Wanted your input on this. Our gsp in now 10 1/2 weeks old. We picked him up from the breeder at 8 weeks old. After about 1 week, we took him to the vet to get his vaccinations like the follow up dis-temper shot ect.. We had told the vet that we noticed we was not eating that well, and that he had some mild diarrea at times. The vet decided to do a stool sample. The next day, we get a phone call from the vet stating that the fecal was positive for guardia, coccidia, and worms. She explained that in her opinion the worms were probably passed on from the mother during the feeding. The vet prescribed 3 different types of meds (I dont have the names right now. I know that this is not normal for a young pup, and I am angry at having a sick puppy. I feel that the breeder is somewhat responsible for this also. Also, I do know that the breeder was taken to the hospital about 1 week before we picked up the pup. She told us she was sick. So I am in turn thinking if the pup got sick due to her not being there and having clean living conditions? We were very impressed with this breeder from the get go. Very clean, reputable, and great quality dogs. What is your opinion on this? Do you think that the breeder should be held responsible for these vet costs? I will not return the dog, as I love him too much and he seems to be doing great now. I still have to look at the contract as well. Just wanted to see what you all thought?

If you have previously seen the living conditions of the puppies and adult dogs and there were no red flags, then it is possible that due to her illness, the breeder had to have a less experienced person look after the pups.

Did she have a vet check done before the pups were allowed to go home?

I would call her and nicely explain what happened and ask for her opinion. If you approach it with tact and politeness she may just say that she will cover the vet bills without you having to argue for it.

Hey David,

Depending on your contract the breeder may or may not be responsible, check your contract for the details of buyers remorse or other issues. The three conditions you described are not uncommon in puppies at all and can happen to anyone.

Your pup should be doing better really quickly.

Melissa

Ok, I just hate putting him on all this medication at such a young age. I worry about hurting his immune system. I guess that I just feel that I paid a fortune for him, and he should atleast be healthy. Thanks for the input it makes me feel better.

My friend got a pup who was small, had some worms and coccidia. I suppose one would have wished it were different but that is how she came. My vet was not surprised...sees a lot of pups arriving thusly from kennel situations.

My friend just took the pup to the vet, got her treated and all went well. Turned out to be a superb female, super working drives and very devoted and very healthy.

The friend decided not to broach the subject with the breeder and just went on. She was certainly happy with the quality of the dog in the end.

Mine got sick from giardia a couple of days after I got him home at 8 weeks. I was pretty pissed.

My vet actually told me it was fairly common in pups that were in a kennel. No idea if it's true. The reality of it is, he could have gotten it from eating deer poop in my backyard.

The breeder's kennels were clean and everything. So, the way I see it is that puppies get sick from who knows where because their immune system isn't fully developed, and if a round of pills fixes it, that's fine with me. It would be a different story if the breeder's kennel was a mess, but it was pretty spotless.

David, as the breeder of a litter of pups who ended up in the hospital also and was not there w/them, let me weigh in and tell you that while I think I did the best I could w/regard to deworming and care, it's entirely possible that in my/her absence, signs that the pup needed attention could've been missed....although I am such a control freak I would not ship any of them out until I'd been able to spend a few days watching them to be sure nothing was awry.

Keep in mind the life cycles of these pests; it's possible, if not probable, that they were not exhibiting any symptoms at all when she saw them last. Coccidia and Giardia often are present together, and worms can happen to anyone also. Granted, it does sound like a lot of parasites for one pup, I don't think that this is an issue of intentional neglect, from what you are saying. I don't know that of course; I wasn't there, but am just trying to give benefit of the doubt.

Have you told the breeder? I would tell her, but not in an accusatory tone unless she cops an attitude. It might make you feel better actually to get her story; you might feel less like you were sold a sick dog.

I'm sure your pup will be wreaking havoc in no time!