Problem with potential puppy purchase.

[Perad]

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Hello,

I wasn't sure where to put this. I was hoping for some advice.

We have been looking for a puppy for our family and felt we found what we was looking for. However, I feel we have hit a snag. The breeder called today and said while the puppies have been microchipped and have had their first round of injections, some of the puppies in the litter had umbilical hernias. Apparently, 3 out of 5 of them. Upon questioning further, one of the puppies which has one is the one we were purchasing. We have been told it is very small and doesn't require any immediate attention. The breeder's vet said if it was going to be tackled it would be if and when the puppy was neutered.

We are looking for a new member of the family, we really do not mind working through any issues which the dog may have. My main concern is that now we know about it we need to notify the insurer which means any corrective care will not be covered. What typically happens in situations like this? Is the breeder expected to lower cost a little to cover any future care? It was only today that the breeder also said the mum of the puppies had a hernia corrected when it was young, that was about the size of the tip of a thumb. The breeder has said that what the puppies have is smaller than this.

The secondary thing. We were not totally planning on breeding from the puppy we chose, but it is a long term goal of my partner who hoped to breed puppies at some point. (This is not her first dog). As the mother has had a hernia and the puppy has had one it seems potentially advisable not to breed further? We were not getting the puppy specifically for breeding but now I feel that any potential for that is gone with this puppy.

The breeder is not kennel club registered. She owns both of the parents. She is not a professional breeder but she comes across well and clearly cares for her pets. This is her first litter and she has been taking some advice from friends who have bred litters. We have paid the deposit. I want to pick up the puppy, which is only in 5 days, but at the same time I do not want to overpay if the puppy is known to have care costs going forwards. The puppy is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and we are paying £750 for him. We have currently put down a £100 deposit.

Has anyone dealt with similar situations? Does any one have any thoughts about this?

 

[excuseme]

I have a sneaky feeling that Cavaliers do suffer from this problem.

If this is a hernia and is as small as you say, then it will probably cause no problem at all. The hole may well tighten and close just leaving a little bulge of fatty tissue. This can remain for the dogs lifetime without causing any problems at all. If this is very small it will only be fatty tissue that is protruding, it is not painful. OR you may consider having the hernia corrected at the time of spaying, but you have already mentioned that you may want to breed from your puppy at a later date.

Sometimes the blame is put on to the bitch while whelping and she is blamed for chewing the cords too short and this will not be passed on by breeding. If I were buying a puppy with the intention of breeding from her at a later date I would not take the chance of purchasing her with a hernia just in case it was the type that can be passed on by breeding.

You could always request a partial refund and pay less for your puppy, has the breeder suggested this, I am sure a good breeder would offer this, or you just ask for your deposit back and walk away.

Another thought is that you or the breeder take the puppy to another vet/surgery and get an independent opinion. But you will still have a decision to make.

You will have loads of different suggestions both from other breeders and friends.

If I were you I would ask for my deposit back and walk away.

 

[lurcherman]

If you can get you're money back then walk away or get a large chunk off, be ready for a wee fight . Best of luck.

 

[excuseme]

You put your deposit on what you believed was a perfect puppy, the breeder contacted you to say that there was an umbilical hernia discovered after you paid your deposit and whilst having first vaccination and microchip implanted.

There should be no problem getting your money back but just in case do contact your local trading standards office and see what they have to say.

Your breeder may be quiet genuine and offer your money back (they should do! )

 

[gypsysmum2]

Umbilical hernias are quite common and are easily corrected if necessary.

Your decision is whether to ask for the breeder to cover costs of repair by reducing the price or to get a refund and walk away.

You could discuss the problem with you local vet. They will, often, give general telephone advice on whether it might be an inherited condition or not.