Hi Everyone,
I'm hoping someone can give some reliable advise please.

I have a toy breed pup, whom I purchased as a show potential/show promising, from a very reputable breeder.They came highly recommended and have several champions to their name and are still showing lightly.
My pup is coming up on eight months old and only has one testicle descended. I have gotten this checked by two different Vet- the second testicle is in the duct and the vet said it may desent in the next few months.
The pup was young and very small when I bought him but I was told by the breeder that he had two desended. I took them at their word as they were very experience, and I was not (this is my first male pup), but started to get concerned in Feb when he started to mature down there!
I phoned the breeder yesterday, and they told me not to worry, that both were definely there when they sold him and they should both be there again! I was told to give him until 12 months and not to worry. I asked what would happen after the 12 months if both hadn't appeared they were very vague, no mention of a replacement or anything. I didn't receive a contract as I understood they were reputable.
Please could someone give me some suggestions on where I stand - Would I be entited to a replacement puppy at pet price etc.. as I paid alot of money for this pup?? There was no mention of any reinbursement.
Thanks you all in advance!

>Would I be entited to a replacement puppy at pet price etc.

Only if you returned your current puppy; you might be offered a part refund, but you certainly wouldn't be entitled to a second puppy!

Testicles can take a long time to descend; if the vet can feel it in the duct then there's certainly hope. What is important, though, is not to keep feeling about and checking, because that can actually make the descent more unlikely. Hope it comes down fully soon.

Was the second testicle descended when you took him to your own vet after buying him?

There is still time for the second testicle to come down so fingers crossed.

As the testis is not in the abdomen I would think there is an even chance it will make its way to the outside world by the time the pup is 12 months but leave it be, stop prodding. If by 12 months it has not re-appeared then I think it can be brought down by a vet under anaesthetic sometimes without the need for an incision.

As far as a refund or replacement goes I think not as it was there when you picked it up then the breeders can't be held responsible for its disappearance but they could be a bit more sympathetic. (Now see you did not check so it is hard I know but you should have done, you don't need to feel in most cases get someone to hold the pup up grasping around the ridge cage and let the hind legs dangle, you will be able to see or run the index finger gently over the area and you will feel, they will be very small but they will be there if they have descended)

It all depends on whether the inguinal ring is closed or not. When it closes it depends on which side the testicle is on as to whether it will come down or not. If its the wrong side, then after closure it will never come down, as it is effectively trapped. On the right side then it can come down. My vet has seen them actually trapped inside the ring which makes for a complicated removal.

Thanks everyone for your prompt and honest replys, really appreciate it and fingers crossed it will all turn out okay.
The breeder was actually very nice about it , I really couldn't fault her, It was just she didn't mention any solution!

Penfold, I never got the vet to check him down there, even though he was there a few times getting vacinated and having retained teeth removed, I guess II learn from this mistake. I truly didn't suspect anything until Feb as before this he was tiny!

Nova, you mentioned an operation that could pull down the undecented testicle, I wonder how sucessful it is? I was hoping to start my line with this little boy, is this condition not hereitary, would it be advisable to use him for stud?
Would I be mad to consider getting another male form them?

Thanks again, I really appreciate everyones feedback.

I'm surprised your vet didn't check as part of the process... you shouldn't really have to ask for this.... although they can't always be felt at that age... at least they should give you an indication.

I didn't specifically ask for him to be checked, however they knew he was a show prospect, and they insisted I get him mirco chipped - as I'd need a paasport to show him overseas!

no what I meant was you shouldn't have to ask specifically, it's something they usually (and should) check for.....

Same problem but I bought  a toy breed as a companion  to another younger one that was fretting and wasn't particularly worried  immediately as  both testicles had been felt . Very small peanuts .Somedays when he had been running around they were both down . I did run my fingers down inguinal canal however to encourage drop if it was thereabouts. I know my breed is slow. 6mths and a week , two ....
I have however had a larger breed  with one . Showed him  in puppy, got a second as he was stunning, but the Judge did say to me , I'd give him to about a year then you really are going to have to make a decision . I did rehome him free of charge, appropriately enough at a hairdressers so he adorned the salon.The new owner had the op done  to prevent any occurrence of cancer. I did investigate the lines and found out the sire had the same problem  and he was refused his export to the USA on those grounds. So I personally would not start any lines with one that had  only one descended.

Usually hereditory yes, so  wouldn't use a dog with one testicle for stud work and I would hesitate to use one that had had problems getting both down as well.

I find it odd that your vet didnt check, we're they too busy trying to get more £ from you buy chipping? Usuall eyes nose teeth tummy anus and testicles along with good hands on going over of extremities and ears etc. I always check my pups have them before leaving and I would not start my line from him sorry.

>I find it odd that your vet didnt check

I agree with Louise totally.  I wouldn't dream of even mentioning the testicle check for a pup.  It is something that a vet should be doing during a normal puppy health check when you get a pup vaccinated.

When I get pups checked at my own vets, he does it automatically.  It is normal procedure, not an "extra."