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BPO General Forum => General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws => : Vapidfire July 02, 2009, 01:01:40 AM

: Look what we picked up
: Vapidfire July 02, 2009, 01:01:40 AM
Hello Everyone,

 
  As most of you know I'm very active in giant breed dog rescue. I work for a rescue based out of Washington that is a national rescue and I coordinate things here in Arizona. Rescue work can be wonderful, fulfilling, and a some might say amazing. It can also make you physically ill, cause you to randomly burst into tears and on occasion make you contemplate murder.

Tonight was one of the latter sorts.

We have picked up two "lethal white" seven week old great dane puppies. At seven weeks they are about the size of most 3-4wk old great dane puppies. They are both female, both deaf and both have some vision though our vet will have to determine how much vision they have.

You can find pictures of the sisters here:  http://community.webshots.com/album/573328528otqKmx

I have seen dogs dead for a week that look better than these two girls. It is going to be an uphill battle for these ones and I could really use all the positive vibes you can throw at me.

We are stuffing them full of puppy formula, satin balls, wet food, goats milk, yoghurt and anything else I can think of.  They will be going to the vet in the morning to check for internal cooties amongst other things.

We have not decided on names for them yet. I keep telling myself not to get attached so it won't hurt so much if one or both do not make it. However how can you not? I have already lost that particular battle.


 
: Re: Look what we picked up
: lucyswoman July 02, 2009, 01:52:38 AM
OMG!  Those poor babies, what in the world happened? You did a such a good thing. If they do not make it, I hope you take some comfort in that you have been able to give them full bellies and some comfort. Please update, I am leaving town and won't have internet for 5 days, but I will look forward to news.
: Re: Look what we picked up
: patrick July 02, 2009, 05:12:43 AM
OH MY!  What is the long term prognosis for lethal whites?  I don't know anything about them.  Of course the harder you work to save them the harder the fall if they don't make it!  Bless you for trying
: Re: Look what we picked up
: Vapidfire July 02, 2009, 01:11:54 PM
Hi Patrick,

  The term "Lethal white" is a bit of a misnomer. The genes are not lethal. I actually prefer to term "Double Merle" which is what they are. They are a dog that got two of the merle genes when bred.

Which is why you do not breed a merle or a merle or a harlequin to a merle in the dane world.

The term "lethal" came about due to the fact that white puppies were often culled.

As far as health goes the double merle genes effect sight and hearing the most. If I can get these two to put on some weight so they are not dangerously thin then they should grow up to be happy, healthy dogs.

They survived the night and we are continuing to pump food into them.
: Re: Look what we picked up
: patrick July 02, 2009, 07:48:18 PM
They are desparately thin- you have to wonder if this will have a part in them developing orthopedic disorders later on
: Re: Look what we picked up
: Rajas Mom July 04, 2009, 01:41:19 AM
How horrible!  I have my fingers crossed for them.  Do you know the circumstances behind what caused this (i.e. the scum)?
: Re: Look what we picked up
: Jessdryden July 05, 2009, 03:46:30 PM
Poor babies! They are so lucky you rescued them. We are sending lots of good vibes your way!
: Re: Look what we picked up
: BigDogMama July 06, 2009, 01:21:46 PM
Bless their hearts, this kind of thing just makes me so sad. :(  I am so glad that you were there to rescue them. We are sending all of our good vibes to you and yours!  Keep us updated on their status!