Can You Breed A Dog With An Umbilical Hernia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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At this time,

the American Kennel Club does allow purebred dogs to be shown who have had an umbilical repaired

. Dog breeders and veterinarians again argue back and forth about the dangers of breeding a bitch who has a hernia or who has had a hernia repaired.

Are hernias in puppies hereditary?

Much like in people, a hernia is a condition where the contents of a dog's abdomen pushes through a tear or hole in the muscle wall or fatty tissue.

Over 90% of hernia cases are due to genetics

, as puppies are most commonly born with them.

Should a dog with an umbilical hernia be bred?


If a hernia is sufficiently large it requires surgery, the dog should not be bred

. Dogs with minor hernias or in which hernias went away naturally should be considered to have a fault that you want to breed away from.

How serious is an umbilical hernia in a puppy?


Most umbilical hernias pose no health threats

. “In rare cases, a portion of the intestines or other tissues can be trapped and become strangulated.” In rare cases, a portion of the intestines or other tissues can be trapped and become strangulated (blood flow is cut off to the tissue, causing its death).

Do puppies umbilical hernias disappear?

Your dog is not in pain and the tear is so tiny that the intestine, fat or other organs can't pass through. The best course of action is to wait and watch, especially if you have a puppy.

Usually, the hernia will go away on its own by the time the pup is 6 months old

.

What should I do if my puppy has an umbilical hernia?

In the cases of small umbilical hernias where only fat is protruding,

your veterinarian may recommend repairing the hernia at the time of spay or neuter

. If the hernia is large or contains abdominal organs, surgery should take place as soon as possible to avoid organ damage or even death.

How much does it cost to fix an umbilical hernia in a puppy?

Veterinary Cost

For most minor hernia repairs, including anesthetics (excluding any necessary pre-surgical labwork) pet owners should expect to pay

$150-$400

.

Can a dog hernia get bigger?


The canal becomes enlarged — think of a hole getting bigger once there's a tear

— and abdominal organs can herniate through the opening. “These are true, major hernias that need to be fixed,” says Tufts veterinary surgeon John Berg, DVM, who serves as Your Dog's editor-in-chief.

Can my dog live with a hernia?

If you weren't aware, dogs can get hernias just like people can, and just like people,

dogs can be treated for their hernias and live normal lives with them

! Just like people, these hernias can happen in many different areas of the body, too.

Can you push a dogs hernia back in?

Spaying or neutering a dog is the first procedure for pre-treatment. In the case that it's too late for either procedure,

if the hernia is reducible, then it can simply be pushed back into its correct area

(example: abdominal wall).

Does pet Insurance Cover a hernia?

Yes.

Many pet insurance plans cover hernia surgeries, but they won't cover hernia surgery if the hernia is a pre-existing condition

.

Should you push an umbilical hernia back in?


An irreducible hernia cannot be pushed back inside

. Any time a hernia cannot be reduced, you should contact your health-care provider. Sometimes these types of hernias can become strangulated. The tissue, usually intestine, can become trapped and the blood supply cut off.

What age can a puppy have a hernia operation?

Hello, In some cases, hernias close up on their own with time. Unless it's causing any health issues, I would advise you to wait until

6 months

to get it fixed.

Do all dog hernias need surgery?


Most hernias will require surgery

to put the organs back into place and repair the hole or tear. During hernia surgery, your veterinarian will complete the repair. They may also cover the area with mesh to strengthen it. If your dog has a small umbilical hernia, surgery may not be needed.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.