While I cannot speak for all rescues, YHR does baseline lab work on every foster when it comes in. Those labs often give a clue if there is something going on medically with a pup. We also treat all presenting issues prior to adoption and that includes dentals. If a pup has issues that will require ongoing care and/or medications that we know of, we make people very aware. All medical records are given to the adopter. Our goal is to make the placement one that will last forever!
You really want to check a rescue out thoroughly. How long do they keep their fosters? If they are quickly turning them over in a couple of weeks, in my opinion you are running a risk of future problems. Not saying it is a bad thing as some rescues are interested in placing numbers. That works, but people need to be aware that in those cases they often will deal with unknown medical and/or behavioral issues.
If you are looking for a rescue and trying to avoid medical issues, then you need to ask questions about what the rescue does in terms of vet care. Most issues are going to show up in lab studies and good veterinary exam. Do they do dentals? That is a bugaboo of mine...I hate to see rescues adopting yorkies out without doing dentals if they are needed. Those dentals are so important for the health and well being of the pups!
I frequently hear of people voicing concerns about LS. While I realize a lot more yorkies than other breeds get LS, it is not common for them to have it! I have been fostering for five years now and have had many pups in my home....not one has had LS. (yes, I have been lucky) But, my point is that not every one in rescue has LS. And, we do not do BATs on every one of them. I have heard some people say that their pup had LS and it did not show up in routine labs. My personal belief is that this is rare as normally you will see ammonia levels and liver enzymes elevated in lab studies. Those are a clue! Then, you look further.
Things like luxating patella and collapsing trachea should be picked up on a physical exam.
If you go to a shelter for a pup, yes you are running a huge risk of medical issues. |