Heart Murmur, one testicle, picture of Dexter!

[Guitarzan]

Hi Everyone,
What a wonderful place! I've been here many times and posted a few things and it has helped me to have owners quick to answer any questions or concerns. Who says the internet isn't a great thing?

Anyway, I took Dexter to the vet (he is 10 weeks old). The vet said he had a grade two heart murmur. I'm very upset about this as we paid a good amount for him AND we love him soooo much. He also only has one testicle.

My question is this: We paid a "high" amount for Dexter as his father was a champion (Sir Edward Chase a lot). The vet said that he wouldn't be a good candidate for breeding due to the heart murmur and testicle thing.

Although no mention was made of a health guarantee, do you think I should contact the breeder and ask for some money back?

I don't care either way, odds were that we were not going to stud him (sorry Dexter) anyway.

Here is a picture of him. He was already 18lbs!

 

[Guitarzan]

wool toy

also.. is it normal for him to try to destroy his toys? He completely distroyed his fleece squeek 'person' in like two days!

 

[Donna741]

If he was sold as a potential show or stud dog I would go back and ask for some money back because what you got is not show quality and should not be bred. The monorchid (one testicle) condition is genetic (or so I have been told by countless vets) and he can pass it on, that's why he shouldn't be bred.

Destroying toys is perfectly normal. Even at 3 years old my girl destroys her stuffed toys in a matter of a day. If I can sew them back up I do but otherwise they're sacrificed to the gods of the trash can. Her favorite thing to do with every new toy is rip out the eyes and nose (if they're plastic). I have stopped buying expensive dog toys for her (except for the occasional really cute toy that I can't resist) and I go to yard sales and get stuffed animals. Throwing away a .50 cent toy is much easier than giving up those $7 ones (I have toys that have been stitched up 6 or 7 times). I also go to WalMart the day before easter and get little (perfect Boxer size) stuffed bunnies on clearance for about $1.50 each.

 

[brandi's mom]

I also have a new boxer boy. He is now 12 wks. Anyway, he has no!! testicles, both are retained. My vet did inform me that this is a genetic defect, he also asked if i would like him to write a letter to the breeder so i could be reimbursed. I also paid quite the sum for him, but as he will be spayed the testicle issue is no big deal, (other than that the expense to have him nuteured will be a lot higher because they have to search out the testicles.) He also suggested that i just ask for the amount over the charge of a regular neuter. I dont think i will ask for any money back because of the condition, but i did want to ask for reimbursement of vet bills!! he was very ill two days after i took him home (worms, some sort of stomache infection also).. But vet bills come with owning a pet, so oh well. But he is now fine anyway... just my two cents!!

 

[debbie knowles]

Destructive?????

You have a Boxer puppy that destroyed a toy!!! Hmmmmmm, never heard of that before!!!!!

JUST KIDDING of course! I never minded the toys that they destroyed...but when the entire house was their target, I got defensive! Atta Boy Dex!! JUst the first of many, I'm afraid.

Sorry to hear about your babies health problems, but you sound like you care a great deal about him and that's what's important. What did the vet say about the heart murmur...did he think he'll be OK with it? I certainly hope so, he's such a cutie pie! Take good care of that little guy and we'll certainly say a boxer prayer for him. Keep us posted on how he's doing! djk

 

[Jan]

I'm sorry to hear about Dexter's problems. As Dexter is only 10 weeks old, there is still a slight possibility that the wayward testicle will descend into it's rightfull place. Though I wouldn't hold your breath. Assuming that it doesn't, it is very important that you have Dexter neutered. Retained testicles have a much higher risk of turning cancerous. The neutering will definitely cost more than a regular neuter and it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask the breeder to pay the additional expense.

There is always the possibility that the heart murmur may go away as well. Though with a grade 2 murmur the possibility is fairly slight.

Here is a link to some articles on heart problems that you might find useful: http://www.peteducation.com/search/search_action.cfm

Dexter is handsome boy and I'm sure he will make a wonderful pet.

 

[Boomer'sPapa]

Could they be brothers?

Dex and Boomer look like they could be brothers. Does Dex have a pointy head?

Cheers,

 

[Saywinboxers]

Dexter's heart murmur,1 testicle

Well, as a fellow breeder........I always have mine vet checked before the sale. If at 6-7 weeks the testicles are not down yet, I would state this (on the pet puppies,) at the time of sale, and make them aware of the higher surgery cost... If it was a pup I was considering as show potential, I would keep for a longer length of time to ensure it would drop.. As for the heart she apparently didn't have them vetted. Did she give you a length of time to have the pup vet checked? any contract at all? I would at least contact her about this, as I am sure she would like to be informed! That is how we keep track of our breeding programs... She may surprize you and offer something, if not as you stated you were having the pup spayed/neutered anyway...... Good luck Cindy

 

[JulieM]

Heart murmurs in Boxer puppies are not uncommon and they very often outgrow them. I would of course keep an eye on it, and I'd suggest having him checked thoroughly by a board-certified cardiologist once he's older (12 - 24 mos.) just to be on the safe side. Even if it stays, it could be an innocent flow murmur, which would not affect his health at all, but it could be Aortic Stenosis and you'll want to know the severity and prognosis if it is.

Certainly your contract, if you have one, should outline what would happen in the event of a genetic condition. I too suggest contacting the breeder regardless, as if they are ethical they will want to know that their dogs are producing puppies with heart murmurs and retained testicles, so that they can re-evaluate their breeding program.

Just curious, is this a Canadian breeder?

As for the toys - stuffed/squeaky toys do not last more than 5 minutes in our house! Two days is an *eternity* around here

 

[Zsara]

What a cutie!

Sorry about the news on his health. Will he live a normal life with the heart murmor? I hope so. I would ask about some type of refund if you bought him as a possible stud dog. What the heck, can't hurt.