Blind Rotty pup

Chupa Cabras · 10-08-2007, 01:38 PM

I met my neighbors about a week ago, and they had a very tiny Rott puppy. I thought he looked malnurished and undersized, but didn't say anything.

I saw him again this weekend. The owner said that the pup is blind in both eyes, and suffered head trauma. They think the 'breeder' (and I use the term loosely) abused the pups before selling them.

He paid $500 for a 'purebred', but didn't say if he got papers.

The vet who examined the pup said he was beaten in the head and face, causing the blindness and also brain damage, and put him on some kind of meds to stimulate the brain.

Neither the new owners or the vet want to follow through with charges, and the new owner has over $1,000 into this pup.

It's very sad. The puppy is supposed to be 11 or 12 weeks old, and stands about 11" and weighs maybe 15 pounds. He gets hyper on the meds and runs into walls, doesn't know how to walk on a leash, and is terrified all the time.

Is there any hope for this pup?

the-tenth · 10-08-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chupa Cabras

They think the 'breeder' (and I use the term loosely) abused the pups before selling them.

Neither the new owners or the vet want to follow through with charges, and the new owner has over $1,000 into this pup.

That doesn't say much for the breeder, the owner or the vet. Let's just let him keep doing this to other litters and other people as well. In my opinion, that makes them just as responsible as the breeder. Especially the vet. Aren't they legally bound to report suspicions of abuse?

poohlp · 10-08-2007, 02:07 PM

Poor little fella. I don't know about the prognosis, but hopefully with some loving care he will improve. Lots of dogs can get along ok blind, if the owners are invested in giving them the proper training. The other stuff is going to be the big problem. If that can't be helped, it may be kinder to give the poor guy a kinder end than his beginning. If that is the case, your neighbors can probably bring suit for the cost of the puppy and medical bills.....they may never recover it, but it may help to shut the operation down.

How can they not want to press charges? I understand not wanting to give the dog back, but not press charges or file a complaint? That will just allow the "breeder" to continue doing this to more dogs. And if that is how the guy treats the dogs they are "selling" imagine how the dogs behind the scenes must look. I would have a serious talk with these people and tell them they must, must, must at the very least register a complaint with animal control or the local police. What those people are doing is a crime and someone needs to do something about it. If the vet/owners won't do so, maybe they could give you the people's contact info and you could file a complaint as a concerned citizen.

LoveLilly · 10-08-2007, 02:17 PM

Reporting this to the proper people is key to keep this from happening. Oh your post was soooo sad.

I think the only way to understand if there is brain damage would be with an MRI.

If the meds are making the pup hyper, the vet needs to do some sort of adjustment I would think as meds are supposed to help bring about normal or support normal behavior not cause troublesome behavior. I have read lots of stories about blind pups living very happy lives. They learn where everything is and use their other senses enjoying the squeek and feel of a toy.

The pup is still pretty young so a normal pup would be having leash walking issues too, I certainly know mine did but helping him walk a straight line by smelling a treat, like peanut butter etc....will help with training. I think definitely consulting with a trainer for one on one time rather than group would be helpful. Its also very possible that a trainer might also be able to give vet references for dealing with this special needs pup.

Only after proper vet consultation and observation will you be able to understand if the pup is capable of learning to potty outside, go to their food, etc.....IMO, if the dog cannot mentally learn the basics a difficult decision will have to be made. Blindness should in no way effect a fun healthy life however.

Renoman · 10-08-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chupa Cabras

The owner said that the pup is blind in both eyes, and suffered head trauma. They think the 'breeder' (and I use the term loosely) abused the pups before selling them.

That makes me sick!

That the breeder would do that is disgusting. What makes me madder is that the parties involved aren't going to do anything about it. I would think they had a moral obligation (and legal on the vet's part) to report the breeder to authorities.

Chupa Cabras · 10-09-2007, 12:07 PM

I am also apalled at both the new owners and the vet for not taking action. I asked the guy why he didn't go back to the 'breeder', and he said he didn't want to go to jail cuz he knew he'd hit the guy. Lame excuse. But why the vet didn't report it, I don't know. I thought they had an obligation to report abuse.

The neighbors will be moving soon, so I will probably never know what happens to the little guy. But if I see them before they go, I will ask what vet they went to, and make a call on my own.

tipper · 10-09-2007, 12:20 PM

A blind pup can be taught the basic commands with alittle know how. If you want to sit push the bum down at same time say the command keep this commands the same every time they want to sit. Push legs down same again down.

Never move the furiture around always keep them in the same place. Sound and smell adapted for no sight. Good Luck.