I've just found out that my 15 week old cocker spaniel has got a hernia, she's going in to the Vets on Tuesday for them to have a better look and possibly operate. The Vet has said that sometimes if they aren't too bad they are left to hopefully heal naturally or at least wait until the dog is 6 months old until they operate but in some cases they do have to operate before 6 months.

Can anyone offer me any advice on hernias?

Are they particularly common in cocker spaniels?

Hi Louise, some hernias are herediatary Im afraid, and others can be caused by the pups mum during the whelping process. It is very difficult to tell which situation is applicable to your puppy. Your vet is the best person to advise wether an operation is neccessary now, or wether it can be left. A lot depends how big the hernia is. Even if your pup has to be operated on sooner rather than later, he/she will be fine.One of my pups had to be operated on for hernia at six weeks old, and made a complete recovery vey quickly. Hope this reassures you a bit.

This is a fairly common problem in some breeds of dogs and it is advisable not to breed from affected animals. You should let your pups breeder know that it has this problem as they should not repeat the mating and can let people that had the rest of the litter know so they can check. Unfortunatly the Kennel Clubs along with most vets think the condition to be inherited and will not allow you to show a dog that has had the hernia repaired so if you wish to show you should only have it done if the vet says it is realy necessary. Rest assured if your cocker is a family pet and you do not wish to show or breed your pup will be fine even if an op is needed as it is not a major op and your pup will be fine. Jackie H

Hello again Louise :-)

Hernias are not uncommon in Cockers & although some believe they can be caused by the bitch pulling on the umbilical cord, the evidence points to most cases being hereditary - certainly they crop up in certain lines more than others. Most small hernias can be safely left alone & will cause no problems for the pet Cocker, but your vet is the best person to advise on whether Jazz's hernia is big enough to warrant an operation.

Jane

Hi Louise, don't worry, many cockers have hernias, and most aren't serious. Some disappear as they get older, some just never change. Have a word with your vet and take his advice. I don't know what the deal is with showing as I don't show, but if it is a problem, a small op will sort it. As she's a bitch, if you thinking of having her spayed, they can also sort the hernie (if it's still there) at the same time. I work gundogs, and can tell you that most gundog owners don't really give them a second thought if it isn't serious, and most aren't.