persephone

PARVO virus is what has the possibility to kill small puppies very quickly - even with veterinary intervention. As it is a virus, it is tough, and can be on footpaths/in soil, or in carpet etc for up to a YEAR or more after a sick dog has spread it from diarrhoea/vomit, or even muck on their feet :( Puppies only need a small amount of the virus to cause the illness - sniffing /licking /cleaning themselves after a walk can all transfer the virus into their systems . When you take Tusker to your vet for her "here is our new puppy" check - ask them for some more info on worming, etc.

ka89 puppies can be ill, have accidents , break bones , poke eyes , eat things they shouldn't.. so yes, insurance NOW is a very wise choice :)

Here are some more things to read - I understand how confusing it can be , esp for a first time owner with your expectations ..and finding perhaps they are a bit flawed... Good for you in seeking more info , though - It's how we learn !! :) LINK LINK LINK LINK

LOL - great shot! What expressions :D

Hope the professional assistance can be of help . Nasty and very dangerous behaviours

Niiice :) have fun! :D

:) Handsome boy ! One year of mischief down - many to come !

Tusker - we have working/outdoor dogs - but the middle of Winter is not an ideal time to start off a single baby puppy outdoors . Have you checked the temperature out there in that kennel? When pup was with her littermates/mother- they would have snuggled together for warmth...familiar smells, warmth and comfort = happy sleepy pup. Baby puppies do not have thick coats ..and chill/get hot very fast. It's good you have a bit of her home blanket too. A H/W bottle is not a bad idea ..BUT can very easily be punctured by little teeth - then you have a wet & cold bed/puppy. For my dogs/pups/cats - indoor and out - I use a 2 or 3 ltr juice bottle - the strong clear plastic ones - Berri juice etc. Fill them with hot ,hot tap water - slip a large "explorer"type sock up over them ..tip upside down and wait a minute or so to check there are no leaks . If NO moisture at all ..then wrap in a pillowcase, or a woolly jumper .. ..then place under the blankets in dog bed . I use these, frozen, in Summer as well . make sure the door of the kennel is facing away from the cold south/westerlies , and nail some thing like a thick teatowel across the top of the door - like a curtain - she can easily push it in & out - and may help keep in some warmth ... I also strongly suggest "insulation" , by putting a thick layer of newspaper on the kennel floor .... and , if you can - get a WOOL blanket , or real feather doona from a salvos or opshop ..and stuff that in against the back .... Hopefully the kennel is under a roof too - that will keep it a fraction warmer . a large meaty bone . in the kennel ....any sort ...will give her something to chew on ..and provide good warming food .

OK- I did some searching on DOL- these threads may be helpful? LINK LINK LINK

the cynic in me says that the breeder did that purposely Hope to be proven wrong. It may be a good plan to, ASAP , check out "the fine print" regarding this pup - is there a health clause, or a 'cooling off period' or anything in print stating that the breeder knew of the murmur? is the breeder amenable to paying for a scan /ultrasound (or paying part) so that both parties know exactly where they stand ? The new owners will then know if they will be paying out for vet bills ..and have heartache ... or not.

I suggest that you change the title of your post to include STRUVITE problems..and kibble ... as there are DOLers who have done this same thing .. .

A diagnosed heart murmur a pup who is noticeably smaller a pup who tires quickly a pup who seems lethargic To me this does not bode well - and I will question this pup being sold . Did your friend really NOT know this until said pup was dropped off at the house? IF I had pups to sell , there is no way I would take one to the buyer if I had found out about a murmur just recently .... ( however, if I wanted rid of the pups , I would , as I know once seen/held , buyer would NOT want to part with it ) Cynical maybe - , sorry

Damn dust ....*blink* What an incredible photograph to keep - and what a fitting tribute to Digby .

WM - yes ... it will be interesting to see what the next years bring in teh way of 'dog wear' :)

he, he ---- after this afternoon's effort , I am definitely having him hang around ;) He was very helpful , and , for a first time , pretty smart , at helping remove a feral cat from the yard . He thoroughly and noisily enjoyed the "let human know , then search-and bail-up" routine , it seems ....and didn't rush in when I told him "leave" . He had Widget , a veteran , to encourage him. So, he now knows.

our dogs have always worn collars ..and in my many years of training/living with, and working with dogs at a vet clinic - have (luckily) yet to encounter an injury such as damage to larynx etc from a collar. It's interesting learning about harnesses ..and how things work when using them . :)

I am so sorry - if the vets are unhappy once again - perhaps your dog may need to be treated at a specialist orthopedic vet? Some one will be along to offer an idea or two, I'm sure .. tho things can be quiet here Sun nights....

melsmells - I hope you and the breeder can reach an agreement and that you share with us your search for "that puppy" :)

melsmells - FWIW , I think your decision is a wise one at this stage .

I doubt it - most experienced breeders would either know , or get specialist advice - and take it from there. if you can breed something with all its bits made how they should be - why would you keep something that has a perceived problem?

what would probably happen by reducing/cancelling meds is that that old body would suffer even more from the problems which he has ....and make your decision making more urgent . You are both loaded with extra burdens nowdays - and it's hard .

life can be good .

The contract you sign when you buy a pedigreed dog , registered with the appropriate controlling body , I believe. It endeavours to keep breeds to a standard of health and appearance .

oh dear I may be way off here - but perhaps check if oil is Ok to give with dogs like Mac? ...oil clings, and dribbles ...and although a tiny amount - lung tissue is not meant to have oil anywhere near it .... just a thought , WM ... dear old Mac - it's a lot for an old boy .... rest up today -

What did the breeder say about the bite - and your concerns?