Introducing Milo Our New Gsp

[MilotheGSP]

Hi there

We got our new 10 week old GSP, Milo, a little over a week ago and we what a drama filled week it has been. We picked him a when he was 6 weeks old and loved him immediately. He is so adorable and has quite a placid nature for a GSP, so far anyway.

Anyway we picked up him on wednesday and he was understandably a little nervous and unsettled. By saturday he was vomiting a little, having really runny poo and off his food. No big deal we thought, he's just settling in. But when he refused to eat or drink and slept the entire day on sunday we knew something was wrong. I whisked him off to the vet 1st thing monday and he was immediately admitted to the hospital for IV fluids and anti-biotics. Gastro they thought. Though my vet noticed him ankles were a little swollen, but wanted to treat his fatigue and dehydration first. He hadnt picked up by monday night and was a Very sick little puppy. We were beginning to panic as he was selected from the best breeder with over 30 years experience and an international reputation. The breeder was kept fully informed and was most sympathetic and helpful.

By tuesday morning he still wasnt perking up but after rounds of bloods and some xrays finally diagnosed with Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Our poor little pup had had a rapid growth spurt and his bone plates in his ankles were inflammed and causing him so much pain that he couldnt eat or drink. We got to take him home then (with a $700 vet bill) but needed to keep him sedated and confined for a week so his joints can rest and repair. OUr breeder was great and had never heard of HOD. She offered to replace the dog (but we love him so much already that we declined) and pay half the vet bill.

But he is on the mend now and so cute I could eat him with a spoon! He is going to be a cheeky character so i will no doubt have some tales to tell.

Looking forward to chatting with you all.

Lexie & Milo

Edited March 24, 2007 by MilotheGSP

[Henrietta]

Wow, Milo is gorgeous

GSPs are beautiful dogs, we had two when I was growing up. Very sweet temperaments and very active!

I'm really glad he is on the mend now. I have never heard of HOD before, it's sounds terrible.

I know what you mean, you get too attached to give them back, especially having bonded to them whilst being sick.

Welcome to DOL, it's full of great info and people who are only too happy to help you out or just discuss anything dog related

Keep the piccies of Milo coming

[rugerfly]

Be sure to visit the Pointer thread in PHotos, you will see lots there.

Sorry about your pup, HOD has been around forever, mostly in larger breeds. It is thought to be casued by bacterial infection or a diet that is too high in protein. But it does sound painful, i hope he gets better soon. That vet bill is massive!!

[TangerineDream]

Awwww....how georgous is he!!!!!! Hope things settle down for you and him.....agree re the protein in the diet. Btw, what diet do you have him on now?

[MilotheGSP]

Hi there guys.

Thanks for the replies. Our vet seems to think the HOD is just a freak occurence as our breeder has never had a problem with it before (had never actually heard of it) and has been feeding the pups, and all her dogs, the same thing for years. We changed Milo over from the recommended fresh chicken mince and dry puppy food (soaked in warm water) to Hills as it will even out his growth and stop him from having big spurts and getting sore again. I'm happier to feed him a premium food as i dont have time to mix up a whole lot of stuff for him.

He is really good today. His puppyness is starting to come out now and he wants to jump and play. Its really hard as we have a 5 year old and an 18 month old and they just want to play with their new pup. But i keep having to tell them he cant run around and play just yet and that it wont be long. Poor things. I had to sedate Milo today just so he could get some rest.

We are so happy with him though. He has the sweetest nature. Hubby grew up with GSPs and we have had 4 in our time together (including Milo). It has been 5 years since we have had a dog and it is so lovely to have another gorgeous face to fuss over. I just love their energy... Dont love the wingeing though.

Any tips on getting them to stop wingeing when i have to leave the house. I went out for 1/2 an hour today and when we got back i could hear him yelping from the front door. I left him with a kong stuffed with food (he LOVED that!) and plenty to keep him occupied. He's ok inside and knows the "quiet" command, but left alone I fear he yelps and carries on the whole time we are out, which is never longer than an hour.

I will jump over to the pointer thread on the photos forum and have a sneak peak at everyone elses pride and joys.

Take care

Lexie & Milo

[Bokezu]

Hi MilotheGSP he is one seriously CUTE puppy! Love GSP's. He is gorgeous

[rugerfly]

Hmmmmm, the wingeing, just dont pander to them, stop them from the word go, Ahhhhh! or something like that...most of them are really quick learners

[rugerfly]

BUMP hows Milo going???

[MilotheGSP]

Thanks for asking Rugerfly.

Milo is doing great and is off the sedatives and playing around like a normal 12 week old pup. I swear he has grown about 3 inches this week. He is going to be a Big boy! But so sweet. He lets my 18 month old son crawl all over him without so much as a flinch.. and my 5 year old daughter thinks he is heaven on a stick (as do we all). He is by far the nicest natured GSP we have had. (He is our 4th and my hubby's 7th GSP).

He has discovered that the comfiest place to sit in the car is curled up in my son's baby seat. Too cute. Will post some pics later.

Lexie & Milo

[rugerfly]

Thats great news glad to hear it. Yes post photos whenever you get a chance! dont forget the pointer pic thread.