I have kept in touch with Sams breeder who lives only an hour or so from us . When Sam was first diagnosed with lymphoma , one of the bodies I contacted was the Animal Health Trust , their molecular oncology research department as I know that they were , at the time, very much involved with researching all cancers in Labradors . They requested the tissue that had been sent to a pathologist in Bristol, luckily they still had the sample and forwarded it . The AHT also asked if Sam could go onto their programme and requested his DNA , sending me swabs for his inner cheeks . Although terribly distressed at the time , I did feel strongly about this research and so Sam entered their programme, I was also asked to forward details of his pedigree and KC registration . I was advised to inform his breeder of the diagnosis , because according to the AHT , Sams type of lymphoma is of unknown origin , therefore they say it could be hereditary . I immediately contacted the breeder who owns Sams Mum ( now retired from breeding ) and his sister from a different litter but the same sire and dam as Sam . I did try to be diplomatic , but also quite direct , stressing that this wasn't just my opinion ( re the possible hereditary ) but the opinion of a specialist team . I am so distressed that my words fell on deaf ears and that Sams sister is to be mated at the next season . The breeder seems to think that because no other pup ( to her knowledge ) has developed this horrible disease , that Sam is just unlucky . Well, maybe he is, but I am gutted to think that a risk is being taken so lightly . The worrying part of all this is that this particular form of lymphoma usually affects dogs over the ages of eight ( Sam being a very unlucky exception ) so the fact that no pups , to her knowledge , have developed the cancer is almost immaterial , they could do ! I`m sorry to rant on so, but knowing the devastation of a diagnosis , it makes me sad and angry x
I don't know what to say to help, you must feel pretty helpless. But you've done all you can. Perhaps she will have time to reconsider before the bitch comes in season.
That's an absolutely justified rant - disappointment is probably the most diplomatic way of putting it. People react to cancer in other people much the same way, "It won't happen to me, it must be something you did to get it, you just have bad luck," and on. Denial or wishful thinking is common, but not very helpful. On top of the many reasons I had a great deal of respect for the breeder of my first Rottie is that she stopped breeding after Duncan's litter was five or so. Why? Because Duncan, Duncan's sire and three of her other male dogs from the same line all died early of various cancers. No link was proven, it could have indeed been "bad luck", but she felt ethically she could not continue the line. Also those were her babies and her heart was simply broken.
I'm sorry but human nature can be so distressing and the ethics lacking in some folk. You have done everything you can. I with you, you just don't stuff like that.
I'm so sorry to hear this @kateincornwall . The thought that another pup and family might have to through the pain and distress you have with Sam is truly appalling. At the end of the day we can only hope that no other pup receives the same rogue genes (if it is a genetically carried cancer) as poor Sam - and that isn't trying to condon breeding from this girl; at least if the sire isn't related it lends some hope that the pups will be ok xxx
Totally understand your disappointment in them. Sadly there is little you can do. Short of stalking the sire's owners or potential owners of the pups and I suspect they wouldn't get why you are so concerned. Or take the ostrich approach.
Oh Kate it just makes your blood boil, I can only imagine how you are feeling having done everything you can to help with research etc. This breeder is irresponsible, as you say, even if Sam's cancer is not genetic, there is room to take chances as the possibility of putting another owner through this heartache is not to be taken. I hope you are OK. So sorry
So sorry that the breeder is taking that attitude, Kate. You can justifiably rant when you've done all you can to keep her informed. I hope she changes her mind.
That is very sad indeed. I keep in touch with my Riddick's breeder so they can keep an eye on his siblings - none of whom, thankfully, have shown any signs of epilepsy or diabetes, but they do need to know, especially now with the possibility of a sensitivity to Phenobarbital. They retired Riddick's mom as it was to be her last litter anyway, and one of his sister's had had a lovely litter of pups before Riddick developed diabetes, but they retired her too, and they keep track of her pups. Riddick is the only one of six to have any health issues (he's 5).
I am so sorry Kate that your words fell on deaf ears. Unfortunately people are so keen to breed their dogs they just will not listen. Perhaps you could post all the AHT and Bristol information to them and perhaps having read it themselves, they may begin to understand and reconsider.
Then we wonder why scrupulous breeders slip through the net. I'm so sorry for Sam, yourself and your family. I definitely fair rant I'd say xx
It isn't Cancer (I'm so terribly sorry for all your pup and your family must be enduring), but my pup has several genetic problems (Cryptorchidism [surgery required], distichiasis [surgery not required yet], Entropion[surgery required]) and also had juvenile cellulitis (may or may not have a genetic component). I notified the (respected and long-time registered) breeder and she chose a different sire, but bred the same bitch the following year (a couple of months ago). When the juvenile cellulitis was diagnosed by my vet (which she told me was puppy dermatitis) I told her I felt she was irresponsible and unethical. I stand by my initial estimate of her character.
