B12 Deficiency - Page 1

Hello all,

I recently sold a pup who was doing fine at the time of sale. Several weeks later I got a call from the new owner saying the pup was not eating well an had low protein when bloodwork was done at the vet. I immediately offered a full refund, which was rejected as she was already very attached to the pup. I then told her that if she changed her mind in the future that I could offer a replacement pup, but not a refund, which was in accordance with her written contract. She agreed and all is well there. I've kept in contact with her and after many more tests and an exploratory surgery it was determined that the puppy has a vitamin B12 deficiency. So, she has him on injections and he is eating and doing better. I am just curious if anyone else has had this crop up in their breeding stock (I am guessing it is recessive since neither of the parents suffer from it) and whether there is any genetic testing or anything offered for it.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts on this!!

A gene is not going to create a b12 deficiency in the pup. Realy? Did you truly believe that?

Treat the EPI which is the root cause and the B12 issue will go away. There is a reason why the animimal is not absorbing B12. All that is being done is masking the pancreatic issue by giving it the B12 suppliment. Looks like you need to check on your breeding stock. Just saying.

And don't take my word for it:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_multi_vitamin_b12_therapy_for_epi#.UMAtQaxGTd0

Have EPI tested. If positive then give the woman her money back for having to treat this for the rest of the dogs life.

Actually they did a biopsy of the pancreas, liver, small intestines, and stomach during the exploratory and found all to be normal. The B12 deficiency was the vets diagnosis, not mine. And the person is not asking for money back. That was not the purpose of the post, it was just to find out more info on this and how common it is.

Also, bcrawford, if you read the article that you posted it says that EPI dogs eat A LOT. This puppy was eating very little, which is consistent with the symptom of a B12 deficiency, not EPI. I'm guessing you are not a vet or you would not jump to a diagnosis with so little facts, especially considering that there are several other bowel diseases that fit the bill and have also already been tested for. I'm already starting to regret the original post because you're not being helpful by making snide remarks when I was simply seeking information.

Nope. Not a vet but I do have a minor in Biology with a BS in Computer Science and my masters in Business Administration if it makes you feel any better. ;)

However, as a foster dad to a GSD with EPI and the inability to absorb nourishment from food and the huge doses of vitamin suppliments including injections of B12 among many to keep it healthy I'm just saying I have experience there.

You asked for peoples .02 cents.. I gave you my .01.

TTYL

Unfortunately a lot of the pet owning population does exactly what you just did instead of taking the word of a vet. I also have my MBA and worked through college as a veterinary technician and it is amazing how many people bring their dogs in saying they "know" what's wrong because they have seen a dog with similar symptoms. And 9 times out of 10 they are incorrect.

I was not seeking a diagnosis. The owner has already spent a lot of money getting that from a veterinary internal specialist. This is not a dispute about the money either. She is happy with her puppy and willing to keep him on vitamins. She does not want a refund or a replacement. If the time comes that she does want a replacement within her congenital defect written guarantee, then she is entitled to one and I will happily provide one.

If there is anyone who actually has had experience with B12 deficiency I would greatly appreciate learning about your experience and whether or not you know of any ways to tell that the parents carry this.

Well I did not make the dx.. My vet did. Thats almost as crazy as my scenario.. You ending up with a MBA then ending up as a vet tech. I had aspirations of getting my doctorate in medicine but sadly O-Chem had its way with me. Which college did you go to? What was your minor? If you don't mind me asking.


About the experience thing read back and see where I specifically said I have to treat that condition with Bosco. No need for you to be on the defensive.. Just telling you from my personal experience. Also, my dogs are far from pets. ;) Going to bed.. I will reply back to you in the AM.

There is a genetic defect in some humans..they need B-12 shots because they cannot get it out of the food they eat.... why not in dogs too?

After much research and according to the specialist B12 deficiency is congenital and I'm guessing its not all that common by itself since there are not many replies. I know that I've never encountered it as a condition by itself before now.

I will definitely not be breeding these two parents to eachother again, it was the mothers first litter, so I will attempt to breed her with a different male and hope all puppies are well. The father has sired many litters and never produced an ill puppy. Short of there being some kind of test I don't know how else to handle this. Neither of them have the condition.

@bcrawford:
I went to the University of Louisville and have minors in French and bio. I had hopes of going to vet school, but was also a victim of O-chem. lol