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Originally Posted by Scoobstersmom  My pup was a rescue that had been brought across the border from Mexico, so we sort of expected issues. She was only with the rescue for a few days, but she had been vet checked and deemed healthy. Still, I was a bit nervous about where she came from and have two other dogs, so I kept her isolated the first night and took her right to my vet the next day for my own peace of mind. She checked out fine. Perfect blood work, no parasites.
One week later she became very ill. Lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea. At that point she tested positive for Giardia. Giardia doesn't necessarily show in every stool sample. My vet seemed pretty positive that she'd had it all along and didn't catch it from my house. She could have picked it up from the rescue she was at for a few days, or she could have had it when she got there. Some dogs carry the parasite but never get sick so they never get tested or treated. Some have it a while then something causes a lowering of their immune system and then they get sick. Some get sick right away.
Sharon, I get it that you're angry. You paid top dollar for a pup and then found out she had a parasite. I was a little angry about my dog having it. I was a hassle that I didn't expect to have to deal with but in the big picture it was not that big of an issue. It's not Parvo or Rabies or liver shunt. It is just a parasite that many puppies get, not particularly life threatening. Didn't the puppy fly to you? She could have an overgrowth of the giardia from the stress of the plane ride. I think it's a risk no matter where you buy your puppy.
Diana |
Hi Diana, well, actually I am not angry at all that Lacy has Giardia, sorry if it sounded like that, I understand these things can happen. It is definitely NOT a big deal, it is only a big hassle, with all the cleaning, etc. lol The reason I was asking questions is because I want to know IF some breeders tested for giardia before selling their pups. I want to know the answer to that question, and I still don't know, as not many breeders have responded as to whether they do test for it or not. Maybe most of them don't, and maybe that is perfectly acceptable. But I won't know the answer to that question unless I ask. It is not to put blame on anyone, I simply want to know for my next puppy purchase. Is it okay for me to ask the breeder that I want my puppy tested for giardia before I get her? Or is that unreasonable and something that I should do myself? I don't know the answer to that question. But I do know that I do not want to buy another pup unless he is tested for giardia first.