Bad news about Ole

[Karen]

Sorry to hear about this, but at least you found out, and can help him. I'd contact the AKC Basset group and let them know about his problems, and that the breeder doesn't care, as these are all likely genetic problems, and she should be more concerned about the healthiness of future litters!

[Crayons09]

I'm pretty sure ALL of his problems are hereditary. I was planning on sending his x-rays to his "breeder's" vet to see if they can do anything about it. I just need to find out who she brings her dogs to. I know she is only in it for the money because Ole is only one and Ole's mom has had 2 litters since Ole's. She has had 30 puppies in a years time. Ole's litter was his mom's first litter and she was barely one years old. I was told by Ole's "breeder" that it was an accident litter. but she has had 2 litters after Ole's with the same female. Thanks for all of the comments. I really do hope I have many more years with Ole. I do not regret Ole in the slightest. Any amount of time I can have with him I am blessed to have. I'm blessed to have him in my life.

[luvofallhorses]

Yeah it's pretty sad. She needs to have the dam spayed or she is going to cause people to have tons of heartache like with you and Ole. I am so sorry. Give Ole a kiss for me.

[Alysser]

This is such a sore topic for me, my dog Sassy died way too young because of bad legs and arthritis. She was only 10, she had so much more life in her but in the end her legs gave up along with her spirit. I am not trying to scare you or anything, but she actually lasted much longer than the vets expected. After she died, my mom told me the vets said she'd have terrible arthritis by the time she was 7. Well she fought that and lived 3 more years.

Anyway, I am so sorry. I know how it feels to find out this sad news. But please try not to think of the time you will loose with Ole. Just think of the time you still have left with him. He's a bubbly, adorable baby and I'm sure he'll live a very long life.

The hardest thing about furbabies is we don't ever know what could happen to them. They could only live a few months while others will last 16 years.

[Freedom]

Sounds like a back yard breeder or even a puppy mill, not a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder would have the parents tested first, before any breeding and would NEVER have a bitch have that many litters in such a short time.

I am so sad for both you and Ole. Yes do keep him comfortable, as he has so much love to share with you!

I know the luxating patella can be corrected surgically. It is a bit costly, and there is a 6 weeks healing time.

If the vet has not suggested this, ask about Adequan. It is an injectable form of glucosamine and chondroitin. My Marlin takes it. There was an initial build up (I think 8 shots in 5 weeks, can't recall) and then it is once a month. Helps Marlin a LOT! I do mark when his shot is due on the calendar so I don't forget, but I can always tell, he stops jumping up on the sofa and whines for us to help him up instead. That is usually 4 to days before the next shot.

If the vet puts Ole on this, you can give the shots at home, yourself. I do this for Marlin. The vet techs showed me where to give the shot and how to do it. Now, if I had the vet tech give the shot, it is a $45 visit each month. The dosage is based on the dog's weight. Marlin can get 12 shots from one vial -- a whole year's supply. I found I can get the prescription from my vet, mail it is to Drs. Foster and Smith pharmacy, and buy a vial for $65. HUGE savings!

Ole probably weighs more than my 17 pound Marlin, but it will still be a big savings for you, and if it helps Ole feel better, well worth it!

If you do this, don't forget syringes. My vet gives me 12 at a time, no charge; you may have a small fee at your vet, but it will be small and still make it worth while to do the monthly shots at home yourself.

Oh, be sure to get Adequan (canine). There is also Adequan (equine).

I use the daily pills as well as the shot, for Marlin. Hope this helps you and Ole!

[cassiesmom]

Big prayers for Ole and you, Crayons 09! I hope you find a treatment that works very well, and that you will have many happy years together. ((HUGS)))


And a candle
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...g&cid=12698567

[Crayons09]

She told me about a steroid shot that she didn't recommend. She said it almost makes the dog feel "too" good and they end up hurting the affected area more because they don't feel the pain in it anymore. I will have to ask her about the shot that you give your Marlin. She also told me about the knee surgery, but she said it was very expensive and with all his other joint problems it will just cause added stress on his other limbs if he has it.
alysser- its horrible isn't it. I wish I could do more for him and make his so called breeder pay for how much pain he is in. Ole is only one and he acts older then my parents dog Sadie who is 6 years old. When people meet him they always think he is older then what he is, not just because of his looks but because how he walks. Its really isn't fair that they have to go thru all of this. I'm sorry your Sassy had to deal with the pain of arthritis and had to go at such a young age. I honestly wonder how their "breeders" can sleep at night.
I plan on doing everything I can to make him the happiest basset around. Right now he is asleep on the couch

[Crayons09]

Cassiesmom: Thanks for lighting the candle for Ole It brought tears to my eyes. You are truly a wonderful person and have always been so kind. Thank you!
Thanks to everyone else for the support and suggestions. It means a lot to me that so many care about my Ole as much as I do. I will keep everyone updated on him and I pray I will have many years with him.

[Alysser]

alysser- its horrible isn't it. I wish I could do more for him and make his so called breeder pay for how much pain he is in. Ole is only one and he acts older then my parents dog Sadie who is 6 years old. When people meet him they always think he is older then what he is, not just because of his looks but because how he walks. Its really isn't fair that they have to go thru all of this. I'm sorry your Sassy had to deal with the pain of arthritis and had to go at such a young age. I honestly wonder how their "breeders" can sleep at night.
I plan on doing everything I can to make him the happiest basset around. Right now he is asleep on the couch

You know, I have no idea how they sleep at night. I was so sure her breeder was reputable, her parents and grandparents had many titles. I don't know honestly, and maybe I should have looked into it. But when money is involved people will do anything as long as they aren't enduring the pain themselves!

He is only one, and maybe the procedure would be painful, but would it be successful in the long run? I know you probably don't want Ole enduring that kind of surgery but if it has awesome long-term results it may be something to consider. Would you consider getting a second opinion? Possibly a vet who specializes in bones or something even?