Hearbroken, Devastated, Scared - New Puppy

[AllDogBoots]

Thank you so much everyone for keeping me grounded.

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I asked to be referred there because I wanted a second opinion. They are the best vets I've ever dealt with personally, by far. I've heard good things about LSU, too, but am in Gulfport so Mandeville is much closer for me.

I will let my regular vet do the blood tests/BAT and will definitely follow up with this hospital. I'm sure they will refer me there anyway because they give out that phone number for emergencies.

[ging4444]

First let me say that I hope Max is fine and doesn't have a liver shunt. My puppy had surgery for a liver shunt in January and he is doing fantastic. I just want you to know that even if it is the worst and he does have a liver shunt that it can be taken care of and he can be healthy. I took him to the University of Tennessee because they are the experts. It was an 11 hour drive for me but so worth it. The testing, surgery, neutering, baby teeth pulling and meds were only $1800. I just want you to know that I was devastated too but my baby is fine and thriving. I am hoping that Max doesn't have anything wrong but in case he does have a shunt it is not a death sentence. He can have a long healthy life.
Ginger

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by ging4444

First let me say that I hope Max is fine and doesn't have a liver shunt. My puppy had surgery for a liver shunt in January and he is doing fantastic. I just want you to know that even if it is the worst and he does have a liver shunt that it can be taken care of and he can be healthy. I took him to the University of Tennessee because they are the experts. It was an 11 hour drive for me but so worth it. The testing, surgery, neutering, baby teeth pulling and meds were only $1800. I just want you to know that I was devastated too but my baby is fine and thriving. I am hoping that Max doesn't have anything wrong but in case he does have a shunt it is not a death sentence. He can have a long healthy life.
Ginger

Thank you. I've heard great things about University of Tennessee.

[Mysweetbabies]

I am just now seeing this. I read it all before I posted. I am so sorry this is happening to you and your baby. I pray everything works out.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I will call now. The vet however said that it's possible that LP developed on Tuesday??? He said it could develop at anytime. The breeder has the dogs playing in her living room and never once saw anything unusual.

I'm not sure if this question has been asked, but why was Sentinal given to a 10 week old puppy? You don't start a dog on Heartworm until they are 6 months of age.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I'm not sure if this question has been asked, but why was Sentinal given to a 10 week old puppy? You don't start a dog on Heartworm until they are 6 months of age.

I believe my vet and someone else in this thread stated 4 weeks. I spoke to a doctor today from Novartis in depth but she does not think it is a reaction to the pill. If anything he would get better each day, not progressively worse.

[ladyjane]

They say that Sentinel is safe if a puppy is 4 weeks and over 2 pounds. I believe that Heartgard is not given until six months.

[ladyjane]

Well, the Merial site says Heartgard is safe at six weeks. What do I know?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

They say that Sentinel is safe if a puppy is 4 weeks and over 2 pounds. I believe that Heartgard is not given until six months.

My vet is very confident its not Sentinel. I'm ruling nothing out yet at this point. Max is 4 pounds and very very strong. He and Cooper are playing tug of war and they are almost equally matched. It's so odd to me because he is in such incredible physical shape.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

They say that Sentinel is safe if a puppy is 4 weeks and over 2 pounds. I believe that Heartgard is not given until six months.

Per Dr. Hawthorn it is totally unnecessary until a pup is 6 months of age. And it can cause side affects in pups. While I took Delilah in for her complete blood work up and x-rays in May, I specifically asked him about the Heartworm. He informed me at that time not until she's 6 months of age. I will be starting her on it next week.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

My vet is very confident its not Sentinel. I'm ruling nothing out yet at this point. Max is 4 pounds and very very strong. He and Cooper are playing tug of war and they are almost equally matched. It's so odd to me because he is in such incredible physical shape.

Hopefully it is nothing too serious...and hopefully, you will have some answers tomorrow!

[megooego]

I am just seeing this now. I am sorry that you are going through so much right now. I will keep Max in my thoughts; I hope everything works out for you. Sending hugs.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Hopefully it is nothing too serious...and hopefully, you will have some answers tomorrow!

Come to think of it one of my very first yorkies that I bought (and don't hit me) from the Canton Flea Market, I gave heartworm to her at 12 weeks of age and she did have a reaction; acting if she was somewhat drunk and shaking her head. She had not exhibited any of these symptoms until the heartworm med.

I hope it's as simple as this for your new pup. Will keep you both in my prayers.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Per Dr. Hawthorn it is totally unnecessary until a pup is 6 months of age. And it can cause side affects in pups. While I took Delilah in for her complete blood work up and x-rays in May, I specifically asked him about the Heartworm. He informed me at that time not until she's 6 months of age. I will be starting her on it next week.

My vet does not recommend for young puppies either. I was merely referring to what the website says.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Come to think of it one of my very first yorkies that I bought (and don't hit me) from the Canton Flea Market, I gave heartworm to her at 12 weeks of age and she did have a reaction; acting if she was somewhat drunk and shaking her head. She had not exhibited any of these symptoms until the heartworm med.

I hope it's as simple as this for your new pup. Will keep you both in my prayers.

I hope this is the case. It's like he's drunk for 3 seconds.