I submitted a question last week about my new puppy. She does

I submitted a question last week about my new puppy. She does have parvo. She has been at the hospital since Tuesday. I do have good news! She is pulling through. She is so strong for just 9 weeks old. The question I have now is this - When a puppy is to be shipped on a plane it needs a health certificate, right. Is a parvo test part of that? I got my puppy Saturday evening and by Monday she was depressed and had loss of appetite. By Monday night she was vomitting and severe diahrea. I read the incubation time of the parvo virus is 7 to 10 days. Could the vet be held responsible for my large medical bills or the breeder?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

No, a parvo test is generally not a part of a health certificate. These certificates certify that an USDA accredited veterinarian has examined the dog and finds no evidence of contagious disease. It is impossible to run specific tests for every virus that a dog could carry before issuing one of these certificates. Even if we picked the ten most common viruses, it would push the cost of a health certificate to over $500 per puppy.

The liability question is one for a lawyer. Certainly, the exposure happened before you got the puppy. I would think you would need to demonstrate some negligence on the part of the breeder (i.e. improper vaccination of dam or pups, known and undisclosed exposure to the virus, etc.). As long as the puppy appeared healthy when the health certificate was issued, I believe the veterinarian has no liability. Some breeders have a health guarantee in the purchase contract. That would be the easiest way to try to recoup some expenses.

I'm glad to hear she is on the road to full recovery!

This post provides general information only and should not be used to diagnose specific patients. All treatment decisions should be made in conjunction with a veterinarian after thorough examination.

My parvo puppy

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