I am the owner of Brusso (we renamed him Bruno) whom we purchased from Mike Florea of Von Der Symmes German Shepherds. We took Brusso to the vet the next day after we picked him up from Mike Florea. Upon examination, the vet informed us that Brusso had Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicles). I was completely shocked because as we walked out of Mike Florea's yard with Brusso, out of nowhere he assured me that both of his testicles were there, but I should not check because only "trained" people can properly detect them.

The vet informed us that if the undescended testicle did not drop by 6 months at the latest, Brusso would require surgery to locate and remove it. Upon research, I learned that this is a genetic flaw which can be passed down from both the sire and dam. Even female offspring can carry the aberrant gene (without outward signs) and pass it down to their offspring. If the undescended testicle is not removed, there is an increased chance that it could become malignant.

We did not bring Brusso into our lives to breed or show; he is a member of our family! Words cannot express my outrage towards Mike Florea for his deceitful action. According to the contract with Von Der Symmes German Shepherds, we could return Brusso and receive a replacement. Brusso is not an object, he is a beloved member of our family, and I am willing to do whatever is needed to provide the best health for him.

Brusso was taken for surgery towards the end of April 2010, after he one year birthday. We received a call from the vets office around 11:00am telling us that surgery went well and Brusso was being sutured up now. We could expect a call in about an hour to come pick him up. Well, 12:00pm came and went with no call, so we called the vet around 12:30pm. My wife made the call and we were horrified to be told that Brusso was not recovering from the anesthesia, and he "probably would not make it." I was devistated! My best friend was dying! In a fit of rage I said I was going to the vets, and my wife called the police for fear of what I was about to do. Long story short, I left the house while the police illegally confiscated all of my weapons, and went for a drive. I felt my world had come to an end.

God Almighty must have taken pity on my devastation and interceded. My wife called me and informed me that the vet called and Brusso came around and was going to be alright. She ended up picking him up around 4:30pm.

I am writing this not for sympathy for me because Brusso is a happy and healthy two and a half year old. My concern is for the owners of offspring of this lineage. I would never want anyone to endure what we went through.

Further Research:
Is cryptorchidism hereditary? What is the mode of inheritance?
As mentioned in previous sections, cryptorchidism is a hereditary condition that can be passed on from affected sires and dams to their male and female young (only the male offspring can actually display the disorder because female offspring do not have testicles, however, affected female offspring can carry the genes through to the next generation thereby passing the disorder on).http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/cryptorchidism.html#testis-breed