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Originally Posted by CupofDog  My Ella Bean is a puppy mill rescue and she just turned one year. Her first few months, she was so sick, I think I must have spent about $3,000 between vet visits and other therapies. Honestly, I did use a lot of alternative care, like acupuncture and homeopathy, but it worked! She is here! I had her knees and hips checked at 6 months and again at a year and so far, all appears to be well. The bloodwork is normal...but I wont be surprised if issues pop up.
I am diligent about taking her for wellness checkups every 6 months instead of a year because I am hoping to catch anything BEFORE it becomes an issue. I know I can't prevent everything, but Ill do whatever it takes!!!!!  |
You are so smart to be proactive with Ella Bean's health. Poorly bred dogs from puppy mills and backyard breeders can carry genetic time bombs that may not go off for years. That was the case with Lady. She was perfectly healthy for the first four years, then those ticking bombs started going off.
I often wonder if some of her diseases/conditions could have been prevented if she had had good quality food and regular vet checks right from the start. I didn't adopt her until she was 4.5 years old. At thirteen my vets are amazed that she has lived as long as she has and I am convinced it is because of what I feed her, all the supplements I give her and excellent vet care.
If you keep Ella Bean's immune system strong, she may stay very healthy despite being from a puppy mill.