my mum mated her bitch,3 delivered normally 2 by c-section 2 dead pups,1 pup died after the intestines popped out, left with 5 .3 are doing great really huge pups.2 smal ones are not great feeders noticed there umbilical cords had fallen of looks like they may all have hernias, what is the proceedure on puppies this young one looks like its going to pop out through the skin ,mums milk has now dried up so we're now going to hand feed them,phoned on call service they said to wrap a small bandage round them to stop mum licking at them.got appointment booked for tomorrow..j

I have recently had my first hernia, but not this young.

My girl didn't want any help, and opened sacs, dealt with umbilical cords, so I just stayed close in case I was needed.

Two pups had cords a lot shorter than I would have done them.  One pup had no cord left, it was right up to the belly.  I used styptic to stem the bleeding, and thought no more of it.

At almost 8 weeks I felt a very small bubble on the tummy of this particular pup, and went to the vet the following day.  He confirmed that he could feel a small lump of fat.  I discussed options, and he told me that the fat could block the hole, so stopping the intestines from poking through.

While it may not present a problem, I'm not willing to let the pup go and a new owner not recognise if the worst happens.  I have let the new owner know that I will refund their deposit if they don't want the pup, as I have booked him in for next week to have the repair done. 

They have contacted me and said that they are happy to wait longer for the pup, and will collect him when I deem suitable.  They have already met him 4 times, and adore him.  Perhaps some people wouldn't take this route, but I have made the decision to sort it, and feel happier that it's being done.

mum-in-law did the same ...she had her pups hernia sorted ,she didnt want to let her go with it ,it was bad too , she is still with her now :) mil could let her go and kept her :)

How old are they now?  Sometimes just after the cord drops off you can feel a slight lump, but this does disappear.

hi there they will be 2 weeks on tuesday , sadly one is up at the vets due to being dehydrated, mums milk is getting less and less, i have 3 pups around  1LB 5 oz 1 at 6  1/2 oz at vets other is 9 oz,,have to phone back at 4 to see how the little one is doing,vets says he wont know wether they have hernias till abot 6 - 8 weeks old..so fingers crossed.. j

hows he doing ? fingers crossed x

sadly the little fella is no longer with us he put up a great fight, the 4 that are left all have hernias , i have informed the new owners of the situation , what would be the right thing to do? there not for show homes just pets..

What you have to remember is that cords come through the pups body cavity, so there is a small hole that closes, quickly with some, with some this closure is delayed (8 weeks or more) and a little fat is firmly trapped. 

This is often thought of as a hernia but if it is a small tight bubble is not going to cause a problem like a true hernia, where the belly contents can come in and out.

This article might prove helpful: http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/umbilical.html