I have found that by getting the cord area to dry up a
few hours earlier that I have not had umbilical hernias.
Now this may be a total fluke of course, but it does seem
strange that we dont get hernias anymore.
I use Sterzac powder for infant umbilical cords. From Boots.
It is supposed to help with neonatal infections.
I find if the cord area is dusted after birth and keep the mother
from licking madly on the cord area. It drys quicker and then
the hole closes over that bit quicker.
I dont know if this will help you all as I know many breeds get
this problem. I quite often see posings on umbilical hernias.
It wont of course help a huge hernia as this is something different.
Nutkin.

Hi Nutkin, interesting to know - I always have sterzac on hand in case of problems. We used to subscribe to the theory that hernias could be caused by too much roungh handling by Mum, this line of thought was rubbished by our vets. We have done a small study of the problem (only with our own dogs) and it seems pretty clear (at least in my breed) that they are inherited. Whilst 1 line always throws at least 50% with hernias, 2 other lines throw none at all, through 3 generations. When we have crossed the "always" with the "never" lines, 2 generation down the line, we get about 1 pup per litter with a hernia. (very rough figures) This tends us to thinking that it is a recessive, simple mode of inheritance. Would be keen to know what other people have found.
Gwen

Hello Gwen
I am sure that it is hereditary in parts. If that makes sense. I have seen hernias that are huge and some small. I have seen other friends litters that
are not related to my own. I have had hernias with different dogs and different bitches. If that makes sense. So I cant say for sure its in one particular line or another as in our breed I would say it is more common that people like to admit. I have also had people contact me as I own a stud dog for advice that their bitch for eg had a litter and they have one with a huge hernia is their any advice I can give them and have I seen it before, I add not with my dog.
But what does seem to be the key point is some bitches are more rough. I have seen a friends cocker spaniel whelp and she hardly moved at all. Not one hernia. I seen Weimaraners nearly eat their pups. So rough. So I spoke to the vet and he told me that it is all to do with the closure of the umbilical ring. He breeds flat coat retrievers and they take the pups away from the mother for a while until it gives chance for the ring to close over. Trouble is I am too kind hearted and cant remove my pups from the mother as she stresses out. So I wondered what I could do to dry up the cords quicker. So I found by dusting with sterzac but also watching the mother is not rough seemed to make a difference. But as I do not have that many litters a year as I am a hobby breeder. I need others imput on this as well. I tell everyone now that comes to us for stud and ask them to do the same. Some dont some do. But it would be interesting for everyone that breeds if this could help many dogs. Their may even be something much better in the chemists or even doctors that we could try and trial. I hate having hernias and have been so pleased this year not to have one. So if anyone else wants to try this and then see how you get on, if it works then that is great. If not we will have to start thinking again.
Nutkin.