Should I get a puppy with a small umbilical hernia problem tomorrow?

I would not buy the puppy. You want to buy a healthy puppy and not one that will cost you extra when being spayed. Also this puppy will not be suitable for breeding as umbilical hernias carry a hereditary risk. It is relatively easy to fix a simple umbilical hernia during the spay, however if you chose not to spay your puppy, fixing the hernia will cost almost as much as a spay, which is why we usually fix a hernia during the spay. That way the dog only has to have one anesthesia and surgery. I think you can find a healthy puppy without a hernia elsewhere, or get one from the breeder that has no hernia.

Hi and thanks for posting! Umbilical hernias are recommended to be repaired at or around the time of neutering to prevent the hernia from becoming larger and also prevent the intestines from becoming trapped or strangulated in the hernia. Umbilical hernias can be genetic, so it is recommended dogs with these are not bred. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello, it depends if it is non reducible vs reducible. If it’s non reducible it may be an umbilical remnant and that should be fine. If it is reducible, the hernia could get bigger with breeding and she should have it repaired before breeding. Hope this helps and best of luck

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does look like umbilical hernia. As long as it is not getting bigger, there is no danger for Gracie. Umbilical hernia rarely causes any problems to dogs, unless it is very large (it does not look large in Gracie). This hernia can be surgically repaired, it is usually done at the same time as neutering (during one surgery).

Hernia’s generally never heal on their own. Depending on the size of the hernia (the larger the more urgent) and whether or not the bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen (if a loop of intestines can come through, Vs just abdominal fat …it is at risk of getting twisted and dying/strangulating) your vet may recommend an emergency hernia repair or repair it at the time of her spay (recommended to prevent pyometra). Getting the hernia palapated/examined by your vet at Minnie’s vaccine appointments is recommended. Congratulations on your new puppy!

Thank you for using Pet Coach! You are correct that there is some thought that umbilical hernia’s have a genetic component. However, other types of abdominal hernias may be acquired- usually by some sort of trauma. Other types of hernias include inguinal hernias (male dogs only)- these may also have a genetic component if the dog was born with it. If it was acquired later in life - it is usually secondary to some sort of trauma. Since the sire died from a hernia at 2years of age, my guess is that it is not related to genetics.

This does look like an umbilical hernia, but I cannot say for sure without seeing Smokey in person. No, they do not go away on their own, they need to be repaired surgically. Have it checked out by a vet, and you can discuss having it fixed when you get him neutered. Dogs who have umbilical hernias should never be bred because it's a heritable condition. Best of luck.