Milo's Necropsy Report - Page 7

"I will always look for the Mom and Pop GSD breeders that are not involved in the political arena in search of a GSD puppy."

Uh, sorry to burst your bubble, GSD DEFENDER, but that route isn't necessarily going to lead you to a sound, healthy GSD puppy, either.  Some of the worst examples of genetic disasters spring from the so-called
'politically uninvolved' breeders...if 'uninvolved' means entirely removed from the show ring and the trial fields, then those breeders are every bit as likely to make bad pairings, too, with the sole difference being they probably don't even know what it is about a particular mating that makes it a risky endeavor. 

3-3 or closer isn't something to be undertaken casually or uninformed regarding what lies behind the prospective stud and dam, but in the US, at least, there's nothing to prevent someone from doing it anyway. OTOH, breeding that closely can also produce some spectacular dogs, if the breeder really, really knows what's in the genetics behind the pairing, generation upon generation.

I'm sorry the dog who shares your life had to go through something so serious, and at such a young age, though glad that he appears to have done so successfully; and I do feel too little attention is paid to cardiac certification in the breed, despite reports of such problems in young GSDs such as your boy, and now Milo...neither of these two dogs are the first mentions of such issues on this board, not to mention elsewhere.  The fortunate ones are those like yours, where the condition is discovered in time for it to be addressed; sadly, though, it is more often that the scenario unfolds as it did with Milo.

It just seems like the focus is "get that kennel name in lights"  win the trophy, and the checks roll in for the breeding program. Mom and Pop, AKC breeders who might breed twice a year, researched the pedigree of their dogs,  is more concerned about the home where the dog is going, the food it's going to be fed rather than stacking up, holding back stock for an extensive line breeding money making business. I don't think there is a GSD genetic college, where any breeder can claim they have a degree!
If the GSD club show gene pool is so great here in the US,  why on earth do LEO's purchase their dogs via import?
Here's a link of interest.
http://leerburg.com/99bundes.htm?set=1

I just want to thank everyone for their kind comments posted on the board as well as the many private messages I received over the last couple of weeks.  I took the opportunity to review the breeder code of etchics and I kick myself for not reviewing them prior to buying our pups from the breeder.  It would be great if the AKC would send out a check list survey to everyone that purchses a pup from a registered breeder, to insure that all proper procedures were followed.  I know that this would be a huge undertaking, but without some proper controls, how can we be certain that this awesome breed continues on.  Maybe I am too niave, but I truly believe that most breeders are in for the love of the breed and to support the people that buy their dogs.  I have talked to several of you, and it is very clear that there are people in it for the love of the breed and some that are in it for the money and fame.  

For me, it's not about a sport or hanging metals on the wall, although I respect people that compete and I praise them for their hard work, dedication and committment (time and financial).  For me it is all about raising an incredibly smart and loyal animal always willing to please and provide unconditional love to their owners.  I fault no breeder that makes their income by breeding dogs.  If I had the knowledge, time and financial means, I would love to breed GSDs.

As I expected, we have heard nothing from the breeder other than her original offer.  I plan on reporting them to the BBB (if they are a memeber) and posting on the Rip Off Report.  I respect those that don't agree with me and we can debate till the cows come home.  If I can prevent just one person from going through this experience, it will be worth it.

On a happy note, we have located our newest member of the family and he will be in Chgo on Tuesday.  We are very excited and cannot wait!



Thanks again...This is a great forum.

Mike

Awww! Congratulations on your new pup! He sure is adorable. I'm looking forward to hearing updates on this little guy :) 

Wow! Love your new guy. Rocco will be happy to have a buddy again and it will help you more than anything else. Where ever he is now, waiting for you, Milo will be very happy for you and Rocco.

What are you calling the new guy? Where is he from?

"For me it is all about raising an incredibly smart and loyal animal always willing to please and provide unconditional love to their owners."

Same here. Wish more breeders thought long and hard about this. Most pups go to pet homes even from show breeders.

I am very disappointed that MW hasn't done better, Mike. I will never recommend that breeder again. She has given a black eye to the entire GSL world.

My first GSD had allergies from day one. He came from a well known ASL breeder who was GSDCA officer, is a judge and signer of the breeder's code. Violated almost every rule in the book. The GSDCA wanted to help, but I felt it would be like trying to slew Goliath, so I let it drop.  Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.

Allergies can be kept under control; if your vet can't figure out what to do other than dispense steroids and  keep switching from one brand of dog food to another - less than 20% of allergies in dogs are food mediated - you need to see a dermatologist so he can be skin tested and desensitized. It's an ongoing battle, a PIA, but not lifethreatening.

Good luck with your new puppy. He's really beautiful!!

"I am still hoping for a better resolution from the breeder."

I wouldn't hold my breath.

We haven't named the little guy yet and he is coming from Kim Lentz of Patchwork Shepherds in Idaho.  He is out of the Oslo/Penny litter.  They are a small breeder and I really like her attitude and commitment to her dogs and her customers.  Hopefully he will have the big lion's mane like his dad.

I found out some very ineteresting info on Milo's lineage.  It turns out that in the Dam's line (Blair), there is VA1 Ursus von Batu.  I was told that in the Ursus line there is a recessive gene that has caused arrythmia issues in some dogs.  If this is the case then maybe Milo picked up the recessive gene.  WHo knows?  We know he will be waiting for us :)

After the experience with the breeder I have to honestly say that if she called me to say that she will replace Milo today, at no charge....I would happily decline.  

Thanks

Mike

"Allergies can be kept under control; if your vet can't figure out what to do other than dispense steroids and  keep switching from one brand of dog food to another - less than 20% of allergies in dogs are food mediated - you need to see a dermatologist so he can be skin tested and desensitized. It's an ongoing battle, a PIA, but not lifethreatening."

Rocco has responded well to the light steroid/antihisthmine prescrition.  We fininshed them up yesterday.  The bacterial infections seems to have cleared up and he will be on Antibiotics for another 4 days.  I spoke with my vet today and she thinks, based on his quick progress that it may be an environmental allergen.  We are going to get him to a cardiologist first and then address the auto immune issue.  He's been like a different dog the last couple of days...like to old Rocco without the scratching (LOL).  He ate well yestrday and this morning which was great to see.

Mike