately.

Hey i am new to IPO and am looking for an adult dog. when i ask about breeders i always hear great things about somebody's friend but it is like people are afraid to say anything about the bad ones. Before i buy a dog i want to know the good, bad, and the ugly about any breeders. you might think you are being nice or whatever by not naming names but it doesn't help the next guy   

A little late, but better late than never-
You asked if a pre-purchase exam is standard
in dogs? Honestly, no. It never ceases to amaze
me how many people will drop sizeable sums on
a dog and NOT have it vetted first.


Always always ALWAYS pay for a very
throrough pre-purchase exam on an adult dog!
-re xray hips, elbows spine etc
-blood panel, urinalysis
-semen analysis if a male
-check teeth
-check tattoo/microchip
-ask to see unedited CURRENT video of the dog
working or watch the dog yourself if possible
-verify all paperwork with appropriate associations

If a seller tries to fast talk you out allowing these
things to be done, move on to the next dog!
There is NO shortage of dogs for sale.

Above all else, if you are going to ship the dog
to you? YOU fly to the dog before handing over
final payment. It will likely be the same $$ for
you to fly and pick up the dog as to ship, so why
not go yourself. Be sure ALL paperwork is IN hand,
signed over to you etc. If the dog is AKC registered,
you may want to verify the seller is in good standing
with them as well before purchasing.

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. I am with several
others here, you serve no one but the scam artist by
not revealing their identity.

I will also have to be a little blunt, you must also put
some of the blame in your own hands for not doing
your research first. If you are a horseman, you know
how horsetraders operate, dog brokers can be much
the same way. The dog world just plain sucks sometimes!