I have just acquired an 8 months old Pembroke pup. His testicles are as yet undescended and vets seem to have differing opinions as to whether this is important. Also, one of his ears is flopping, although apparently it was up when he was younger. The vet I saw is very much against taping the ear. Help please.

As I understand it undecended testicles have a very high risk of developing cancerous tumours. This is aparently due to the increased temperature that they are subjected to, as opposed to when they are in their normal position. I'm amazed your vet hasn't suggested that the testicles be removed.Perhaps a second opinion is called for here. Good luck.The floppy ear thing can sometimes be due to teething, but at eight months that should all be over and done with.

I had heard recently that the risk was infact quite low. I think I would ask the vet if there has been any recent studies that might suggest what the actual risk is and use that information to decide whether you feel the operation would be worth it as it is obviously quite a bit more surgery than a straight forward castration.

Isabel, there is a risk, but its rare for undescended testicles to develop cancer before the dog is four or so. To some extent it also depends on just where they are - if they are high, the risk is also higher.

Thats interesting Sharon, so maybe a scan to determine just where it is would help to decide if an operation was beneficial.

It's still early days yet, give it another 4 months before considering anything too drastic.

Myself and 3 friends imported a dog at 6 month's and guess what he only had one, which we hadn't checked for it was only when he was being checked over before going on the plane. The other one didn't come down until he was nearly 12 months old.

Why is your Vet against taping his ear??
I don't have your breed, but the breed I do have have upright ears and taping them isn't cruel. Why not contact the breeder to ask them the correct way they do this in your breed. I have generally found that if one flops it is easier to tape both rather than just one, as they were up before you will probably only need to leave the tape on a day.
Re. removing the testicles, I think your dog is still young and I would leave him a few months yet.