Maybe the Vet needs to Pre-treat me!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Those of you that know Stuart are well aware that we almost lost him last year when he went into anaphylaxis - a reaction to a bee sting and the saga of how we now have to carry an epi pen.  Prior to that he had two more mild reactions to trifexis - one that left him with head tremors (went away eventually) and the other a mild case of shock.  Stuart has turned 2 and today was his vaccine appointment - knowing how allergic he is to everything - I laid in bed last night sleepless with worry.  I'm so happy to report that our Vet is not underestimating Stuart's sensitivity!  I told her that I just can't chance the Lepto vaccine (it has the highest reaction rate) and she agreed that for Stuart is was just too risky.  As small dogs don't usually get treated for Lepto and his breeder said NOT to ever let him have it - Rooney's never had it either. 

He did need Bordetella but since there is a very low reaction rate - especially to the nasal kind - we opted to have him pre-treated for a reaction, waited and then gave him the vaccine.   I might need to be pre-treated next time we have to go through this - maybe with Valium - lol because here it how it went down.  The vet brought everything into the room to have on hand in the dire case that he went into anaphylaxis.  Oxygen, shots, i.v. bags, etc.  Then she gave him a low dose shot of Benadryl into his vein - CAUSING HIM IN A MATTER OF 15 SECONDS TO COLLAPSE TO THE FLOOR.  Of course this scared the heck out of Bob and I - and even the vet was stunned at his sensitivity but reassured us that the Benadryl HIT his system hard and made him overly woozy.  When it was time for the nasal drops she did one and waited, then did another and waited, etc. 

Thank God for a Vet that cares so much for Stuart!!!  After today and what she saw I think we are now going to do the Titer Testing as other vaccines come due - she said that she feels that Stuart might not survive a rabies vaccine and she will go to bat for us to get a waiver.

So why take the time to share this story you might ask - so that I can tell those that don't already know that Stuart was born in a puppy mill, was adopted at 8 weeks and has a potentially life threating medical condition that will never go away.  I love this boy, he is my heart dog and I adore him just as he is, we've been through a lot in his two years and I will protect and care for him always, but if I can help educate people about the evils of puppy mills, that is my goal.  The way to shut them down is to spread the word that dogs sold in Pet Stores (we have a large one right here in Ft. Myers) are most certainly puppy mill dogs.  Secondly - rescue is the right way to go and many Doodles are out there that need a good home - but I strongly suggest Pet Insurance of some kind - just in case, thank goodness that I had learned that here on DK - Stuart is covered!!!!    

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Just in case newbies are reading:
- don't buy a puppy from a breeder who permits pups to leave the litter any earlier than 8 weeks!
- don't buy puppies from the Amish- ever. Your Barn is okay, never your pets
-don't buy puppies from anyone who can not show you the parents. No parents- run away.
-don't buy a puppy from a breeder who breeds more than one type of pup
- don't buy a puppy from a breeder who does not do genetic testing
- don't buy a puppy from the internet
- don't buy a bargin puppy. Remember the rule, Pay Now OR Pay Later

Hi Stuart. Happy Birthday

[Adina P]

I think the 'don't buy a puppy from the internet' needs to be explained.  For some people 'the internet' just means anyone who has a website.  For me it means "don't order a puppy directly via a website, sight unseen, where anyone can just put in their credit card and bring home a pup (no questions asked) and without extensive contact with the breeder."

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Agreed! I knew someone would catch that one. Too hard to type today.
Hey, just yesterday, if I had the money, I would have driven to MI to pick up my dream pup- seen on Facebook only! I thought about this pup all day.
Thank goodness the cards are locked up!
Point is, I know and love the breeder, know her pups, but I know them only from reliable info on the Internet.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Great post, Jane. I'm so grateful to hear that your vet "gets it"!  Sweet Stuart. You are a great doodle mom.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I just hope to get the word out about the consequences of puppy mills, luckily true anaphylaxis is pretty rare but for dogs that have the problem - it is deadly.   I am very grateful for a wonderful Vet!!!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Jane thanks so much for sharing your story. It is a great reminder to us all that vaccines are not always the best thing for all dogs. So glad your vet is on the same page with you.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Thanks so much for posting this and alerting us to what can happen with Puppy Mills.  I am so sorry Stuart, you and your DH have gone through so much with your wonderful, adorable Doodle.  He is so lucky to have you too Jane and I am positive your are his "heart" mom.  Your Vet is amazing and so understanding!  Thank Goodness:)

[Adrienne]

Wow.  Thanks for sharing your story.  You are such a good "Mommie" to Stuart and kudos to your veterinarian.

[Adina P]

How scary Jane!  Glad he is okay and it was just the Benadryl.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Happy Birthday Stuart!!!!  Gee, we haven't heard from you in ages.  Where have you been hiding???  I too am doing the Titer Testing in the future because of Gracie Doodle's auto-immune disease MM.  I also hear ya on the sleepless nights too!!  These Doodles of ours truly are special and there is nothing we wouldn't do for them.  What they give back to us with their love and friendship just can't be replaced. Puppy Mills, Antlers, Titers, Insurance...keep spreading the word Jane!!!  Hugs to the boys...how about an update photo of Stuart and Rooney??   

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

We've kinda been MIA for a while now.  Dh lost his job 14 months ago and it has brought about real changes in our life!  LOL the doodles and I do love having him home now - as he used to be gone all week.  I've been traveling and gone a lot due to dd wedding up in MI this summer.  After that - DOODLE Cruise in October and boy am I ready for a break!!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Wow.  Good thing he has a good vet indeed!  If Bexter or Maggie collapsed to the floor, I probably would have too!  I bet you were scared to death!  I'm so happy for Stuart that he has found you to be his mom.  Some people wouldn't have dealt with these issues.  Glad everything is ok!