Advice on possible new puppy

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GG80

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Wonder if anyone could offer me some advise. Basically we have been offered a cocker spaniel puppy which has been 'rescued' from a farmer (had a litter, but this little pup was born with no urinary hole so the farmer so I am told was going to shoot it. A lady at work has friends who ‘rescued’ the pup and had the problem (think it is called hypospadias from a bit of research this morning) operated on, and they basically made him a urinary hole. We have been told that pup is fine now and doesn’t have any lasting problems (yes I agree that they would say this) but unfortunately they have two young children and have moved into a flat and the plan was never to keep him as they can’t give him the time it needs, but they also didn’t want to see it shot. They want the money they paid for the vets bills (apparently £200) and that is it as a good home is more important for him. Now, my friend has passed my number on and I of course will be asking the relevant questions, like any recurring problems, health issues, pain etc. They have said he is fine now and the vet didn’t advise of any future issues, but equally I am not a mug and am aware people say the right things if it gets ‘the problem’ off their hands. As much as we want a dog, I am not prepared to be drawn in by the very cute picture of him only to find ourselves paying for it further down the line, as cruel as that probably sounds. They to be fair are asking the right questions about us too, i.e. what type of people are we, will it be left alone at all, what type of household do we live in etc, what time could we dedicate to the dog etc, and I will be talking directly to them…. But basically if I can find out a bit of info on this problem, I would stand to be in a better position to discuss seriously rather than it being totally the wrong decision. I have tried to do a little research but can't seem to find any information on post operation prognosis for future issues etc xx
 
I had a dog which wasn't developed properly down there and to be honest it was a bit of a nightmare with recurring infections and he was never truly 'healthy' and was in the vets a lot. He died young from another condition but in the same area IYSWIM.
He had his sheath removed when he was a pup and he had a very short urethra and shallow open bladder neck.
 
Thanks CorvusCorax, do you think it is worth speaking to the vet (if they give me this information) to ask their advice, or just leave well alone?
 
This may sound awful but I think I would have perhaps rescued the pup from the farmer shooting it to bring to the vet to be humanely euthanized. Sometimes it's best to put them out of their misery rather than to keep them going with something that will forever be an "issue".
 
I think you have to remember you most probably will get lots of insurance exclusions and they will want a vet report. I wouldn't personally take the pup on x
 
PucciNPoni said:
This may sound awful but I think I would have perhaps rescued the pup from the farmer shooting it to bring to the vet to be humanely euthanized. Sometimes it's best to put them out of their misery rather than to keep them going with something that will forever be an "issue".
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agree with this.. there are lots of healthy puppies out there so why take on one that has the potential to be sick...
 
Well, all puppies have the potential to be sick and many people don't insure (becasue they can afford doggie vet fees anyway and/or would tend to PTS for anything major anyway).

Personally I'd decide if I wanted the puppy for all the usual reasons and then speak to two vets
(a) the one who knows the animal/did the op and
(b) the one who you'd be taking it to

I'd want to know prognosis from each and also how much experience each has of this condition. No good you 'rescuing' something you don't have a vet to deal with. Seriously. I travel (a sick animal) up to an hour for a good specialist but much beyond that I'd have second thoughts abt the suitability of the home I could offer. Obviously other people will have different ideas.
 
I'd speak to the vet who did the op and your own vet then make your mind up - it may have been only a very tiny defect or a major one and you just dont know so ask the vets before you commit.
 
SusieT said:
I'd speak to the vet who did the op and your own vet then make your mind up - it may have been only a very tiny defect or a major one and you just dont know so ask the vets before you commit.
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I think that is the only way forward. Does he/she have a sphincter though? I couldn't do with constant incontinence. Also, does one external fault lead to the likelihood of other internal ones?
 
Thanks for all the helpful replies. We had already decided not to go any further, although from what I understand, the pup has already been re-homed... just hope it is to a home where the understand the potential problems and won't get passed from pillar to post if it starts costing money.
 
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