We have see a litter of weimaraner's and the one that took our eye has a ublilical hernia approximately the size of a golf ball. The breeder says that the dog will need surgery when it is a little older and that if we returned the pup they would have it put right. Is it wise to consider buying a dog in this condition; we are only looking for a family pet and do not wish to show the dog or breed from it.
Any advice anybody can offer would be grately received.

Many thanks.

Julie

Although a hernia the size of a golf ball is quite large, it shouldn't be a problem if operated on correctly. I think I would ask the breeders to get their vet to write a note to say that there (hopefully) aren't any underlying complications.

You can't approach the vet directly yourself - veterinary ethics forbid it (client confidentiality and all that). The breeder in turn may want written assurance that you won't breed from it later on, and maybe that it be neutered.

If the letter is fine - go ahead, and enjoy a lovely pup.

Hello
I thought I should answer as Weimaraners are my
breed.
Umbilical hernias are quite common in Weimaraners.
The pup should be fine, but if the hernia is the size
of a gold ball the pup should be operated on now.
Prices for this operation vary. This hernia sounds a
sizeable one. You have to be more careful with larger
ones as their may be a diapragmatic hernia as well.
This is a hole in the diapram.
The hernias that are the size of a pea or a large marble,
are nothing to worry about as with daily massage will
go back when the wall behind closes around 6 months.
I could say more but I think if you e-mail me then I can
give you more advice.
r-savage@the-homestead.freeserve.co.uk
Nutkin

Hi Rachel, I dont agree with operating now depending on how old the pups are now... they are obviously still with their mother so under 8 weeks I assume..... You can have the operation done under local anaestetic and sedation when about 4-5 months old. But I do agree that it should be checked out as to the seriousness by an independant vet or you could ask the breeders for a vet report to give to your vet.

Lynn

Hiya Lynn
If the hernia is as large as a golf ball at five weeks,
this is a considerable size. I think it should be operated
on as soon as possible. Not many vets would
operate any sooner than 8 weeks as the operation itself would be
risky. Without seeing the pup in front of me I can not give
any exact judgement as I am sure you can't Lynn. All
I know is from experience I have had small hernias, and have
always been told by my vet that if the hernia is larger that a mans
thumb pushed into the hole, then my vet said it needs
operating on sooner rather than later. He said he would operate
as soon as 8 weeks old. I do agree that no operation should be
done unless absolutely neccessary. It may not be quite as
big a golf ball, so may not be an urgent case. It sounds as though
the breeders are being honest and will pay for any jobs done
at a later stage. Its a difficult one, I agree, and I think like
you Lynn an independant vets opinon is needed.
Just one point, being a bitch, if she is going to be spayed then
it could be done then if its not too big a hernia. I think I
would have her spayed.
Nutkin.

Totally agree Nutkin. A vets advice is needed!! Having got this, as a pet puppy, and with the sound of a good breeder behind the puppy, I would see no reason for not purchasing this puppy if the vet report is good. As to surgery-if the hernia is in fact this large, then my vet would operate before the pup leaves, and in fact I would prefere this as should the worst happen and the puppy not survive, or the problem be worse when the pup is opened up, then at least the new owners don't have that heartache to face. With a smaller one-well time is the best answer, as they can either disapear or get so small as to be almost unnoticable. Breeding from either dog or bitch with this problem is another thing entirely, as it is heriditory which I suppose is why it is so common in weims, and also the weight and presure on the hernia may cause complications in pregnancy.
If I were selling the pup, I would have the surgery (if it was needed, and a golf ball size one in my opinion would, and pup would not leave until it was corrected, whatever the age it became) and the pup would go without papers, or endorsed that its pups could not be registered, and at a considerably reduced selling price.
To the person looking to buy this puppy-have a word with the breeder and see if they can't get this surgery done--if needed--before you buy the puppy. Get vet advice, and make your decision on that basis.

Here is a useful article http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/umbilical.html

That's an excellent site, Brainless - even if a lot of it relates to the U.S. scenario. Well worth bookmarking

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

I saved it to favourites some time ago, when I did a google search on something! The contracts are a lot heavier than I wou7ld like, but gives one an idea!