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Ohhh no! Almost the same thing happened to me weeks before I was to pick up my new pup. The mom toppled her whelping box over the puppies and mine got stuck under as the mom was jumping on the box. Let's just say there were lots of tears flowing in my home. We ended up getting a different pup as per our breeders suggestion. Jax is incredible, but I always wonder about that first pup 🧡
Sending good vibes that the little ones ok!
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
Pup is on the way to the vet. Breeder is now hoping it’s something like an inner ear infection. After Googling, I’m fearing many worse possibilities. (Of course I know Dr. Google does that but that didn’t stop me of course.)
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
Thanks, Raindrops! The vet didn’t do any imaging or bloodwork because she’s convinced this is just a pinched nerve in the neck. Based on the appearance of his eyes she said the vet was convinced this isn’t neurological or seizure-related. I’m thinking I’d want some more evidence than that. Would it be too much to ask for a trip to a specialist with imaging done? What if I offered to pay if no issues are found? Or whether they are found or not?

I just read about a genetic spinal condition with a poor prognosis where the pup walks with a rear foot out, and that’s what this pup did in videos.
 
Thanks, Raindrops! The vet didn’t do any imaging or bloodwork because she’s convinced this is just a pinched nerve in the neck. Based on the appearance of his eyes she said the vet was convinced this isn’t neurological or seizure-related. I’m thinking I’d want some more evidence than that. Would it be too much to ask for a trip to a specialist with imaging done? What if I offered to pay if no issues are found? Or whether they are found or not?

I just read about a genetic spinal condition with a poor prognosis where the pup walks with a rear foot out, and that’s what this pup did in videos.
That's encouraging from the vet but still worrisome. You could offer that. I think it depends on the particular breeder. I'd at least think about any contract modifications that may be warranted.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
Yes, good things have been said about the breeder on this board. She was upfront and honest about the initial episode and has kept in touch since. She just said she trusted her vet’s opinion that no further testing was necessary and that pup would heal with pain meds, massage and maybe chiro. That doesn’t resolve my concern about something neurological that is episodic, of course.

She would add to the contract a promise to take back the dog in case of future neurological issues but I can’t imagine we’d give a dog up. I am really torn.
 
I personally would want some imaging done if I suspected a dog I was purchasing had seizures, or at least I would have it in the contract that the breeder would help cover the bill if there ended up being serious issues.
I just read about a genetic spinal condition with a poor prognosis where the pup walks with a rear foot out, and that’s what this pup did in videos.
Dr. Google has a funny way of diagnosing things based on single symptoms, freaking people out (including myself) in the process. Is it possible for you to share the videos here? And what is the name of the condition you read about? I’d like to put it into this site to gather more information for you and myself. However, I wouldn’t worry too much. Apparently, walking strange is a sign of a pinched nerve, as it is caused by abnormal spine issues. Likely what happened was that the puppy played too hard and slipped a disk, unless the puppy was walking strange before, in which case I would insist on some kind of testing. Will the breeder be holding him until he gets better?
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
I don’t know if the breeder would want the videos on the internet for all to see. Pup was toddling along normally and dropped, screamed, and then started walking strangely. He is somewhat better, but still seems to be in some pain although less.

I’ll dig up the website where I found the scary information.
 
This is just breaking my heart. What a difficult situation.

I think if a puppy at that age is showing pain, it's probably in quite a lot of pain. I'd personally want to know that the breeder will cover any vet bills related specifically to this injury or possible disease. Returning the puppy will very quickly not feel like an option to you (I speak from experience) so don't go down that road unless they agree to that condition or you're prepared to cover the (potentially lifelong) costs yourself.

Sending my sympathies. :(
 
One thing I would ask for is the medical records from the vet. I think there is some minor miscommunication, as you can't tell whether a dog has had a seizure based on the eyes. The eyes do give some insight into other neurological issues though.
In any case, the description of the episode doesn't sound like a seizure at all. It also does not sound like wobbler's particularly because that tends to show up once the dog is mature.
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When were you supposed to take the pup home? Would it be feasible to hold off an extra week to see if there are any further episodes? It's certainly valid to ask about seeing a specialist, and taking their recommendations on imaging. It just might be hard to get an appointment in a reasonable time frame to still bring the pup home after.
 
^^Good advice in the comment above.
I don’t know if the breeder would want the videos on the internet for all to see. Pup was toddling along normally and dropped, screamed, and then started walking strangely. He is somewhat better, but still seems to be in some pain although less.
That’s understandable. Also, pain meds aren’t always able to cover all the pain associated with a pinched nerve as it heals (just ask anyone who’s had a crick in their neck!), so do keep that in mind.
As for the two conditions you mentioned, the one I would be more concerned about is atlantaloaxial subluxation, as it can appear at a younger age, but from what you have described, it is highly unlikely.

Here is a video on wobbler’s:


And here is a video on atlantaloaxial subluxation: WARNING! THIS ONE HAS GRAPHIC IMAGERY OF SURGERY STARTING AT ABOUT 3:00 AND ENDING AT ABOUT 3:40!!!


I believe X-Rays or MRIs are suggested for both conditions, but I would ask for medical records first before beginning any of that. Hoping all gets better soon.
 
Oh dear Elizabeth, this sounds so very difficult. Are you sure what you are getting into is best for you and your husband and your potential puppy? That could be a long miserable life of pain. (Thinking about friends who have had lifelong pain in and out of hospitals.)

I agree, I would ask for the money refunded to at least help with vet bills. And get health insurance if you are even able to obtain it. Praying for you, the pup, and the breeder.
 
Many, many thanks to all of you for your expertise and kindness. My husband and I spoke and decided to pass on this pup. Neck and spinal issues make us very nervous and don’t really seem to set the pup up for a good start. :(
I'm so sorry. It's a completely understandable decision. Hopefully you find your destined pup soon.
 
Discussion starter · #39 · (Edited)
Thanks, Raindrops. We’d get the pick of the next litter with this breeder. She’s far from us though (we’re in NYS and she is in Florida) and this experience has showed us that it could be a problem to be far from a young puppy's breeder. We may see if we can find a match closer to home. Still reeling. We were supposed to leave today or tomorrow.
 
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