When you plan to buy a puppy, you want to get as healthy as possible. Purebreds can be expensive, but enthusiasts will gladly pay for them. One of the conditions you may want to avoid in your new pup, especially if you plan on using him as a stud in the future, is the presence of an umbilical hernia if you cannot verify whether it is real or not. This condition occurs when the contents of the puppy’s abdominal area protrude through its abdominal wall around the belly button. When checking the puppy for a hernia, look for a soft mass, usually irregularly shaped and round, protruding in the belly button area.
In most cases, the cause of the umbilical hernia is unknown. You may need to have your vet check the puppy yourself if he has doubts about the owner’s statement about the nature of the puppy’s condition. There are generally two causes for this condition: hereditary and late closures.
A true umbilical hernia, the hereditary one, should cause concern for puppy owners, especially those planning to have dog breeds. This condition can be passed on to their next generations. In this case, solid circular cartilage may protrude into the pup’s abdominal area that could extend to his diaphragm. This type of hernia can be very difficult to repair surgically and may require a mesh implant.
On the other hand, umbilical hernias caused by delayed closures can heal over a period of time after birth, usually up to six months. While the pup is still a fetus in its mother’s womb, blood vessels pass from the mother to the pup through the opening in the pup’s navel. Normally, when the puppy is born, the navel closes. However, when this does not close immediately, an umbilical hernia occurs and can take a while to heal. In some cases, a minor operation is required.
So, is it advisable to transmit puppies with umbilical hernia? It depends on you. If you are a strict dog breeder, you may want to avoid those with umbilical hernia. But if you just want to own and care for any dog, those with umbilical hernia can touch your compassionate heart. On the other hand, if you are a practical pet owner, you may want to avoid paying the costs of puppy umbilical hernia surgery and therapy.
Keep in mind, however, that a larger umbilical hernia can cause serious difficulties for your pup. It can cause a loop of the puppy’s intestines to become trapped, leading to life-threatening situations. A sign of strangulation of the intestine is when the puppy continues to vomit and has abdominal pain. Also, your pup is often depressed and avoids food. The large hernial sac may feel warm as a sign that a part of the intestine has become trapped in it.
True umbilical hernias can also be associated with other hereditary conditions in your pup, such as cleft palate and heart problems. In addition, male puppies with umbilical hernias may be at risk for cryptorchidism, an abnormal condition at birth in which the testicles (one or both) remain in the abdomen where they developed. The puppy’s testicles should descend into his scrotum at the latest at two months to avoid complications.
So whether or not you stop paying for a puppy with an umbilical hernia is your choice. As long as you know the implications of having puppies with the hernia condition, you can assess whether or not you’re up for the challenge of caring for that pet.
