Did we buy a "Lemon"? Please help!

[SixFootDobie]

We purchased a doberman from a breeder here in TX. This is my 2nd time purchasing a pup from the breeders because I was happy with the 1st pup. When I arrived to pick him up, he was the last pick of the litter. They wanted 900 for him, but I refused to pay that much for a pup that's 16 weeks, so we negotiated for 550. The breeders introduced me to his parents. The dad was big as well as alert. The mother was laying down in her stall and gave no effort to find out who I was. The mother was one of the smallest out of maybe 20 of them. When we met the pup for the 1st time he was laying down. Even when we approached him he remained in his layed position and looked at us. We assumed he was shy and loaded him in the truck because we knew we had a long drive ahead of us to get home. We take him home and he's dead weight. He got up from time to time but just seemed weak. He had numerous small bumps from his snout, to his toes. not extreme sized bumps; but numerous small ones(possibly close to 100 total). I took him to the Emergency Vet after he started to limp indicating that his back right leg was causing him problems. The Dr. was able to pop a few bumps to determine he has a bacteria issue. The Dr. also stated that he's too young to have such an extreme case. We couldn't afford a blood test at that time, but the Dr. Prescribed a 14 day supply of Sulfamethoxazole. It was working. His skin began to clear he was energetic eating 4+ cups of Nutro Large Breed Pup food and it seemed as if he had an unlimited supply of engergy. 14 day supply ran out & not even a week later, the bumps started to reappear. Not only have they reappeared, but he's limping again. Last night, I was able to feel a few bumps under his coat. This morning he was energetic trying to jump on the bed & sofa. I come home about 15 mins ago from work & the bumps are now visible & he's limping again. I feel that theres something that the breeders didn't tell me. At the time I purchased the 1st pup about 4 years ago, The husband was managing everything. Since he's had a stroke, the wife has been in charge. I wont be able to afford the blood exam until payday(this friday) but I really don't want to see him like this meanwhile. When I came home, you can tell he really wanted to come to me, but he remained in a balled up position in the hallway. I can e-mail pictures to anyone who wants to see these bumps. I need to know whats going on with him.

Facts:
-He's had all vaccines except rabbies
-I gave him a bath with sensitive skin/moisturizing shampoo & his skin is still dry and flaking in the area of the bumps.
-If a large peice of dead skin is to come off, 5 strands or more of hair is bound to be stuck to that skin(like the tip of a paint brush)
-It seems as if the sun makes him feel worse when he has this outbreak
-I place a small amount of missing link in his food for joint protection & immune system purposes
-He doesn't eat much but he did have enough energy to drink water.
-The limp seems to be a toggle situation. He would limp today as if it doesn't function, but tommorow he could walk as if he never had that issue. Before the med, the left leg was the issue. Supply runs out, right leg is issue. It happens so fast, you would think he had a charlie horse
-It's the insides of his legs that has the most visible bumps
-Within 8 hours he switches from laying like normal dogs to laying on his back if he's decides to lay down.

[JiDia Dobermans]

I'm not a vet but limping switching from one leg to another sounds like Pano if the puppy is large bone and he's getting alot of protein which makes them grow to fast they can develope Pano.The bumps it could be anything from food alergys to staph infections hard to tell.My Katie had bad hives and i found out it was the corn in the food put her on a non grain food and she has never had problems since.

[Dobs4ever]

I am so sorry to hear that you are having these issues especially sorry for the puppy. Do you know what health testing had been done on the parents??? I personally can't imagine a dog not getting up to come investigate when you approached so it does sound like the breeder is not very reputable unfortunatley, but if money was the object then you got what you paid for.

I would bathe the puppy in Head and Shoulders medicated shampoo. This can help with staff infections. He might need another round of meds to get his entire system cleaned out. Take him off puppy food. Not good or recommended for puppies. Place him on a well balanced dog food with a lower protein content (under 24%), and brown rice not corn. Add 1 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day (great antiooxident), fish oil twice a day, and alfalfa tablets. I have found these things all to help pano and skin issues.

Send pictures and keep us posted. We are all pulling for your little fella.

[RKCM]

I would call the breeder and tell them the problem with the puppy. Let them know that you can't afford the blood test, and maybe they will help you. It's important that you get the puppy proper vet care, especially if the puppy is just laying around.

I'm sorry to hear about you're puppy. No puppies are lemons. Some aren't cared for properly. Some are whelped by parents that have health issues and it's not their fault. I would somehow get vet care for the puppy or turn her over to a rescue that will do that. Her health needs to come first.

I'm hoping the breeder would care enough to help you. Know that it is expensive to own any animals and where there is a will......you must find a way. You don't want the puppy to suffer, nor do I. Best Wishes on the outcome.

[Dravens]

You might also talk to your vet if it is a vet you have used for a while about writting a post dated check for the blood test. If they can't do it then call around and see if you can find another vet who will. It is usually easier if you have been with a vet for a while and have a good history of payment.

You might also try to contact your local humane society or aspca to see if they have help based on income if your in a larger populated area.

Also many places now give pay day loan advances, some jobs will give an advance on a check, you can apply for care credit, take something to a pawn shop, beg to borrow from friends. A dog is a big responsibility and sometimes things do come up were not prepared for. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan for emergencies.

[Dobs4ever]

Great ideas Dravens!!!

[RelicDobes]

sounds a little fishy to me... any updates on the pup?

[RKCM]

I wonder too, Relic, especially since it was one post. I hope the puppy is ok.

Sometimes when you have limited income, you might need to consider a bird or something that is less expensive. When a dog is sick, you have to find a way to get vet care because it's part of pet ownership. Draven had some good ideas and you just have to find a way to get treatment. The breeder may help her but the cost of the dog is small compared to the cost of properly caring for the dog. Hopefully, her situation is not permanent and the puppy will get care soon.

[jelly8bean]

I don't know about this. If you are on a limited income you wouldn't be paying big $$ to a "breeder" for a puppy. Also, the "breeder" should give a toot. Sounds like a troll to me.

[Dravens]

Being on a limited income does not mean you do not have the dog as a priority. In fact being on a limited income would make it even more important to choose a dog from a line with known good health. Even then nothing is to say that any animal will not have a problem at some point in its life, but it does stack the odds in your favor. Having money does not automatically mean one will spend it to take care of a dog or anything else. Lots of new cars can be seen in the parking lots of shelters where the owners are dumping a dog they see as less important than their car payment... It is even more important if you know you have a limited income to have a contengency plan because emergencies happen to everyone. It's also important to decide where your priorities lie because again something can happen at any time.

Most people live more or less from paycheck to paycheck, if they make more they spend more and still live paycheck to paycheck. It sounds to me from the post that is what they are doing I wont be able to afford the blood exam until payday(this friday) They never said they had limited income and to some degree regardless of income most do have limited income.

[Big Dogs]

One thing is I think some people are getting side tracked with this income thing and to that I would say it is not my business nor should it be anyone else s. I have had clients who made six figure incomes only to fall on hard times 6 months latter through no fault of there own. I believe the post was about a sick dog and wanting some information! Not some one wanting financial advice. I commend you on seeking information on your sick dog and also in being responsible in taking him to the vet. Keep us posted I would like to hear what your vet says.

[RKCM]

Good point Dravens. There are all kinds of people that don't take care of their dog or don't give them vet care. I do think limited or not, you have to have some money in case you're dog is sick. Sometimes, the pet just can't wait till payday. It is something I try to plan for, as I'm sure you do too.

I'm still waiting on the unlimited income. Would be very nice. LOL.

What happened to this poster and their dog?