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Is my 4-day-old puppy's swollen groin hernia fatal or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 4 days old | 40 lbs

my 4 day old puppy has what my mom is sure is a hernia. it's located where his private part is. it's really irrated and swollen. unfortunately i won't have money to pay to take him to the vet for 2 weeks. i just want to know if it is fatal to puppies and if i should be worried.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2017

This does look like it could be a hernia, although I cannot be 100% certain based on a picture.

You can try to gently palpate the area and see if you are able to reduce the swelling by pushing it back in toward the abdominal cavity. If the swelling reduces easily then it is most likely a hernia. If it is firm or painful something else is probably going on.

Hernias in young puppies can sometimes resolve on their own but sometimes will need surgery (but not until the pup is older). The danger in leaving a hernia untreated is that a portion of the intestine can become entrapped and lose blood supply. This is usually a life threatening situation.

Since you are unable to take him to the vet now just try to keep a very close eye on the swelling. If it becomes firm or painful or if your puppy stops nursing or pooping he will need to be seen by your vet.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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