my white gsd has a hernia.its about the size of a large marble and im worried.is it uncommon?wwill it affect breeding her and is it a danger to her.any help would be very much appreciated.
thanks.pearl

Unfortunately it is not uncommon, people still breed from bitches with such a condition, if small it is not a problem but it will continue whilst people still believe it is because the bitch pulled on the cord and not that it is an inherited problem

One of our puppies, born 5th November last year had a hernia. This was the only breech-born puppy, and the only one where I had to cut the cord, so I might have caused it. When she left for her "forever home", I made it a point on the puppy sale contract that (1) she would be spayed, and (2), if she needed a repair to the umbilical hernia I would pay for it if it was needed before spaying or (3) would pay for the repair part of the operation when she is spayed.

So far, like the other girls in the litter, she is still awaiting her first season, and she hasn't needed the operation yet. But I will pay for that part when it is done.

Regards

Margot

Is this the bitch you are looking for a stud dog for? If it is then you may need to reconsider your breeding plans.

My bitch had a hernia and my vet told me under no circumstances to breed from her. We're not sure if it's inherited or 'just one of those things' but it is still a fault and shouldn't be bred from. She has now been spayed and had the hernia repaired at the same time!

i have had her examined by several vet and other breeders have also said to have her operated n then wait a year and then have her checked again then see if i can breed her.but i am still unsure so i will wait a year or so.thensee what shes like.thanks for your help.

hi pearl......hernias are not that big a deal.if you have a dog that has gentic clearences on the hips and elbows and has an exceptional temperment ,good skin.etc,a hernia is a very minor flaw...all dogs have numerous inherited flaws....i don't consider it a big deal......but then again i have seen a lot of terrible inherited conditions...its all subjective i suppose...i'd rather see someone breed a dog with a hernia than one one with no hip or elbow number