Hi from South Africa

[SA Corgi]

Hi sorry for the long delay in getting back, Yip the biggest issue I have is how to keep her fit if I know that it hurts for her to walk. Apprantly swimming is very good for this and with summer on it's way I'll get he rin th epool as much as I can..I just don't want to make it worse!!

I have spoken to the breeder and she was very quick to say that they have nooo Idea how it is all possible as they own her mom and she's fine and the father came from another city and was apparntly a previous champion..I don't know what my rights are moving forward?? Do I demand the large sum of money back that I paid for her?? (not that it would make a difference). I do however feel I need to contact the local kennel assosiation and let them know..

[corgimom]

Well, if you signed any type of contract with her, usually the breeder will guarantee the health of a pup for a certain length - did you sign any type of contract? if so, have you re-read it to see what it specifies?

[SA Corgi]

Aghh well I bought her from Cape Town and there was never a contract involved I actually don't think it's very common in South Africa for contracts to be signed with the sale of dogs..in terms of guarantees, surely never heard of that..

But like I said It's all really accademic as I would just like Myff to be a happy one! Sounds like the operation is very successful in dealing with that so we'll see how it goes!

Thank you for all the messages though!!

[Michael Romanos]

Contracts are as uncommon in NZ as they are in SA. Your breeder should give you the option of refunding the purchase cost of McFanwy or offering you another Pem puppy ar no cost ( from any subsequent litter).
If the breeder fails to take this step, which is commonsense integrity and honesty on the part of a breeder, then the least they can do is pay for any operations and other expenses relating to the HD.
You should indeed, contact the South African Kennel Association ( or whatever they are titled) and the relevant Corgi club. If the sire of McFanwy is a champ, then he at least will be registered with your national association - and they would be interested in any dogs carrying the HD gene and should be able to offer you some advice.

There is an excellent, easily readable and comprehensive article on HD on the following website: www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=444

[Michael Romanos]

I spoke to a vet who is attached to the national vet clinic and research facility at Massey University in New Zealand and he says that surgery may not be necessary - and therefore should be avoided - and that you should consult with a specialist surgeon for an opinion either way. He says it is unusual for Corgis to have Hip Dysplasia. A major aspect is that Corgis have such a strong set of muscles in the rear part of their bodies and such short strong back legs, that sufficient strength can be built up to counter the need for an operation. He said in NZ there is a 93 percent success rate for HD operations such as TPO.

My local vet has estimated that the cost for TPO surgery could be as high as NZ$3000 at the Massey University facility. So the cost is very high.

[SA Corgi]

I got a reply from the kennel association.. Sounds like the Breeder is looked after first!!! I suppose it makes sense..

Dear Mr. Nel



Your message dated 1st October 2006 refers.



Yes, it is very upsetting indeed that your dog seems to have Grade 3 Hip Dysplasia. Just for our information can you indicate how old the dog was when it was x-rayed.



Unfortunately Hip Dysplasia comes in two types, i.e. Genetic and Environmental. In the genetic type the appearance of HD can be reduced through careful breeding, preferably to HD free parents but this is not a guarantee that the puppies will not have a genetic problem, even after three or four clear litters. However, being from HD free parents it lessens the genetic side of the problem.



The Environmental one is controllable and unfortunately, and we are not saying you did this, some owners tend to over exercise their dogs before the bones have settled in and calcified. It is the old problem of ‘what a sweet puppy lets throw the ball for it’, which is the worse possible thing you can do for a young dog. The action of stopping for the ball places a tremendous strain on the various joints for they have not calcified into position and could easily result in a HD situation. You will find, I think, that most vets are adamant that a dog should not be over exercised under the age of 12 months.



The question of being rude cannot be condoned in any way.



The only recourse you have is that if it is clearly designated in the contract of sale that the dog would be HD free – as this is a private arrangement between buyer and seller you are the only one who can decide whether this was included in the first place.



The question of warning other people against these kennels, we feel should be dealt with extremely carefully in view of some of the comments above as you could be infringing on peoples rights to sell puppies and we suggest before taking any action you ensure that you are on the right side of the Law.



We sincerely trust that the above will help you in this particular situation.

[Michael Romanos]

My optician is also from South Africa and is surname is also Nel. But of course, Nel is pretty common.

The kennel club who made this reply now has correspondence relating to a HD situation concerning one of its members. This in itself is good. If any more incidences cropped up concerning the same breeder, then you would think there would be repercussions. A vet or a HD specialist would know if the problem with McFanwy is genetical or derived from some form of accident or that the Corgi was subjected to over-exercising including jumps and steps whilst under six months of age.

If you and the vets are reasonably certain the HD was not caused by any action subsequent to the time you got her as a pup, you need to confront the breeder and give them directly a request for the full purchase price refunded ( or if you prefer, the opportunity to 'take' another Corgi pup at no cost to you). The refund will go someway towards the costs incurred to date in regard to the HD and any further treatment including major surgery. You can say with all surety, that this is a reasonable request and is accepted practice in the Western world.

As I previously said, do consult with a specialist surgeon in the field of HD and make certain that an operation is the only real option.

[Fluffypants]

Well, that was NOT a very helpful letter at all. Although I like the loaded statement at the end . . .
We sincerely trust that the above will help you in this particular situation.

In other words . . . We sincerely trust that you will leave us alone and cease your trouble-making. . . . NICE!

[SA Corgi]

hi guys a quick update on Myfanawy, she seems to coping well with her problem and has lost a bit of wait due to the diet and some added exercise. She definitely enjoys the swimming the most, so I am in the process of finding a doggy hydro therapist in Durban who can help with the problem. If I have to build a mini paddle pool in the backyard then so be it..Just glad to see her feeling better..

[MissGambler'sMommy]

I agree with Michael, treat your dog like you would treat yourself if diagnosed with a major condition, get a second and third opinion. I never take one person's word for anything, not even a store clerk(actually, it's especially a store clerk). One thing that you wrote jumps out at me, you mentioned that she wakes up with it, and I know that you mentioned that it happens at other times, and that she has pain, but could she be sleeping in a manner that is causing her pain, even causing her legs to go to sleep? Is her crate too small? I know that this sounds trivial, but all bases should be covered. Sending you my very best wishes and will keep you and your beautiful Corgi in my thoughts. Keep us posted.

[Michael Romanos]

Very pleased to learn that McFanwy is coping well - keep her slim, and that home paddling pool and regular visits for a hydrobath experience sounds great. The way she sleeps could be affecting her but I guess that its more the case of hours spent in a lying position when it is movement which is better for her condition.

[Dillydoodle]

I agree that getting several opinions is crutial. Dillon, my now 17 month old corgi) was diagnosed at 8 months of age wtih elbow dysplasia by my hometown vet. I took him in to see a orthopedic surgeon specialist who told me he had premature bone plate closure requireing very costly and very invasive and painful surgery with a very long recouperation period ( 2 months minimum living in a crate only coming out to potty) and I procrastinated for nearly a month due to the fact i had to prepare for this emotionally - i should have been out getting that second or third opinion, becuase when i brought him in for the surgery they re-xrayed his elbow per my request and they called me and said his "elbow fixed itself"...hmmm, later in talking to Dillon's new vet who is a corgi breeder, corgi expert AND a vet ( an an hour away sigh) she told me that ALL corgis have some degree of premature bone plate closure as they are a dwarfed breed...so all these specialist and vets ( who obviously dont know the corgi anatomy) nearly cost my dog a horrible surgery on his leg and me around $1,600 for something completely needless. I would get that second, or even third opinion, they could be wrong.

Emilie

[SA Corgi]

Thanx for the info guys!! Myfanwy sleeps like most other Corgis, on her back with all four legs in the air or on her back against the wall, her basket is a little big for her but she prefers sleeping on the cool tiles in the hot summer months.. I have sent her X rays to OnderstePoort which is the Government body that trains vets in the country, based on feasibility they will be looking into doing her operation for me. Being the national body i would like to think they must be most qualified to make a call..In the mean time I'll be bugging you guys and the web for as much info as possible..

[Chip's Mom]

It is the old problem of ‘what a sweet puppy lets throw the ball for it’, which is the worse possible thing you can do for a young dog. The action of stopping for the ball places a tremendous strain on the various joints for they have not calcified into position and could easily result in a HD situation. You will find, I think, that most vets are adamant

that a dog should not be over exercised under the age of 12 months.

Does this mean that we shouldn't be playing fetch with our corgis? I play fetch with Chip for about 10 minutes most evenings. He will chase the ball, slide to grab it and bring it back to me. I didn't think this would hurt him. I wonder what they consider over exercised?

[sweetlychee]

Hi Braam,

Welcome to the forum. Your corgi is absolutely beautiful. I saw you post the photo competition not so long ago too. I wish your corgi the best of luck throughout the treatment. I know this must have been very tough for you. I'm sorry some breeders have been so irresponsible.

This forum is dedicated in helping others. I'm glad you found this site. People here are wonderful. Please keep us updated on your corgi's situation. Wish her the best.

I'm Mabel with my almost 10 month old corgi Milo at NYC.