My 6 Month Old Yorkie Puppy HAS a BIRTH DEFECT

[fanatic4yorkies]

Originally Posted by lakeerieprinces

I called the breeder, who is local here, and she did NOT offer any compensation at all ! It is not important I guess. God will deal with her in time !

I am so sorry to hear about your little guy - it is just heartbreaking. Can you post the name of the breeder to warn others?

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by lakeerieprinces

NO health guarantee. I am old school and thought that if u buy a pup for a pet, it will be healthy.

I am so sorry you are going to through this. Check your state. A lot of them have laws about selling pets. And they can help. Some of them are lemon laws. . . At least if you can get some help or at least your money back it can help you

[fanatic4yorkies]

Originally Posted by lakeerieprinces

I called the breeder, who is local here, and she did NOT offer any compensation at all !

I am SO sorry to hear about your little guy - it is very heartbreaking. Can you post the name of the breeder to warn others?

[maxsassy]

Sorry to hear this about little Wilbur. Praying the doctors are correct about his condition and and he out lives the doctor who told you this.

[Baby Pepper]

Wilbur and your granddaughter are both adorable!
We don't know why fate (god?) puts us into certain situations. But I suppose, we are there to take up the challenges. As you said, Wilbur and you seem to be meant for each other. Which means: you do what has to be done... I hope both of you will find strength in your relationship. True love is unconditional. And inspirational.

[Lorraine]

I must say in all my years of experience in dogs and Yorkies I have never heard of this condition before. A good repro Vet may also be able to tell you if this is congenital or genetic. My thoughts congenital not genetic.
However, given the condition if I were the breeder you would get your purchase price back and I would be researching the condition and find a good referral if one exists.
As to knowing this was happening before he was sold. Well, unfortunately after a pup is born ( or any life for that matter including human children) things may not show any sign of a problem until enough time goes by as the baby matures and grows. Something like this may have gotten past even the most experienced breeder.
I have been in yorkies about 20 years now, dogs more than that. I have breeder friends in Yorkies longer than 30 years now and I intend to ask them if they have heard of this condition.
One thing I was told by my mentor years ago and she is right, no matter how long you are in this something new will crop up you have never seen before. Sometimes it could be genetic, sometimes it is congenital. It could be so rare practically no one has heard of it.
Many years in a breed and experience, memberships in your breed club is the best teacher but always be prepared for a learning experience with each new mating each new litter and be ready to take responsibility to do the right thing if you are the breeder.
In some cases you would not ever breed the two parents to each other. In some cases you could breed the parents to other mates. It would depend on the condition, pedigrees etc. This is one of the reasons if you are breeding be sure you have and know your pedigrees that you can reference, check back with those kennels and find out if the breeders have had any conditions turn up.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by fanatic4yorkies

I am SO sorry to hear about your little guy - it is very heartbreaking. Can you post the name of the breeder to warn others?

I don't think that would be fair. This is not the breeders fault. The owner has said the pup is now 6 months old. Were any signs there at the time of purchase? I would bet not.
However, contacting the breeder would be the right thing to do and hopefully the breeder will find out more about what was produced and how to perhaps avoid a repeat of this. I personally would never breed the parents to each other again. It would be interesting however, from a scientific point of view to see if a repeat would produce it. I would not take that risk however.

[gemy]

There are a multiplicity of spinal conditions it could be. I have not seen where the OP has stated exactly what it was. A C curve of the spine could occur for many reasons, and one obvious one, being the pup was borne with a C curve.


From Merrick Manual
Spinal Cord Disorders

Spinal cord disorders do not affect coordination of head movement but cause a loss of motor function and coordination in the legs or sense of position.


Congenital vertebral malformations involve the bones of the spinal column, called vertebrae. These malformations can cause damage to the spinal cord. They include hemivertebrae (shortened or misshapen vertebrae), block vertebrae (fused together), and butterfly vertebrae (cleft vertebrae). Hemivertebrae are most common in screw-tailed dog breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. Specialized imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scanning may be necessary to determine whether a spinal defect can be corrected by surgery.


In caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, also called wobbler syndrome, the spine in the neck area is deformed. The most commonly affected breeds include Borzois, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes. The condition may be inherited, and signs begin to show at a variety of different ages. Signs range from mild difficulty in walking to paralysis of all 4 legs. Affected dogs often keep their neck flexed awkwardly, and the neck may be painful. Surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal cord.


Atlantoaxial subluxation is most common in young toy or miniature breeds of dogs and is seen occasionally in large breed dogs as well. Signs usually develop within the first few years of life and consist of sudden or progressively worsening neck pain or difficulty moving. Signs can be mild or progress to paralysis of all 4 legs. Surgery is necessary to stabilize the dog's condition, and the outlook for recovery is uncertain.


Degenerative Diseases

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis is a disorder of the vertebrae in the lower back that causes compression of the nerve roots. It is most common in large breeds of dogs, especially German Shepherds. The cause is unknown. Signs typically begin at 3 to 7 years of age and may include difficulty using the hind legs, tail weakness, and incontinence. Dogs often experience pain when the lower back is touched or moved. Other signs include a loss of paw position sense, muscle wasting, or weakened reflexes in the hind legs. X-rays may show signs of degeneration, but diagnosis requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Dogs in which mild pain is the only sign may improve with 4 to 6 weeks of rest. Specific treatment requires surgery. The outlook for recovery after surgery is good, although urinary incontinence may continue.


Intervertebral disk disease is a degenerative disease of the spinal column that results in compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves. It is a common cause of spinal cord disorders in dogs, especially of small breeds, particularly the Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Pekingese. In these breeds, spinal disks can begin degenerating in the first few months of life. A herniated or “slipped” disk causing severe signs can occur suddenly, as early as 1 to 2 years of age. In contrast, disk degeneration in large breeds of dogs typically occurs after the age of 5 years, and signs continue to worsen. Herniated disks are most common in the neck and the middle of the back. A herniated disk in the neck leads to neck pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. There may be muscle weakness or other signs, ranging from mild partial paralysis in the legs to total paralysis of all legs. A herniated disk in the middle of the back leads to back pain, and possibly curvature in the spine and a reluctance to move. Neurologic signs range from a loss of motor control in the hind legs to paralysis and incontinence. In paralyzed animals, it is important to determine whether pain sensation is present by pinching the toe or tail and watching whether the dog makes a behavioral response, such as a bark or turn of the head.


Diagnosis of herniated disks requires x‑rays, myelography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dogs with minimal to moderate signs that can still feel pain often recover with a few weeks of rest. Anti-inflammatory or pain medication can be used, but generally only if the dog can be cage-rested. If the dog increases its activity, the disk(s) may extrude further and worsen the spinal cord compression. Unfortunately, signs recur in 30 to 40% of cases. In dogs with severe neurologic signs, surgery must be performed promptly to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery is also needed if drug therapy is unsuccessful and signs return. The outlook for recovery after surgery is good if the dog can still feel pain. If surgery is delayed for more than 48 hours after pain perception is lost, the chances of recovery decrease.




The OP also stated that at 4months old the curvative was obvious to her eyes, but her vet told her this was just the *way* her dog stands.....


An obvious curvature of the spine in any 4month old is not normal. Yeah there can be dips n hollows of the spine but it is not normal to have a C curve or for that matter an S curve to the spine of a young dog or for that matter human....

[gemy]

A note vs a vs congenital versus genetic or hereditary diseases.


roughly speaking a congenital disease happens in the womb. It is not necessary genetic and or hereditary. For example in humans think of Thallidomide given to pregnant woman to ease nausea. Horrible birth defects because of it. Mumps or Measles or certain antibiotics and or other drugs, exposure to pesticide, can affect in the womb how a pup will grow.


A genetic disease is one that is sourced from faulty DNA, and most often for many diseases it is polygenetic, meaning not only do both parents need to have that polygenetic make up but in such a way that combined together will express the disease. Some researchers are looking at transcriptive DNA as a tool to help determine understand more about how polygenetic diseases work, etc etc.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by lakeerieprinces

i

Dr. Curie was my choice, as he has years of experience and has an excellent reputation. We spent about 1 hour there.He x rayed Wilbur, watched him walk, and physically examined him.

He sat down with us to show us the x rays and explained that Wilbur has a birth defect. His spine is VERY crooked, and the vertebrates are ALL fused together. His discs are hardened. The lump on his side is actually his severely curved spine. He consulted a canine neurologist and BOTH agreed that this is not fixable ! I broke down in tears. What a horrible diagnosis for this loving, little dog !

He offered options, and said his life would be short, due to this severe defect of his spine. He said that Wilbur COULD become paralyzed when he gets his next growth spurt,or he will one day be in terrible pain. I told him that HE chose me and I was going to take him home, play with him and love him as much as I can. I conveyed the diagnosis to the breeder, and got a very skeptical response. Wilbur's parents should not have any more puppies IMO. WHY cause any other person, such grief, even if it is rare ?

I, personally have not felt pain this intense since I had to bury my Mom. The other dogs were different over the years, I was busy, and not 100% focused on them. I am retired and focused solely on the joy of Wilbur ! I pray that I will get through this ordeal !

This Dr. Wilbur merely said that your pup had a birth defect, he did not indicate (as you have written) whether or not he thought it was congenital or hereditary or both. And if it would be obvious at birth or shortly thereafter.


You have not shared the exact name of the medical condition. Mayhap you did with your breeder IDK. But as a breeder I would want to know the name of that condition and receive the medical reports from your vets, to truly understand what this condition is, and research and seek out learned opinions on whether or not this breeding pair should ever be bred again. Having said that, I would do my outmost to support you and your puppy, which would likely be to refund your purchase price, and to help you navigate through the list of options and find specialists knowledgeable about what-ever this birth defect is.


A congenital birth defect happens in the womb, and can be from a whole host of reasons, that have nothing to do with genetics. See my other post here.


I know you said your breeder was sceptical and I am not sure what that means. But if it means she was asking for the actual name of the condition, and asking for the medical reports, that is what I would need to know as well.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by lakeerieprinces

I called the breeder, who is local here, and she did NOT offer any compensation at all ! It is not important I guess. God will deal with her in time !

We already have about $600. in him for tests, etc.
I am 62 and have had dogs for about 25 years now.
I have learned that they need their own "bank account."
When emergencies arise there is always what they call a Care Card, which is a charge card for vets and human medical, but that still follows u.
Good or bad times, I faithfully put at least $50. per month into a separate savings acct., which is kept for the dogs.They usually stay well, so I have $ saved for heart worm checks, meds, teeth cleaning, etc. I am very fortunate to have a 1 acre fenced in yard, which only my dogs enter, so no neighbor dogs pooping to spread worms or germs ! We have never had 1 dog over the years who had worms ! The acct. works well for the dogs and I usually always have the $$ put away to treat them.

I look at little Wilbur and feel so sad. There are no more tears to shed !

I am very saddened to read your posts. The real loser here is your puppy who did nothing wrong. Your breeder is 100% at fault. You NEED to push to get your money back. Don't do nothing and wait for god or karma to do their thing! People like this only change when it hits them where it hurts, their wallet! If you do nothing, they will breed again, and continue to create dogs with defects! More animals will suffer needlessly.

If the breeder does not refund your money, take her to small claims court, esp since you said she is local to you. Fill out a Rip Off Report, contact the BBB. You need to do this for Wilbur!

[kay miller]

I'm so so sorry this has happened to Wilber,and the both of you are in pain. May God hold you both in his hands and give comfort. Enjoy what you have make some memories.

[Shicks]

Oh, so very, very sorry. The love you have for him is impeccable. Just love him and try your very hardest to make every day count. I got a death sentence for my little Yorkie boy too. We had him for almost 2 yrs. more before he passed just one week into his 7th birthday. it's been the hardest year ever. They will ALWAYS be in our hearts. It's just my husband and I, so he was our baby and our grand baby.

[realnurse52]

Over the years I have had all kinds of small dogs. All of them were well loved, and cared for. But, my first Yorkie 15 yrs ago caught my heart in a way no pet has ever before. Suzie passed this past Christmas, in my arms. I was devastated by the loss of this girl even though I have a Papillon, Belle to help me grieve. We recently adopted a puppy mill rescue 2 yr old Yorkie girl. Not only did I feel relief from this little one, my Papillon fell absolutely in love with her, and slept through the night for the first time since Suzie's death.
What I am trying to say is that I think there is something about Yorkie's that just brings all the love out in a person. Suzie was the strongest little dog I have ever know. She never whined or cried. When she jumped off the arm of the sofa and broke a bone in her right foot I heard a peep, she never even limped. When she was dying, it was the same. She never showed her discomfort, she kissed me and cuddled with me like it would never end.
You don't know what will happen yet with your little guy, just soak up that love, and who knows maybe it WILL work out. But if it doesn't and he has a short life you will be blessed by every moment you have had with him.

[Cherie6446]

Real nurse, that was a touching story. You are correct about yorkies being special in the love department. I don't know what it is, maybe it is their sweet little faces and all the love they give.