Legg Perthes

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Yes I was surprised at the difference, but I see others have had it done for under $1000.

The more expensive one is actually the one that my vet referred me to. They just quoted me a flat fee of $1500.

The other one, the surgeon actually came on the phone and explained everything to me and priced everything individually. The pre op exam, the blood work, the anestetic, the pain meds and of course the cost of the surgery itself which was $430. He said they won't charge me for the overnight stay since he is so little

He said he has been doing this for 29 years. I felt more comfortable going with him.

If you were on Long Island I would swear we had the same 2 surgeons. Your experience mirrors mine almost identically. Although both doctors said that they can not definitively say that Legg-Perthes is genetic. They actually said that they really don't know what sets it off other than the obvious lack of blood flow. Someone even mentioned that sometimes in a larger litter the blood flow could be pinched en utero. Farrah was one of a litter of 5.
Levi will do great. No worries.
BTW, I contacted the breeder and she said "if it were genetic more of her pups would have it. This is the 1st time in 12 years a puppy has had LPD from her dogs." Also got very defensive almost like she was going to bite my head off. Yikes!
And she is a very well-known and respected breeder...even fellow YT'rs know her.

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

He is 14 months.

Isn't that "old" to develop LPD? The research I did said usually between 6 and 10 months of age is when you realize LPD.

Good luck to little Levi.

[yorkielady06]

I believe diagnosis is usually between 6 and 12 months is the norm, but can be as late as 16 months depending on the initial severity of the disease and quickness of progression.
It also like what is out there right now on liver shunts says it may be genetic but other factors can cause it. One being trauma to the area, lack of blood flow due to maternal factors, etc. But the general consensus is that in purebred dogs, especially Yorkies, they are both genetic and parents of an affected pup should be spayed and neutered, as should all of their offspring IMO.

[yorkielady06]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

If you were on Long Island I would swear we had the same 2 surgeons. Your experience mirrors mine almost identically. Although both doctors said that they can not definitively say that Legg-Perthes is genetic. They actually said that they really don't know what sets it off other than the obvious lack of blood flow. Someone even mentioned that sometimes in a larger litter the blood flow could be pinched en utero. Farrah was one of a litter of 5.
Levi will do great. No worries.
BTW, I contacted the breeder and she said "if it were genetic more of her pups would have it. This is the 1st time in 12 years a puppy has had LPD from her dogs." Also got very defensive almost like she was going to bite my head off. Yikes!
And she is a very well-known and respected breeder...even fellow YT'rs know her.

Did your breeder stand behind her pup and refund the money you spent on her or pay for the surgery?

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

Isn't that "old" to develop LPD? The research I did said usually between 6 and 10 months of age is when you realize LPD.

Good luck to little Levi.

He did have it sooner, but it was off and on for a long time, then got progessively worse, I took him to the vet two months ago, and he had the x -ray. The vet suggested I wait to see if it gets worse. At that time he was still using his leg about half the time. Now he rarely uses it. Meanwhile I have researched and feel that the surgery should be done.

I think he was around 9 months when he started limping occasionally.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by yorkielady06

Did your breeder stand behind her pup and refund the money you spent on her or pay for the surgery?

My breeder is replacing the puppy. I did not ask for any money to cover the expenses, since it is not proven that it is genetic.

I'll just be happy to have a happy, playful, pain free little guy again.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

My breeder is replacing the puppy. I did not ask for any money to cover the expenses, since it is not proven that it is genetic.

I'll just be happy to have a happy, playful, pain free little guy again.

I've also read that it can happen during the birthing process because the breeder pulled too hard on the legs during birth, again, it would seem to be the breeder obligation. A good breeder, I believe, would pay for surgery up to the cost of the puppy, and still give you a new dog, if that's what you wanted.

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by yorkielady06

Did your breeder stand behind her pup and refund the money you spent on her or pay for the surgery?

Not a chance. Like I said, she was very defensive like it was a personal attack on her when I mentioned that LPD can be genetic. Her very first response was "Give the dog back" very nastily also. I hadn't said anything other than the fact that Farrah had LPD and needed surgery and that I felt so awful for this baby. She had gotten spayed the month before the LPD diagnosis. Give me a break.
What do you think that means when she said "give the dog back"? I am not giving the dog back and not giving up on this pup. Very aggressive woman and in no way am I giving the dog back. Nor did that idea ever cross my mind.
I find it terrible that she is respected in the yorkie world. She is even a YTCA recommended breeder. I was referred to her by someone and about 5 people in my neighborhood have a dog from her.

I'm going to post a thread about the puppy selection and what happened. Can you all post your thoughts on it?

The good news is that Farrah is getting her stitches out today and can't wait to run & jump. She is doing wonderfully.

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I've also read that it can happen during the birthing process because the breeder pulled too hard on the legs during birth, again, it would seem to be the breeder obligation. A good breeder, I believe, would pay for surgery up to the cost of the puppy, and still give you a new dog, if that's what you wanted.

Hi Nancy. It seems again I was mislead to believe my breeder was good. I thought I did good research. Most by referrals and YTCA. And people here at YT didn't have anything negative posted about her so I thought it was enough. Couple that with her being local I didn't mind spending the $2k price tag. I was also nervous about the stress shipping a puppy can cause.

[yorkielady06]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

Hi Nancy. It seems again I was mislead to believe my breeder was good. I thought I did good research. Most by referrals and YTCA. And people here at YT didn't have anything negative posted about her so I thought it was enough. Couple that with her being local I didn't mind spending the $2k price tag. I was also nervous about the stress shipping a puppy can cause.

That is what is hard with finding a breeder. Did you get a health guarantee in writing? If so it should cover congenital defects and I will tell you that most if not all board certified orthopedic veterinary surgeons and vets will sign a statement to the fact that it is indeed congenital especially at that age. I would fight harder and press the breeder. She is responsible for the puppies she produces, plain and simple. If she was recommended on here and is a YTCA member you should complain to the higher ups there also and post here also under the breeder review. Do not just let this be, as that happens all too often and people need to know. That is how the recommendations keep coming, by people not standing up.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

Not a chance. Like I said, she was very defensive like it was a personal attack on her when I mentioned that LPD can be genetic. Her very first response was "Give the dog back" very nastily also. I hadn't said anything other than the fact that Farrah had LPD and needed surgery and that I felt so awful for this baby. She had gotten spayed the month before the LPD diagnosis. Give me a break.
What do you think that means when she said "give the dog back"? I am not giving the dog back and not giving up on this pup. Very aggressive woman and in no way am I giving the dog back. Nor did that idea ever cross my mind.
I find it terrible that she is respected in the yorkie world. She is even a YTCA recommended breeder. I was referred to her by someone and about 5 people in my neighborhood have a dog from her.

I'm going to post a thread about the puppy selection and what happened. Can you all post your thoughts on it?

The good news is that Farrah is getting her stitches out today and can't wait to run & jump. She is doing wonderfully.

I hope she mends fast. I am looking forward to getting Levi's done on Thursday but very nervous also.

I agree that the breeder should take responsibility and either replace the pup or pay the bills.

On the other hand, the buyer also assumes responsibility for that puppy when they buy it and to give it back, or turn it over to a rescue is to shirk their responsibility also.

The main concern for all parties involved should be the care and welfare of the dog.

In ourfrstyorkies case, she wants a healthy happy pet, since this is a fixable condition, the breeder should pay for the surgery. In my case I want a dog that I can breed, so the breeder should replace the dog.

JMO

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

Not a chance. Like I said, she was very defensive like it was a personal attack on her when I mentioned that LPD can be genetic. Her very first response was "Give the dog back" very nastily also. I hadn't said anything other than the fact that Farrah had LPD and needed surgery and that I felt so awful for this baby. She had gotten spayed the month before the LPD diagnosis. Give me a break.
What do you think that means when she said "give the dog back"? I am not giving the dog back and not giving up on this pup. Very aggressive woman and in no way am I giving the dog back. Nor did that idea ever cross my mind.
I find it terrible that she is respected in the yorkie world. She is even a YTCA recommended breeder. I was referred to her by someone and about 5 people in my neighborhood have a dog from her.

I'm going to post a thread about the puppy selection and what happened. Can you all post your thoughts on it?

The good news is that Farrah is getting her stitches out today and can't wait to run & jump. She is doing wonderfully.

Glad Farrah is recovering, and doing well. As so many others have stated, a good breeder stands behind their breeding, and this means so much more than "replacing" the puppy. Who is willing to give a puppy back, and what would the breeder do with it? I believe that all breeders should return the cost of the dog, and still allow you to keep the dog. I mean the breeder should be thrilled you are willing to keep the dog. I've read of this happening here before and the breeder only wanted to replace the puppy, and when someone wrote a review, the negative comments changed the breeders mind, and she did end up paying some part for the surgery, but only when her arm was twisted. So a review is always a good idea, while it may not change the breeders mind, at least others will be informed.

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Glad Farrah is recovering, and doing well. As so many others have stated, a good breeder stands behind their breeding, and this means so much more than "replacing" the puppy. Who is willing to give a puppy back, and what would the breeder do with it? I believe that all breeders should return the cost of the dog, and still allow you to keep the dog. I mean the breeder should be thrilled you are willing to keep the dog. I've read of this happening here before and the breeder only wanted to replace the puppy, and when someone wrote a review, the negative comments changed the breeders mind, and she did end up paying some part for the surgery, but only when her arm was twisted. So a review is always a good idea, while it may not change the breeders mind, at least others will be informed.

Those are very good points. I will have to think long and hard about what my review will say. My husband asked me the same thing...what is she going to do with a dog that has been spayed and is need of surgery? He was afraid she would put the pup down. That was not a concern of course because we love her and would never take the easy way out, so to speak, and give up on her.
If I was going to give up it would have been from the mind numbing process that is housebreaking this little lady.
Did you get a chance to see the thread about the puppy selection process?

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by ourfirstyorkie

Those are very good points. I will have to think long and hard about what my review will say. My husband asked me the same thing...what is she going to do with a dog that has been spayed and is need of surgery? He was afraid she would put the pup down. That was not a concern of course because we love her and would never take the easy way out, so to speak, and give up on her.
If I was going to give up it would have been from the mind numbing process that is housebreaking this little lady.
Did you get a chance to see the thread about the puppy selection process?

I don't know who your breeder is:

1. Leggs Perthes can be congenital, different views on it. Or it can be caused during the whelping process. Hind leggs coming first, the breeder pulling the legs. Either way, it is the breeder's responsibility. Surgery/medical expenses should be covered by the breeder.

2. You mentioned YTCA; not sure if the breeder is a member or not. If this is a member, then file a complaint with YTCA. Include said name of breeder, what you paid for the pup and copy of your medical bills. Send it to the YTCA Secretary and President. This would carry more weight than a YT breeder review.

[ourfirstyorkie]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I don't know who your breeder is:

1. Leggs Perthes can be congenital, different views on it. Or it can be caused during the whelping process. Hind leggs coming first, the breeder pulling the legs. Either way, it is the breeder's responsibility. Surgery/medical expenses should be covered by the breeder.

2. You mentioned YTCA; not sure if the breeder is a member or not. If this is a member, then file a complaint with YTCA. Include said name of breeder, what you paid for the pup and copy of your medical bills. Send it to the YTCA Secretary and President. This would carry more weight than a YT breeder review.

Yes, she is a YTCA member. Thank you for the information. I will certainly be filing a complaint. I do not believe she is a YT'r though. Thanks again.