Puppy Died

[eeifert]

What is the name of your state? georgia
we bought a puppy from a breeder 2 weeks ago. 2 days later we took her to our regular vet for a check out. they wormed her, and gave her some shots. we brought her home and she was fine until mothers day morning. she was weak and not eating. being that it was sunday, we ended up taking her to an emergancy vet clinic, where we were told that she (the puppy) had some sort of parasites in such a large amount that the emergency vet personel were amazed that the reqular vet did not catch it. the emergency vet ended up keeping the puppy overnight for observations. monday morning we picked the puppy up and were instucted to contact our regular vet. we did and the regular vet requested we bring the puppy back to their office. we were told to leave the puppy with the regular vet so that they could monitor her. at noon yesterday (monday) the puppy died. we have incurred over $850.00 for costs at the emergency vet. are we intitled to any recourse from either the regular vet ? the breeder ?

 

[hexeliebe]

Im sorry for your loss

My lady friend and I raise pedigree persian cats for show and have had our share of deaths. Living on 40 acres we've been able to bury them close.

Your case is going to be hard to prove against either the breeder or the first vet. It would help if you could get a statement from the emergency vet stating the quantity of parasites in the dog, the normal geustation period for that level of parasites, and his opinion as to why the parasites were not found on the first visit.

As for the first vet, the first step is to get a list of tests he/she ran on the puppy, what they checked for and any shots or other medication given the puppy.

Also document when the puppy arrived home, the first vet visit and the second emergency visit. Document also the sales contract and make sure there is something in it that allows recovery for a sick puppy.

Most sales contracts are "Buyer beware" which means you don't have much of a case. However, three days is a very short time and courts in Tennessee have sided with the purchaser in some of these cases.

Once you have done all of the above and think you may have an action, the first thing you should do is write a letter to the breeder asking for relief and normal medical bills. You should also send copies of all bills and vet reports along with the letter.

Make sure the letter is firm (not nasty) and ask for specific relief in the form of a dollar amount. If there is no answer within a reasonable time, 14 days is normal, then write a second letter with a copy of everything you sent in the first, send it return receipt requested registered and wait another 14 days.

If there is no relief given after the second letter file a claim in small claims court asking for the total amount.

You should also make sure the two vets are available as witnesses. One thing most people don't know is even in small claims court you have the right to subpoena a witness.

Good luck and hope you find a good puppy to cuddle with.

 

[eeifert]

thank you for your response. your advise will certainly help.