Sorry you are going through this, it sounds like your vet is on track with getting the test scheduled...I hope for the best

i live in nj and when my fife got sick the breeder refused to do anything even with my 3 year health gaurantee, she told me to return the dog and she will take care of him and replace him, that was after i already had his surgery done. You need to look at the papers you signed, most of the time it says they will replace the dog and or give a refund up to the amount you paid for the dog,, but they get to decide. I hope your breeder refunds your money and takes both of the dogs out of her program.

How long have you had Calvin? You are entitled to a refund of your vet bills up to the price of the puppy if a genetic condition is diagnosed within six months:

New Jersey Pet Lemon Law

I just want to say that I'm sorry you are going through this. Please be strong during this tough time. I too, agree that while you may have an incredible vet, I believe you should see a specialist.

I strongly suggest that you do a lot of research about liver shunts. If your pup ends up having a shunt and needing surgery, I recommend a board certified surgeon. It sounds like your vet is keeping you well informed and I am impressed with the fact that he told you about the ultrasounds and is referring you to someone he feels is one of the best.

I used to live in NJ and honestly if I had a major problem with one of my pups, I would most likely to to the U of P. They are only a couple of hours from you!

Ryan-VHUP

I am so sorry that your baby is not well..I understand what you are going through my Micah has MVD but he seems to be doing really good, hopefully yours will to. hugs to you both

I agree penn is great, that is where my fife went fr his g4 lp surgeies, his legg perthes surgeries and where he went for his collapsed trachea, now cooper goes there for his kcs and sjogrens syndrome, they give great care and are very nice. univ of tenn is also super for ls, but not as close as penn. I hope your baby feels better soon.

Penn is wonderful! :thumbup:

Often vet schools are much less than private practice vets.

Chances are you will end up with a specialist and all the money you spend on tests up until then will be wasted as they all repeat their own tests.

How is Calvin doing today?

He is pretty much his normal self. Thanks for asking. I have the test results and his resting BATs were 69.9 and his post BATs were 253.9. I spoke with a specialist @ Red Bank and he told me to go ahead and have the ultrasound done tomorrow. That that would be the next step and that as long as I have a copy of the report that I can bring it with me. I am also looking into Penn. I have a friend who knows someone who went to Penn and she is getting me info, etc.

I work for an attorney so we were able to find the statute with regard to the breeder being responsible. It says that the breeder is responsible for up to twice what you paid for the dog within six months of purchasing it. It also says that the consumer is the only one who has the sole authority to determine the recourse, i.e, to return the animal and receive a full refund, or the right to retain the animal and to receive reimbursement for vet fees incurred prior to the consumer's receipt of the vet certification, plus the future cost of vet fees to be incurred in curing or attempting to cure the animal, up to twice what was paid.

Obviously, I am not giving him back. We haven't even approached the breeder about reimbursement yet. I wanted to make sure we had all our info in place first. We did speak with her last nite and all she keeps saying is that she feels bad that this happened and that she would replace him. We kept telling her that he is not replaceable.

Thank you for the update!

Good luck tomorrow! :)

I will keep you and little Calvin in my thoughts and prayers. He is lucky to have you! :)

Putting in well wishes for you and Calvin...sounds like you are on the right track with valuable advice and excellent veterinary care. Feel better little guy!

Good luck. I hope everything turns out in the best possible manner for you and your baby Calvin. I know what it's like.

My little girl, Pixel, is in exactly the same situation. She's not quite 3 years old yet (October 4th). She's been through the initial blood tests and bile acid test. She's going in for an ultrasound from a specialist tomorrow. Depending on what they find, the next step may be a biopsy, though I really don't want to put her through that. I just want to cry.

Wow! so many illnesses for such a little guy. Sad to hear.

I'm so sorry to hear about Calvin. Have you let the breeder know of his condition? I really think you should at least inform him/her so they are aware of what their dogs are producing. I believe you also got a sibling for Calvin from the same breeder (I could be wrong) so you really should be careful.