shepperd

Question
Right after we brought our GS puppy home she had terrible diariahh which
we took her to the vet immediatly. He thought Giardia and gave us a
prescription for Flagyl which we started her on. The following week this
puppy was falling over when she was trying to walk and appeared to be
losing control of her leg movements. Also screeching when she would try to
get back up. Took her back to vet and he thought it could be a sprain
since she was playing pretty rough with our 2 year old shih-tzu. Well this
morning she has been sliding across the floor so she doesn't have to use
her back legs. Once again I contacted the vet and he said could be
neurological which I would need to see a specialist. Something we
definitely can NOT afford. We contacted the breeder and she pretty much
told us we are on our own. Has anyone else seen anything like this in a 10
week old puppy???? We don't know where to turn we called the emergency vet
clinic in our area who said just the testing alone could be close to
$1000.00.


Answer
Hi Medardo!  It definately sounds as though something very serious is going on with this puppy.  Has she been tested for an intestinal parasite?  Sometimes intestinal parasites that are left to fester can cause similar symptoms your puppy is showing.  How long have you had this puppy and what state do you live in?  I live in PA.  Every state has a Puppy Lemon Law (no...lemon laws are not just for cars hehe).  In the PA Lemon Law it states, that if an illness arises within 30 days after the purchase of the puppy, veterinarian bills have to be paid by the breeder, and/or the new owner will be re-embursed the money paid for the puppy and will receive a new puppy.  It is up to you what you want to do.  Parvo is also a scare in this situation.  This is a deadly if not treated virus and HIGHLY contagious, so if your Shih Tzu ( I have one too, he's 2 years old too!) is not up to date on his vaccinations, he could be in danger of contracting this virus, if this is in fact the case.
In this situation, I would suggest three tests right off the bat.  A fecal test (around $10) to check for intestinal parasites, a parvo test (around $50), and to test the blood sugar level(around $15). Unfortunately, in this situation, testing is required, as like I said before, something very serious is going on with this puppy.  I would definately try to contact the breeder again, as she really should HAVE to do something about this, and if you can call your local legal department, they can give you a copy of the Lemon Law in your state and you can show her that.  
I so much wish I could be of more help.  I will be thinking of you and your puppy.  I truly hope that everything works out for you.  Please keep me posted and let me know how she does.
Thinking of you,
Hilary