Update on Dublin

[Susan L.]

It is with enormous sorrow that I write this. I had to put my baby down this morning. Dublin been having bad stomach problems from the potassium bromide he was on that were controlling very nicely his seizures. He has had runny stools for over a week and I saw both our vet and called the neuro about it. They didn't react quickly enough I am afraid to say because he woke today vomitting blood. He was trembling in pain and I rushed him to the vet and insisted they do the pancreatitis blood work. She didn't understand why I insisted on this test FIRST. I know that the drug he was on can cause it. She should have read more! Anyway he did have it and it had caused several ulcers hence the bleeding. He was in so much pain I just died. I ended his suffering earlier than some might think but I knew we couldn't afford all that was needed to be done today alone. Ultrasounds, IV and at least a week in the hospital let alone they had to stop his drugs and then start all over again with newer more expensive human drugs to try to control his seizures. And they said he would probably need surgery for the ulcers. I am pissed that money or lack of it meant he couldn't get a chance to survive but the end result is that he wasn't going to well even if I did have the money. He was suffering and I just couldn't do it anymore. I just didn't have 4 or 5 thousand dollars laying around. My household is devestated and my best friend is gone and I am so empty and I do not know how to go on without him here. He was only two but it felt like he had touched so so many people. Not a dry eye at the vets office and I have no idea how to tell all his friends at the dog park. He was just this huge presence in so many people's lives. My favorite breed, and I am afraid to get another one. But I don't think I can live without one either. Sigh.....sorry if I bummed anyone out. I just needed to vent and let my feelings out.

[Vivian Badalamenti]

I agree with you for the most part, but even the best breeders in the world can churn out a dog with health issues, I had one. My breeder is very careful and researched the line she was breeding into, but some of the people decided to keep vital information to themselves and my boy was born with epilepsy. You can't avoid it, but I think you're correct that one stands a better chance of getting a healthy dog from someone reputable.

I think the gal Dublin came from is a backyard breeder and doesn't know what she's doing, other than throwing two dogs together to make a litter of pups. She's not helping the breed whatsoever.

[Susan L.]

From what my research is telling me you are correct Vivian. I spoke for two hours today with a lovely lady who shows setters and occassionally will have a puppy available. She told me to steer clear of this lady. She has given me several leads to follow and told me who I should avoid. This would be easier if I had a friend who breeds setters!! Better yet a friend who is a vet!! Anyway I am raw already and going to call it a day, the dog park group is doing a little something for Dublin and putting a plack up on a tree there so he can spend the rest of eternity running free. I am sure I will cry a river again on Sunday doing that. It is important for them as well as me to not let his passing go without some sort of send off. And I am serious since you know how loving of a home I will give a new puppy, keep us in mind if anyone knows of a nice breeder here in the states. I know it is a genetic crap shoot but I want to at least improve my odds this time. Thank you. And Vivian I am so sorry for you loss.

[lyn hathaway]

susan this is such a lovely gesture from your friends in the park.dubs will well and truly be remembered and shows just how much other people also adored him.im sure quite soon youll be enjoing walks in the park again with a new puppy and been proud of the tree thats going to be dubs
best wishes
lyn

[Vivian Badalamenti]

Thank you, Susan.

There are a lot of Irish breeders in the States. You can start out with the Irish Setter Club of America website or you can check into your State's local Irish Setter Club. You can also ask questions of the different breeders, but some folks just love keeping secrets and may not divulge things about another breeder even if it's something all of us should know. Most will tell you if they have a problem in their lines, but won't say anything unless you come out and ask them point blank. Make sure you ask if there's been epilepsy in their lines, bloat, cancer, HOD, etc. When they tell you if they've had it, ask where in your potential pup's pedigree this happened. Most will tell you that problems crop up in all lines, and that's true, but some breeders out there disregard health issues or put them at the bottom of the list in things they want to breed for. If a breeder tells you they can guarantee good health in a pup, turn and walk away because no one can guarantee that.

I think you should take a little time and research different breeders. Don't rush out and take the first pup that's available.

Vivian

[Susan L.]

Yes great advice Vivian. And my emotions are raw and I am screaming inside for my dog. So rushing to get a new puppy won't necessarily heal my pain right now. But could throw me off my rocker for sure. Its hard at work, I am shaking half the day and feel such a heavy sorrow that I am trying to avoiding crying all day because my eyes are a mess! I demonstrate coffee machines on Saturdays and I swear I looked a mess today doing it. My eyes were swollen puffy etc. But it was good to get my mind off it for a few hours at least. Is this problem in all the setter lines you think? And yes the two potential breeders I filled out questionaires with who have new litters are both breeders from the club and also recommended by the other breeders who don't have litters due for a long time. I totally know that there is no guarantee and also felt my breeder of Dub wasn't to blame, that this is a random crap shoot of nature in some ways. I had the only pup that had it, but we had a heart defect in a sister of his also. They were also the unlucky ones. But I guess I understand that I have a higher risk of this happening to me again with my track record! Too image our lives without the red fur flowing is so painful, but my husband and I are now gun shy. We want one but keep pulling back in fear. He said another loss of a young dog would just kill him. That was why I ask are the field lines of setters experiencing the same issues although I want a bigger dog than that, and are the gordons and english suffering also?

[Vivian Badalamenti]

I'm sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my boy six weeks ago, not to the epilepsy, but to something else. I agree, the bromide is good for seizure control, but it has so many side effects. My boy's body didn't tolerate it well for a long time either and I strongly suspect that the bromide played a part in his end.

Letting them go is a horrible decision to make and yes, the vet bills play a big part when one doesn't have an endless cash flow. Try not to beat yourself up over this, but I know that's easier said than done. I definitely feel your pain....

Vivian

[Susan L.]

You guys are right. You are I can't deny that I am uncomfortable with the same breeder and it isn't the same lineage as Dublin. But as it is right now my husband isn't keen on it. I have been looking for closer breeders and haven't had any luck before getting Dublin so I will look into that again. Thanks.

[lyn hathaway]

oh susan i have just read your update as i have been away.i am so very very sorry about dublin .it was such a shock to read and i hope you and your family find comfort in the fact that he is not suffering now even though he suffered in the last few months.your love and dedication you gave dublin made him the dog he had become so please try in your hours of darkness to remember the happy times you had.
as for getting another i said i didnt want anymore after our dusty died .3 months later we had our layla she didnt replace dusty but boy do we love her for whom she is and the pleasure she brings to us is immense.so get another when you are ready and enjoy the pleasure and love they have to offer.
remember susan anytime to want to talk i and other members are willing to listen
take care

[Teresa]

First of all, I am very sorry to hear about Dublin, and trully admire your bravery for making such a hard choice!
Personally, I do think that you should get a new puppie as soon as you can, because clearly you have so much love to give! However, after all that you have been trough, I would stop and do some serious research before getting another puppie, and would go to a totally diferent line, because if you do get a dog that is related to your dear Dublin, you will always be concerned if something simillar will not happen.
Take some time before you make a decision, but not too long, you trully deserve a dog companion next to you!

[alison dixon]

so very sorry to hear about dublin. its a hard decision to make - we know weve had to do it- but you cannot let them suffer. weve had setters for 30 year and always 2 girls together so they are young together but obviously grow old together. we lost eilish and brenna within 2 months last year and we were devasted . we got orla and neeve a few weeks later and at the time i did wonder if it was too early, but basically we couldnt stand the house without a setter! it was the right decision and straight away they were part of the family. we never get another setter to replace our old girls weve got wonderful memories of every one weve had . i understand the position youre in and you will get another one when you feel the time is right.remember " a house without a dog is like a day without sunshine" take care

[ereni]

I am very very sorry Susan.Reni

[Astrid Landsaat]

Susan,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I just read this topic and the updates and I think it is very wise to be very careful if you want to buy another pup. Epilepsy is becoming common in the breed and the last thing you want is another epileptic. Before you decide to buy a pup, double check the breeder.