I currently have a litter of pups aged 9 days old (labradors).
They are all doing well but have noticed that one of the bitches has what looks like an umbilical hernia. What do people do about selling pups with this?
I am looking to keep a pup from the litter should I disregard this puppy when I'm making my selection? Could she be shown?
Mum was very rough with this bitch regarding the cord when she was born, as she was first born, is this probably why she has the umbilical hernia?
My oldest rotti had one which we didn't notice when we brought her, I hated it and had it removed when she was spayed. I know a breeder who kept pushing her pups umbilical hernia back in and it got smaller and smaller until it disappeared!

hi nicola
umbilical hernias are or can be very serious youshould take that puppy tothe vet who
will asses the seriousness of the hernia.
hernias usually are either genetic or or caused by the mother cutting the umbilical cord toshort and biting into the belly wall,they can be life treatening..as intestines can become trapped in there and strangulate..as can the puppys liver depending on the size of the hernia,i would take the puppy to thevet as soon as you can,&keep us updated.:)

Hi, I agree that the vet should see it, but I have known lots of dogs with small hernia, which are often just a little bit of fat caught as the "ring" closes, rather than a true hernia, where guts can become trapped, who lead normal healthy lives. A bitch with a large true hernia should not be bred from though. If you go to "search" above and type in Umbilical hernia, you will see some previous posts about it. As long as it is just a little "button" and the vet ok's it, and the puppy is going as a pet only, you should point it out to the new owner, but I wouldn't reduce the price for such a tiny thing. What I would do though is get a health certificate or letter from your vet stating the condition and severity to show purchasers and offer to pay for any future sugery if it is ever needed (unlikely). Mostly these hernias cause no trouble, though of course you do get the odd big one that does need surgery. If this is the case, then hang on to the puppy, have her "fixed" and then sell for the normal price. The hernia should be mentioned in the sales contract so a new owner cant turn round and say you misled them or that "they were'nt told about it"

Here is a link to an interesting article by a vet on the subject of small so called Hernias http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/umbilical.html

I've read this link before and think it makes a lot of sense. Having a bitch with a hernia, and knowing her line and speaking to the breeder of the stud dog who knows his line, I know its not hereditary. I have always worried about it harming her but feel reassured by this article and the fact that at least four different vets have checked it and are not concerned.
Lorna