Update: I need advice and hairpats - new puppy

[chloesilverado]

Update: He does have Addison's. We started treatment today and need to go back in 2 weeks for more blood work. I told the breeder via email and she said thanks for keeping her up to date and to call her when I get a chance to talk.




Hi all - I need advice.  I have a new puppy that I got in July from a local breeder. He's 4.5 months old. My puppy vomited Saturday night and through Sunday.  I was out of town and Monday at 3 AM drove him straight back to our town and took him to the emergency vet.  They admitted him and he was there till Tuesday.  The doctor told me his potassium and sodium levels were off and sent me home with anti-nausea medication and told me to follow-up with my vet for more bloodwork.

Today I went to my vet and she said the ratio of his sodium to potassium was worrisome and the ratio is a hallmark of Addison's disease but that it didn't typically affect dogs this young and was more prevalent in females.  We re-ran the bloodwork and she just called me with the results. I could tell from the tone in her voice that it was not good.  The bloodwork was the same and she needs me to come in first thing in the morning for a steroid shot since if he does have Addison's he may die.  They will also perform the confirmatory testing when we get there.

 I'm really scared and just sitting here crying.  I  love him so much, but I'm worried about the potential costs and his quality of life and taking care of a dog with Addison's disease.  I know he hasn't officially been diagnosed yet, but my gut is telling me he has it. The things I'm reading on the internet are saying depending on the severity, it can run upwards of $200 per month for the monthly shots and daily medication.  I can afford it, but I have also have another dog and between the hypoallergenic food and their pet insurance, an added $200 a month not an insignificant amount.  I emailed the breeder in case any of the other puppies in the litter are experiencing the same things.  I guess I'm just looking for what people would do in my situation.....  If you made it this far, thanks for reading.

[isabel]

I'm glad you emailed the breeder. Did you sign anything when you bought him or do you know what their policy is on life-threatening hereditary illnesses or skeletal issues? I would definitely start there and see what they say/offer.

Unfortunately, my experience is that they would probably take the dog back, but not necessarily help with treatments. I would expect you can get some portion of what you paid refunded. Ultimately, I think this comes down to a choice for you: put the dog down or deal with the expense. Either way, you should expect to be compensated in some way.

I'm really sorry about your pup.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 18:44:03 GMT -5 @astrid said:

Are there disease qualifiers in your contract?

I just pulled out the contract and there is a one year health guarantee and "the seller will replace the puppy within 12 months with a puppy of comparable value".  

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 18:44:24 GMT -5 isabel said:

I'm glad you emailed the breeder. Did you sign anything when you bought him or do you know what their policy is on life-threatening hereditary illnesses or skeletal issues? I would definitely start there and see what they say/offer.

Unfortunately, my experience is that they would probably take the dog back, but not necessarily help with treatments. I would expect you can get some portion of what you paid refunded. Ultimately, I think this comes down to a choice for you: put the dog down or deal with the expense. Either way, you should expect to be compensated in some way.

I'm really sorry about your pup.

Thank you.  I'm worried about what would happen to him if I give him back to the breeder but I'm also worried about the costs and taking care of him. I guess I'm just worried and confused.

[sapphireblue]

I am so sorry about your puppy and it sounds like you are in a tough position. I think the PPs have asked the relevant questions so I have nothing to add but my sympathy.

I'll be interested to hear what the vet has to say. Also what your breeder says.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 19:00:11 GMT -5 mp said:

What kind of health testing does your breeder do?

If you already have pet insurance on him - is it not covered?

I believe they test for eyes, hips, and patellas, but I am not sure if that is the full extent of testing.  I am going to look at my policy to see if it is covered, but if it is not then I may be unable to have it covered with a new policy if it is a pre-existing condition.  I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the meds will be covered.

[chloesilverado]

Here's a pic of my little guy

[compassrose]

I would be so heartbroken in your shoes. I'm so sorry.

(your pic isn't showing up, try uploading through tiny pic, and then copy in the one with 'jpg' at the end)

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 19:16:51 GMT -5 compassrose said:

I would be so heartbroken in your shoes. I'm so sorry.

(your pic isn't showing up, try uploading through tiny pic, and then copy in the one with 'jpg' at the end)

I fixed the link.  Thank you for the support.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 19:19:25 GMT -5 mp said:

The options here are - keep the dog + pay for the treatment (and try and negotiate a portion of your fee back), return the dog to the breeder and get a new one, per your contract - in which case pup may be euthanized (I'd ask), and if that's the case, see if the breeder would allow the pup to go into rescue. I'm a volunteer with FBRN - they're a great org.

I actually applied for two dogs through FBRN before I got this puppy so I'm familiar with the organization and think very highly of them.  I don't think I could bear it if he was euthanized.  I'm going to see how the testing goes tomorrow and ask the vet about costs along with contacting my insurance company.  

[isabel]

Gah, he is so freaking cute! Lots of hugs. Keep us updated.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 19:33:19 GMT -5 tillie said:

OMG. I have a 10 month old Frenchie that looks just like your pup.

I agree with PPs that the breeder may replace the pup, but not help financially to help yours.

My boxer had Addison's. We had to pay the same for her meds.

I hope the pup is better soon!!!

Thanks for the reply. Did your boxer have a good quality of life? Was the $200 with or without health insurance each month?

[dexteroni]

Oh that poor, sweet baby. I don't know a lot about Addison's, but I have heard that dogs can live long, healthy lives once they're on the proper treatment. I hope he's feeling better soon!

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 19:54:30 GMT -5 dexteroni said:

Oh that poor, sweet baby. I don't know a lot about Addison's, but I have heard that dogs can live long, healthy lives once they're on the proper treatment. I hope he's feeling better soon!

This makes me feel much better. Thank you.

[compassrose]

Sept 3, 2014 19:19:21 GMT -5 chloesilverado said:

Sept 3, 2014 19:16:51 GMT -5 compassrose said:

I would be so heartbroken in your shoes. I'm so sorry.

(your pic isn't showing up, try uploading through tiny pic, and then copy in the one with 'jpg' at the end)

I fixed the link.  Thank you for the support.

He looks like the sweetest little guy.  I'm so sad for both of you.

[krystee]

I would not want to return the puppy in case they euthanized him, so I would ask them for a full refund of the cost of the dog (that's essentially what they'd be giving you with a new free dog) and use that money to help defray the cost of treatment. Your puppy is ADORABLE. I am so sorry you are faced with this news and the associated costs.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 20:12:44 GMT -5 tillie said:

Sept 3, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5 chloesilverado said:

Thanks for the reply. Did your boxer have a good quality of life? Was the $200 with or without health insurance each month?

Bear in mind, she was a 9 year old boxer. She either had Wilson's or Addison's which, from my understanding, is similar. It just affects a different gland in the brain. We didn't want to put her through the test to find out which one, but they thought it was Addison's.

Boxers usually live 10-12 years. The $200 was without insurance. We had her for 2 more years. I wish I had a better story for you, but I think the age makes a BIG difference. She was voracitious for water and slowed way down. I'm not sure if your pup is that way.

Please keep us posted. As I said, we now have a Frenchie. We got her from a breeder at 8 weeks old, so I can let you know how she acts now. Please feel free to PM me at any time. Hugs.

Thank you for this! I always thought he drank A LOT of water and I've had trouble with house training because of it.  I'd take home out, he'd pee, then pee in the house 15 minutes later.  This makes sense now.  What do you mean by "age makes a big difference"? Is it better to be diagnosed younger or older?

[Deleted]

I'm going to avoid the whole getting a dog through a breeder thing, but I know most reputable breeders will take the dog back and not euthanize them.

A good friend from HS adopted a puppy that had was found to have congenital bladder issues and was incontinent- the breeder took him back to live on their farm.

That being said, you could contact some breed specific rescues if you feel like you wouldn't be able to provide for the little guy.

He is so sweet!!

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 20:31:49 GMT -5 krystee said:

I would not want to return the puppy in case they euthanized him, so I would ask them for a full refund of the cost of the dog (that's essentially what they'd be giving you with a new free dog) and use that money to help defray the cost of treatment. Your puppy is ADORABLE. I am so sorry you are faced with this news and the associated costs.

This is what I'm leaning towards right now.  He's such a sweet boy.  I read that this disease can cause aggression in some dogs and I'm worried a bit about this since I have another dog, but I'm also worried about him being ok and having a good life.  I just want him to be ok

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 20:35:23 GMT -5 @amoosed said:

I'm going to avoid the whole getting a dog through a breeder thing, but I know most reputable breeders will take the dog back and not euthanize them.

A good friend from HS adopted a puppy that had was found to have congenital bladder issues and was incontinent- the breeder took him back to live on their farm.

That being said, you could contact some breed specific rescues if you feel like you wouldn't be able to provide for the little guy.

He is so sweet!!

Thank you for sharing this story. I tried going through rescue and applied for a couple of dogs originally, but I feel they didn't see me as a good candidate because I'm single, live alone, work full time and rent.  I'm going to see how the vet goes tomorrow. I'm hoping the steroids make him feel better.  I hate seeing him sick.

[jlt19]

I had a great dane dx with Addison's at 9 months. He took prednisone daily and it ran about $10/month and his shots were about $130/month. The shot amount is based on weight, so clearly your dog will be significantly smaller than mine was.

Once it's managed, it's a fairly easy disease for them to live with. I will say though, that mine went into a crisis when he was 4 and never pulled out. It was devastating, but I wouldn't have given up those 4 years with him for anything.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[Deleted]

I hope I didn't come across as rude! It was really heartbreaking for my friend since they had been on a wait list for a puppy for so long and her kids were very attached. The pup is very happy being an outdoor farm dog (he can go in the barn/large kennel) and it wouldn't have been possible to have him as a family pet.

At the end of the day, it's what is best for you and your pup.

I hope your appointment goes well. Keep is updated!

[Deleted]

I have a friend who's dog was diagnosed 5 or 6 years ago and he's still doing great. Maybe even longer? That's about all I can offer.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 3, 2014 21:39:17 GMT -5 @randomcdn said:

I have a friend who's dog was diagnosed 5 or 6 years ago and he's still doing great. Maybe even longer? That's about all I can offer.

Stories like this give me hope.  Thank you!

[screwedup]

I'm just dropping this here - my husband said to ask if this could be pseudo-Addison's, which is caused by whipworms. It's apparently more common in puppies than full blown Addison's. Treatment is much easier and a one time fix.

Good luck!

[karmasabiotch]

Is the Vet willing to work out a discounted price with you since he is so young and you will be a valuable client for them?

[nomad100]

I didn't read all the replies but I have an Addison's dog, diagnosed at just over 3 years of age - she is about 5 now. Willow is a boxer/pointer mutt. The first few months were a bit rough until we got her meds squared away (we needed to do lots of bloodwork tests which wasn't cheap) but now, 2 years later, she is just fine. She takes Prednisone daily and gets a shot monthly. She weighs 60-ish lbs and we can get 4 shots from a $200-ish vial so the meds and shot are probably about $60/month. With your much smaller dog, I would assume the cost would be even less since you would be able to get more shots of Percorten out of a vial. She also has hyporthyroidism but with the correct med levels you would never even know she has anything wrong with her.

She drinks water normally, eats normally (she has always been a chow hound/very food motivated though), exercises normally (we go running with her 2-3 times a week in addition to daily walks) and kicks our other dog's (a 3 yo pit mix) butt whenever they wrestle.

The bad thing is that we didn't have pet insurance before her diagnosis and now that she has been diagnosed, the Addison's and hypothyroidism are pre-existing conditions so wouldn't be covered. (so for anyone who had a pet and doesn't have insurance, this is a plug for getting pet insurance before you need it)

ETA: The vet, knowing that Addison's is an expensive disease, taught us how to give the shots so now we do them at home saving us a vet visit every month.  And they have been good about price matching on the Percorten with what I can find online.  

[Deleted]

If you have pet insurance that should cover the cost.

Our girl had Addison's and it was a but pricey but she lived several years with it.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 4, 2014 8:17:04 GMT -5 screwedup said:

I'm just dropping this here - my husband said to ask if this could be pseudo-Addison's, which is caused by whipworms. It's apparently more common in puppies than full blown Addison's. Treatment is much easier and a one time fix.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. He's at the vet now for testing so I called and asked he be tested for whipworms as well.

[chloesilverado]

Sept 4, 2014 8:19:05 GMT -5 karmasabiotch said:

Is the Vet willing to work out a discounted price with you since he is so young and you will be a valuable client for them?

That's a good point - I'll ask.