puppies around chickens?

Hi, as some of you know I was due to have Murphy today ( lab x rhodesian) the lady who has the pups has said today they have cheat and urine infections coz they have been in the garden with the chickens? Do you think this is true? Just strange how the day Im suppose to have him he is Ill? If it is true can it cause any problems down the line even after he has his jabs. They are apparently having anti biotics and going back to the vet in 10 days.

Chest*

Did she say what type of infection it was? Really, young puppies shouldn't be kept around chickens, mainly as chickens can and do sometimes carry zoonotic diseases which may be passed along. Pasteurella is one of these, which can target the respiratory tract.

My guess is that they've been kept in unsanitary conditions, particularly as there are other animals around. Have you been able to go down there and look around at all?

Also, when you get this puppy, it's probably a good idea to mention this to a vet. Chicken faeces can carry Coccidiosis, which can cause diarrhoea and coughing. It usually only presents symptoms in young animals and isn't contagious for humans, but can be passed onto other animals. It may not be Coccidiosis, but if it is, it's treatable by vets.

Hayley, if you haven't paid a deposit, I'd be inclined to walk away. I know that's really hard, but that breeder sounds suspicious to me.

Allowing puppies to mix with chickens is a huge no-no, and I wouldn't be confident that they would be in good health in the future. Don't forget that if it flares up again, any insurance you have will say that it's a pre-existing illness & you won't be covered.

At the very least you should ask exactly what infection it is, and then consult your own vet about it.

Oh no I just read this and now I am panicking! I did know about Pasteurella but didn't know that chickens could pass cocci onto dogs. Would the chicken itself have to be infected with cocci and showing symptoms? I do clean my yard every other day of faeces but sometimes when the dogs go out there they eat the chickens 'little offerings' before I get a chance to scoop em! Never had any adverse affects but should I ban my doggies from playing with the chickens?

Nosipho wrote:Oh no I just read this and now I am panicking! I did know about Pasteurella but didn't know that chickens could pass cocci onto dogs. Would the chicken itself have to be infected with cocci and showing symptoms? I do clean my yard every other day of faeces but sometimes when the dogs go out there they eat the chickens 'little offerings' before I get a chance to scoop em! Never had any adverse affects but should I ban my doggies from playing with the chickens?

You don't need to panic! Provided the area is cleaned regularly of chicken faeces (which you do) and the chickens are healthy and not kept in overcrowded spaces, the chances are your dogs will be fine. It only usually presents symptoms in young puppies as well, as their immune systems are weaker. Adults generally are fine.

Hi thanks for the replies. She said it was a urine and chest infection. Only mine and another 2 dogs have it. They have been given anti biotics and had blood tests. No not been up to the ladies parents where the pups are now. They have a hugeeee garden with chicken runs or coops. But I don't know 100% if the chickens where free out with the pups or just in the coop. She messaged me earlier saying the vet is very confident it isn't to do with the chickens. I don't know what to do. I've waited 5 weeks for this fella.

im sorry to be totally rude and blunt but if you take this pup you are a total idiot.

Also there is 11 puppies all together. Only 3 have the chest and urine infection. Waiting on the bloods to come back and going back in 10 days for another check up after they've finished their anti biotics and if all is well we can have the pups.

Hayley wrote:im sorry to be totally rude and blunt but if you take this pup you are a total idiot.

Yeah bit rude and blunt. Its not 100% if it is because of the chickens or not.

I'd be very careful if I were you. If you do decide to get the pup, try to get a look around their living environment. For all I know, this woman might be telling the truth about the infection having nothing to do with chickens, but it's very difficult to tell.

ahhhhhh this is so annoying! like i said ive waited 5 weeks for this little boy and now this happens, and iv gotten on so well with the lady. so hard!! what would i say to her? ive already said about the chicken thing and that i wouldnt be able to afford to go to the vets all the time if he had to keep having anti biotics for chest infections etc. this is so tough.

I would ask to go and see the pups where they are now with the mum and then make your decision. Have you visited them much? Don't get the pup because you feel sorry for it. Lastly, if you do proceed please make sure you get insurance straight away

You could try asking her if she could get a letter from the vets, confirming the source of the infection?

I've seen them a few times but now they have moved to her parents house as there is more room. Haven't been there yet. Look nice from the photos. I know I can't for from that though. The parents house is a lot harder to get to. I don't have a car at the moment and its a lot further. I could ask for proof of the bloods when they come back and infection x

Eleanor wrote:You could try asking her if she could get a letter from the vets, confirming the source of the infection?

A good idea  

I know it's really hard when you've been waiting for him but you have to go with your head not your heart on this one xx

There is alot of ammonia in chicken s*it and my worrry would be the damage that could do to a young pair of lungs. Personaly I would walk rather than deal with a high energy dog that has respiratory issues. Eiether that or get her to take the pups to a vet for a health check and get a written and signed report on there health