I think Ivy is going back to his breeder or original owner.

**buttercup132** · 07-12-2007, 06:51 PM

She got back to me again and I'm a little confused by this e mail.
Is she making me give him back to her?
All I said was he is coughing and has problems breathing.
I was also thinking though maybe it would be good for him to go back with her because she seems to know alot about murmurs and other problems.

Well its a little more complex than that. There are probably more minimal diagnostics that could be done simply to determine if he had fluid in his lungs from heart failure if that is your concern. Things to improve quality of life, starting him on meds as you mentioned, etc... That certainly does not take $2000 of diagnostic work. Most vets go this more realistic route when dealing with a pet. You can treat the symptoms without knowing the full root cause. If you're seeing coughing from heart failure you'd be seeing it a lot and it would be exercise related - ie when he ran, played, etc... Is that what you're seeing?

But yes, please lets arrange to have you ship him back to me. I could do it next Saturday the 21st, or the following weekend on the 28th. Let me know if you want me to make the arrangements with Continental or if you want to. You'd just have to check with me first on exact dates/times. You'll need to get his health certificate within 10 days of the flight and provide his kennel and travel supplies. If you have never shipped by air before you can log onto Continental's website for full requirements and details. With Continental the weight break for charges is at 10lbs (which he'll be over) so up to 50lbs is the same price, so I'd advise getting a large enough kennel that you can put a travel litterbox in the back and a comfortable bed in the front for that long of a flight.
Ok, so just let me know what we can work out to get him back here and safe!

**jenluckenbach** · 07-12-2007, 07:00 PM

I don't believe she is FORCING you to return him, I think she is going ahead with what you said you wanted......to give him back.

I think you need to decide what to do.

The breeder is correct in saying that knowing an EXACT cause may not be needed in order to provide quality of life. YES, it is helpful to know the cause, but it may not affect the outcome.

Since you say this was your secod vet opinion, it may not help to find yet a third vet, but having a vet who can be open, honest and straight forward is an asset.

**buttercup132** · 07-12-2007, 07:05 PM

Since you say this was your secod vet opinion, it may not help to find yet a third vet, but having a vet who can be open, honest and straight forward is an asset

The second vet was. He is a friend of my boss and her mom. They have known him since before he even opened up a vet office and they helped him to get it started. I would like to think he is honest and straight forward with them. If there was any treatment that could have been done there I would have got it done for free so I think he would also like to go the easiest cheapest route.

**catmandu** · 07-12-2007, 07:29 PM

It May Be Better In The Long Run To Return Poor Ivy As You Would Always Be Worried About Him And Watching Him Constantly. I Think Shes Being A Responsible Breeder By Taking Ivy Back And You Cannot Ask For More Than That. What A Shame That Ivy Did Not Work Out.

**Catty1** · 07-12-2007, 07:40 PM

I read the breeder's first and latest email, and she seems to be saying that there is no point spending $2,000.00 on tests for Ivy. As she said, most vets would treat the symptoms rather than the root cause(which $2,000 may not tell anything about).

Is his coughing worse when he runs or plays? She asked that, because if that is when it happens, then it is likely related to the heart problem.

If he does it whether active or not, then it's something else. His sinuses could be clogged, or he might have a bronchitis or something.

I think the breeder also wants to spare you expensive tests that two vets have advised on. If his coughing appears to be from something else, and that can be treated - then you could keep him in good health.

I think the breeder just doesn't want you to be overwhelmed by keeping him, that's all.

**shais_mom** · 07-12-2007, 07:53 PM

I am very sorry to hear this and I know you will do what is best for IVY.
For what its worth - It didn't think she was forcing you to do anything- if you tell her you want to keep him for awhile - I'm sure she would be ok with that - the first email said anytime...
good luck