Umbilical Hernia and undescended testical in 8 week old puppy

[bobsboy]

We are meant to be collecting our puppy on Friday at 8 weeks. The breeder has taken the puppy for micro chip and vet check.

The puppy has an undescended testical and a smal umbilical hernia . It is sensible to continue with the puppy or is this a reason to back out. None of the other puppies have any other issues

Depends a bit tbh - how bad is the hernia, like fine to leave until neutering age and do it all at once? Or more severe? Why didn’t the breeder notice?

The breeder says that it is 0.25cm so hopefully may grow over of might need to be repaired at neutering.

No idea why they didnt notice it!

Undescended testicles are usually a genetic issue. So between that and failing to notice a hernia, I wouldn't touch this breeder with a barge pole.

They're either incompetent of negligent - how on earth did they not notice the undescended testicle AND hernia until now!?

Vet nurse here , the hernia is very unlikely to grow over but is a simple thing to fix surgically under a general anaesthetic, regarding the undescended testicle there is still time for it to drop, but surgery if not.
I think i would be put off buying this pup, i would be wondering if there were any other yet to be found health issues and a very big part of this would be who does the breeder expect to pay for the surgeries ?
Will they knock off the equivalent in surgery fees so you are not out of pocket or sell him to you even cheaper , or even give him to you -unlikely !
I have seen many new owners out of pocket in these exact circumstances in my many years experience.
Also you may not get insurance for anything they believe is connected to these issues even years later , there is a lot to think about.

The breeder is happy to knock off money. The pups were vet checked at 6 weeks and neither showed. Not surprising re the testicles.

I have suggested to keep back a retainer and if surgery is required then use the money I have held back. It will count as a pre existing condition unfortunately.

The breeder is very experienced and very trustworthy. There were 10 dogs in the litter and only 1 had these issues. I have seen the paperwork from the vet. It is a repeat mating and the previous puppies did not have the issues either. I do know as the dogs are dogs I see regularly.

My biggest concern is long term health issues of if this is an indication of a generally sickly pup

Update Breeder is very happy to pay for the surgeries if required and has put this in writing. They are also deducting money off the price with the option of returning the puppy at any point if the issues become a problem. The testicle has been felt at some times so hopefully it still has time to drop. The breeder has paid to have the puppy ultrasounded and the hernia is less than 0.25cm so pretty small.

I have known the breeder for 20 years and do trust their integrity.

Regarding the longterm, we had a puppy with an umbilical hernia. It was treated at neuter, the dog is now 8 and is very healthy, fit and active.