Bought a 7 m old female GSD with hip dysplasia - advice please - Page 1

I bought a 7 month old female, brought her home, and upon observing her, noticed she favored one of her rear legs. She wasn't limping, just didn't want to put her full weight on the leg. I right away e-mailed the breeder to ask if she had any ideas about what may be causing that. She said she never noticed it. I made an appt. with the vet the next day to have an x-ray done on her hips being that my suspicion was dysplastic hips. The x-ray was done 2 days after purchase of the dog, and sure enough, the dog has dysplasia. I let the breeder know and she said she had no idea the dog had a problem and that she would take the dog back and refund me the money I paid for her. I told her that I would appreciate if she would also partially reimburse me for all the expenses I incurred getting transporting her to my house which was about $400, plus also $175 at the vet to have the problem diagnosed. So I spent almost $600 to transport and diagnose a dog with dysplasia (2 days after getting her) which I will not get any part back on. Is this the norm? I think the breeder should at least pay the $175 vet bill. The breeder said that is asking too much, that she will only give me back what I paid for her. I would appreciate hearing some others' thoughts on this. I have heard about puppy lemon laws and am wondering if that also covers vet expenses. Again, any thoughts/ experiences/ ideas would be appreciated!

Once the dog leaves the property, medical care is the responsibility of the buyer. IMO, the breeder is doing the right thing, taking back the dog and refunding your purchase price.

 

Xeph is correct.

Lucky you didn't have months of bonding and training before you found out.

It isn't the breeder's fault your travel expenses were high. I would be satisfied with a refund.
Anytime I buy something 6+ months old, I always request the seller to get xrays done.
Was there a contract? If not, you are lucky the breeder is refunding your money.

Thank you, I appreciate everyone's input.
As far as in the future, yes, from now on I will not consider a dog over 5 months unless x-rayed. And as far as being lucky to get a refund, it is the law in the state the puppy is out of to give a refund when a major health issue is found within a particular time-frame, actually. Contract or no contract, the breeder has to refund the monies. Puppy lemon-law.
Thank you again.

Does a 7 month old count as a puppy for lemon law?

I had no idea. Interesting.

http://protectedpaws.org/legislation/pet-lemon-laws/

https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/pet-lemon-laws.aspx

I assume your vet provided a copy of the X-ray to the breeder so her vet or one competent in orthopedic issues could evaluate as well? I am sure that was done? Be advised that even a dog who has had an X-ray or been certified can and do later have the possibility of developing it..amongst other *unknowns*. I personally would be pleased with getting a refund and keep the dogs well being in my heart... she can live a very good life regardless of an XR ay. Glad it worked out amicably.

I think the seller is not obligated but paying for the xray would be what I would do (as well as the refund of purchase price), as long as I got a copy of the films.

Christine

same had happened with me while ago but that girl is still with me because i love her so much among all of my boys and girls, do not know what will happen next :( .she is intelligent , smart , active, run all the day .. .it seems she forgot her pain fro when she come in my family.