Buying previously sick puppy, risk?

sadie06

Hello all,

This post is reasonably vague, as my husband was light on details.

We were quite low down on the waiting list for a particular puppy with a reputable breeder. The only one left has been on antibiotics for an 'infection'. I'm afraid I don't know anymore than that. The puppy is doing really well, and the vet expects her to get a clean bill of health.

Would this put you off the purchase of the puppy? Do you feel she will be more prone to infection, or could fail to thrive?

Also, will this put us at an immediate disadvantage when insuring her?


I'm sorry I have so little detail!

Knine

sadie06 wrote: »

Hello all,

This post is reasonably vague, as my husband was light on details.

We were quite low down on the waiting list for a particular puppy with a reputable breeder. The only one left has been on antibiotics for an 'infection'. I'm afraid I don't know anymore than that. The puppy is doing really well, and the vet expects her to get a clean bill of health.

Would this put you off the purchase of the puppy? Do you feel she will be more prone to infection, or could fail to thrive?

Also, will this put us at an immediate disadvantage when insuring her?


I'm sorry I have so little detail!

Depends on what the infection was. I would be asking questions. Ask them if it was puppy strangles? Puppies that had this can have mixed outcomes. More then likely I would wait for the right puppy. It is a pre existing condition for insurance purposes.

sadie06

Thanks for the advice. We are asking more questions. We feel a bit blindsided right now, as one breeder's dog suffered complications at birth, and it did not end well unfortunately, and now this.

sadie06

A bit more detail:

Puppy was perfect when she was born, though she was one of the lightest puppies.
When she was two weeks old she lost the power in her back legs. The vet thought that she was lacking in some vitamins, and she was put on course of vitamins. She improved but did not recover fully. She was taken back a week later and this time was given an antibiotic and some more vitamins.

In one week she has improved dramatically and is almost 100%. Owner now finds it hard to tell her apart from the others. Vet expects clean bill of health.

lrushe

I like that the breeder was so upfront about the puppy's condition, that's a good sign.
Do you think the breeder would be ok with maybe letting you have the puppy at a reduced cost or maybe a honeymoon period where you can return the pup if you and/or your vet are not satisfied of it's health.

sadie06

That's an interesting proposal! He has mentioned a reduction in cost alright. They are lovely, healthy looking puppies, and the mother is amazing looking! They are also being so well socialised with a young family. There are a lot of good points.

SillyMangoX

I would say go for it, but cautiously! Maybe make an agreement with the breeder to pay a certain amount then bring the pup to your own vet for a health check. If it all goes well then pay the rest of the amount, if not then return the pup and get back what you did pay! What kind of pups are they? If you do go ahead make sure to post pics

lrushe

sadie06 wrote: »

That's an interesting proposal! He has mentioned a reduction in cost alright. They are lovely, healthy looking puppies, and the mother is amazing looking! They are also being so well socialised with a young family. There are a lot of good points.

Well if they are ticking all the boxes for you I don't see a problem so long as you have the backup of returning the pup within an agreed time should the puppy become ill.

Bigdeadlydave

Avoid. Better off waiting for a different one, especially when you are throwing down some decent coin.

JustAThought

My pup was terribly sick and expected
To die . Didn't ! But I wouldn't wish the months of anguish & years on anyone. Nor the vets bills - eye watering. She's great Now but still has an iffy stomach - best buy ever, but then I didn't know she was sick when I bought her.

If you go & take her ( & I wouldn't ) I would NOT be using the same vet for the insurance form, NOT telling this to the insurance company as they will say your pet has a pre-existing condition & not cover it for the rest of it's life or if they ever find out .

If the Mother was also sick I'd be wondering really. Pups are very cute but how many days off work can yih take to nurse it if it has a relapse.

No doubt the breeder will sell it on regardless. Or will try to. I seriously wouldn't .


I have discovered that vets bills can be eye-watering. First bill ever - e700.

....

alroley

The fact that the breeder told you is really good. As long as you can take the puppy back and get a full refund if it does come to light that the puppy isn't 100% healthy, I think it would be okay.

JustAThought

alroley wrote: »

The fact that the breeder told you is really good. As long as you can take the puppy back and get a full refund if it does come to light that the puppy isn't 100% healthy, I think it would be okay.

Breeder probably told them cos otherwise they would probably have noticed.

As everyone knows, once you take a cute puppy , especially into a family & one with kids, it will never be returned - bonding/heartbreak for kids etc. far easier to walk away now. A sick pup with unknown causes and risk for lifelong illness or a not-sick pup. Easy choice .
There will be other cute, socialised , healthy happy puppies .

Walk away.

tk123

JustAThought wrote: »

Breeder probably told them cos otherwise they would probably have noticed.

As everyone knows, once you take a cute puppy , especially into a family & one with kids, it will never be returned - bonding/heartbreak for kids etc. far easier to walk away now. A sick pup with unknown causes and risk for lifelong illness or a not-sick pup. Easy choice .
There will be other cute, socialised , healthy happy puppies .

Walk away.

+1 - I think I'd walk away too. You're low down on the list then suddenly being offered the pup because nobody wants it. That probably sounds callous but you have to step back and look at the situation -vet fees aside having a sick dog is extremely stressful and an illness can have huge impact on the dogs behavior and personality. There will be other pups so don't rush into anything. Take a step back and have a thing - with your head not your heart!

sadie06

Thanks to all for the replies! It is a lot to think about. We may get our vet to have a chat with his vet as a long shot. Veering towards walking though.

jimf

imho this breeder seems very upfront would they be prepared to keep the pup for an extra 3/4 weeks and then you can make your decision after vet consultation

as already stated dont bring it home with the option of return if all is not well you and eveybody else will be heartbroken as puppies get into to your heart very fast

sadie06

Thanks to all for the advice. We spoke to a vet who advised us to steer clear of the puppy. He felt there was a chance the ailment was neurological which could end up causing a lot of problems in the future.

I hope to have puppy news soon though!