Umbilical Hernia

[danisgoat]

I know several different puppies that had naval hernias. The breeders usually took off around $150 from the cost of the dogs to get it fixed.

I would take your dog to your vet and have him take a look. Also ask him to get an estimate on what it will cost to get it fixed at the same time as the spay. Then you can e-mail the breeder with this extra cost.

I believe the naval hernias are caused when the mommy dog chews off the cord....soemtimes she pulls to hard or the wrong way, but I could be wrong with this.

 

[granite]

I believe the naval hernias are caused when the mommy dog chews off the cord....soemtimes she pulls to hard or the wrong way, but I could be wrong with this.

You're right, that's one of the causes...pulling on the umibilical cord at birth.
Another cause is just the anatomy of the area...the fascia and muscle closure is weaker at the umbilicus, diaphragm, and the inguinal area; hence the frequency of hernias at these areas.


I advise a vet visit within a day or two of bringing home any new pet; but particularly a pet that you are purchasing. Most breeders offer in the contract a provision for return of the pup or covering/sharing of costs if there are any health problems discovered by the new vet.

 

[Lovely]

Thanks for all this. I did take Duncan to the vet right after we got him. The vet thinks it is a delayed closure, not a true hernia (but really, you can't be certain). However, I will get it fixed when he is neutered because there is a small chance of complications. We will also evaluate his dew claws (my breeder has a very 'natural' approach to things and doesn't like to do unnecessary chopping - for the most part, I agree, but one of Duncan's is not quite attaching well) to see if we want to opt for removal. I plan to take him on my hikes through the Florida "jungle" and don't want him to rip one off!

Seems like my boy is going to be undergoing a slightly more intensive surgery than I had hoped. Hopefully, as I plan to get him fixed at about 6 months, it won't be so bad for him. It only took Pierre a few weeks to grow the hair back on his arm where they took blood and where IV was. And after a pitiful few days, he was back to his lovely self!