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I purchased a male Chihuahua from Brittany Starkey of Stardom Chihuhuas on 11/15/17. Took the puppy home and fell in love with little Liam Henry. He had a large open Font that my vet confirmed and he had a problem on 1/13/18 and I rushed him to the Vet as he could not even hol up his head. Vet examined him and he said it looked like probable congenital hydrocephaly. (Hydrocephalus) Which is too much fluid in the brain that builds up pressure as they get older. So I was referred to a Neuroligst which I saw right away and he confirmed the diagnosis. An MRI was going to be done but then the Dr. came in and said he would not make it through the anesthesia and recommended to euthanize him as he was suffering. So I cried and we put him down as I could not let him suffer. I contacted Mrs. Starkey and told her that he had to be put down and why also sending her the vet and neurologist exams and diagnosis. So upset I only asked her to refund my $1, 300 that I had paid for him not even 2 months before as I did not want another puppy from her as it is a hereditary condition and was told no because I did not have a Necropsy performed after we put him down! Really? How heartless can you be? I just lost me little baby and all she was worried about was an exam done after death to determine cause of death. We know he died because we euthanized him! Both the Dr. and Neuroligist had already confirmed his diagnosis. Please don't buy any puppies from such a uncaring breeder! She has even had the nerve to have friends bother me and a lawyer contact me about slander. Well slander is only if the statements are not true! This is true and fact as I lost my baby and she has refused to return my money for the puppy. I can attach vet and Neuro diagnosis as well as the contract that states if diagnosed written by vet then replacement puppy given. I don't want another puppy from her of course! I would go to a reputable breeder next time!
Because he was so bad they could not do the MRI. Both the vet and Neuro with all there years experiance confirmed they would not make that diagnosis lightly and were both sure that was what it was. They also know how I care for my other dogs like children and said that euthanasia was the most humane thing to do so he would not suffer longer trying meds that most likely would not help and he would suffer a painful death anyway from the amount of pressure on his brain. I did not want to put him through that as I loved him too much.
This is incredibly sad and tragic. Having read the documents, though it isn’t in writing that euthanasia was recommended.
It did say fair prognosis with surgery, and poor with medical management.
I could not find anything stating the puppy was critically I’ll and should be euthanized.
Also the use of “likely” hydrocephalus can be construed as a non definitive diagnosis.
Just not a good situation all around, but in a lawsuit say, I am not sure these documents would be sufficient evidence.
That said, poor puppy.
You didn’t prove the diagnosis though. I’m confused by this post.
This is sad. I wish it was unheard of. I do know most breeders will require necropsy if puppy dies and you want a replacement or to honor their guarantee. That's pretty standard. And if your agreement was that a necropsy be performed then it would need to be done per your agreement with breeder. Yes you put the puppy down but necropsy would confirm diagnosis and perhaps other clues as to condition. I know too late now but maybe someone else in this situation might read this and if they have an agreement with breeder to perform necropsy do it. Hopefully this will never happen to you again.
Again sorry you went through it.
Number 2.in her agreement reads "a written statement from a licensed vet will be required if a life threatning genetic deeftect is found." "the seller is entilted to take the dog to a vet of choice for second opinion." she asked me to get second opinion as she did not want to spend the money to get hers to do it, so I then went to the neurologist to confirm diagnosis which he did. so I did what the contract required. the dog did not die in me care to require the nacropsy! we had to put the dog down. my lawyer has looked over everything and stated I did what was required and she did not in the eyes of the law! I am older and choosing not to push it in court as its just been enough pain already. but I will warn everyone of her heartless attitude in the whole matter, her attacks on me like I wanted to put the dog down. really? I drive 10 hours each way and fall in love with a dog to want to put it down? it just shows her nasty mentality and immature ways. I will get over this and at least had a great experience with a wonderful, responsible pomeranian breeder when I got my pomeranian a couple years ago. so there are good breeder out there but you have to do your research first!
I am sorry you went through this, it is very sad to lose a furry baby. I do have a question, though ... the diagnosis says "likely" not confirmed. Why? If the neuro vet "confirmed diagnosis" why does it not say what the actual diagnosis is, instead of a "likely" diagnosis. That is not really "proof" of a diagnosis is all I'm saying.