Hernia operation - should I?
Rupert, my 16 month old Berner, has an umbilical hernia. In view that it didn't seem to worry his breeder, nor my vet and, most importantly, doesn't appear to worry my dog, I just left it alone. I intended to have it fixed when he was neutered at 10 month - but then promptly forgot all about it at the time. Meanwhile, his hernia has grown - but then so has the dog - and it is now the size of a small plum. It still doesn't bother him BUT it has become bigger. You know the saying if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but although he isn't broken yet, I don't want until he may become so. I know very little about umbilical hernias and their problems other than that they are fairly common. Could any of you with hernia experience share the pros and cons of corrective surgery? Is surgery even necessary for hernias and if yes, why is that? Many thanks for your help Michaela, Harvey Rupsi Devon/UK
Re: Hernia operation - should I?
Hi Michaela- If you had your dog neutered already, I am surprised that your vet did not go ahead and fix it surgically regardless of you authorizing it. Typically it is done for the dog at the time of the spay/castration...and many owners are never the wary. g That said, it is not a necessary surgery, in most cases. If there is only a small amount of fat popping through the area, causing a little ball of fat to be felt underneath the skin on the belly...then most vets will recommend either having it corrected at the spay/castration time, or leave it alone if the dog is not going to be neutered. Most dogs do just fine living with an umbilical hernia all their lives. IF the hernia is on the larger size (to be determined by your veterinarian), then they may recommend surgical repair regardless if the dog is to be neutered or not. Just depends on the size of the opening. Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
