Multiple Health Problems but Superior Dog
In Oct 2008, I adopted a 3 1/2 yr. old standard poodle that was a return to the breeder because the original elderly owners were moving to an apartment and could not take her along. She, Dancer, is the most precious dog I have ever had but after many visits to my local vet because of fainting with retching from gastro-esphogeal reflux disease (on Pepcid AC for this now--well controlled), we ended up at the U of MN vet cardiac clinic with a diagnosis of pulmonary valve problems that required ballooning to open the valve. This is a hereditary condition and I was told that her parents should never be bred together again. I called the breeder to inform her of this and could only leave a message because she probably recognized my number since I had contacted her when I got the dog's vet records just after adoption. History of a heart murmur was contained in those records and when I called to ask her about it, she responded that she knew this but was told it would "go away". She did not divulge this information before adoption. This May, Dancer was diagnosed with Addisons Disease, again after many visits to the vet. This also is a hereditary condition and cannot be tested for before onset. Diagnosis was only made after a crisis. Two weeks ago, because her abdomen was filling with fluid, I returned to the U of MN and was told that the pulmonary valve is closing again and she is experiencing right sided heart failure. Three options were given to me: repeat the surgery ($4,000), (they didn't seem to support that option much), treat with medication (will not cure anything), or consider an investigatory replacement valve that Medtronics is developing for humans but is testing in dogs. I went for the med treatment but she got massive diarrhea from the prescribed drug. As you can imagine, this is all more than expensive. One of the Addison's drugs costs $185 for 2 1/2 doses. It is injected every 25 days. She acts normal, is full of fun and can't wait to get to the garden to dig in the gopher holes. Things should straighten out at least for a little while when the drug regimen can be figured out. Since the drugs are not a cure, I have told the U to go ahead and get more information about the replacement valve. They have never placed one but a vet from Medtronics would come to assist with the surgery if we ultimately decide this is the route to go. While we may be able to get the valve without charge since it is in investigation, it will be another $3-4,000 for me to have it placed. I do not intend this to be a litany of problems to warn anyone from adopting a poodle but it is a cautionary tale about being sure to check vet records before adoption and make certain that the breeder's reputation is sterling. I probably should have wondered why there was no initial charge for this dog but just assumed that returns came without cost because someone else had paid the initail fee up front. Came to find out that the breeder had given the dog to the elderly couple without cost when she was 6 months old. Of course I bonded with her almost on the first ride home so would not have considered returning her but had I known beforehand about the heart murmur, I would not have accepted her. She would not have qualified for insurance. I definitely would want another poodle, without question, if Dancer is any example of what to expect from this breed--she is more than wonderful, well behaved,gentle and loving.
|
