Top 10 can you breed a dog with an umbilical hernia You Need To Know

Technically a hernia occurs when a tissue or organ pushes through the area designed to hold it. Normally this refers to the body wall, but it can also be the diaphragm (muscle layer that separates the chest from the abdomen).

The most commonly seen hernias in pet dogs are umbilical hernias. These hernias are found on the abdominal wall where the umbilicus is broken off when a puppy is born. The umbilicus may be broken as the puppy emerges, be chewed in two by the dam or cut by the dog breeder.

Normally the body wall seals over this small opening, but sometimes either a small bit of fat escapes through the body wall and remains outside or the body wall does not close completely. Depending on the size of the opening in this second scenario, the dog’s intestines may fall out through the opening and become twisted or strangulated.

What To Do If Your Puppies Have Hernias

You may read discussions about delayed closure versus true hernia. Proponents of the delayed closure theory feel that a small bit of fat or omentum (the thin layer of tissue that is like netting around many of the abdominal organs) slips out through the slit in the abdominal wall where the dog’s umbilical cord came through before that slit can close up. Once there is tissue in the way, that slit can’t close. These pet dogs have a small bleb at the umbilicus which is not reducible and very often a hole can’t even be palpated in the body wall. Whether these delayed closures are simply a different expression of a hernia gene or a degree in actual hernias is hotly debated among veterinarians and dog breeders.

The classic umbilical hernia has a firm ring of tissue palpable around the “hole” in the body wall. The size of the opening can vary from smaller than the end of your pinkie finger to 2 or 3 inches across. The hernias least likely to cause problems for a puppy are the very small ones which are too small for any intestine to fall into and the ones large enough that intestines can easily slip in and out of. Your veterinarian can evaluate the hernia with you, and you can decide whether it needs to be fixed, to repair it in a young puppy or possibly wait until spaying or neutering the dog to fix it.

The most dangerous hernias are those big enough for a loop of intestine to fall into and that then close up partly or are of a size to begin with that the intestine can’t easily slip back up into the abdomen. Once caught in the hernia, there is potential for the blood supply to be cut off either simply due to not enough room or by twisting of the intestine and its blood vessels.

Surgery to repair a dog’s hernia may be as simple as closing up the tissue after removing the band of tough tissue that makes up the ring and replacing any contents into the abdomen. It could also involve the need for a mesh material, often wire, to help support the body wall in the case of a very large hernia.

Hernias And Purebred Dog Showing And Breeding

At this time, the American Kennel Club does allow purebred dogs to be shown who have had an umbilical hernia repaired. Dog breeders and veterinarians again argue back and forth about the dangers of breeding a bitch who has a hernia or who has had a hernia repaired. The argument is that the increased weight pressing down on the area from the pregnant uterus could cause the hernia opening to stretch and enlarge.

Purebred dog breeds known to have at least a predisposition to hernias include representatives of the Toy, Sporting, Terrier, Working, Hound and Herding Groups. It should be noted that an occasional umbilical hernia will show up in a litter and may simply be a fluke. Still, dog breeders should at least be aware of the hernia problem and try to avoid doubling up on this defect.

I can think back to a litter that came in at 7 weeks of age for an examination and a first vaccination. ALL eight puppies had good sized, fairly obvious umbilical hernias. The dog breeder insisted (despite this being a dog breed well known for umbilical hernias) that the bitch must have chewed the cords off too closely. Funny how her first litter of six puppies (with a different stud dog) did not have any hernias!

An informal survey of reproductive veterinarians led to estimates of 90 percent or more of all umbilical hernias in purebred dogs being inherited. One veterinarian also pointed out, from experience, that dog breeders should not overlook hernias in their puppy litters. This veterinarian had seen the development from occasional small, not serious, hernias to full litters with large hernias in one kennel since there was no selection against the trait. Other veterinarians stressed that a small umbilical hernia was very minor compared to other serious genetic defects and that a dog who otherwise was a good candidate for breeding should not be removed from the gene pool just for this.

Certainly any dog breeder whose dog has had an umbilical hernia repaired should notify anyone breeding to their stud dog or getting a puppy from their bitch of the defect. Otherwise, the trait will be perpetuated. At least one dog breed classifies umbilical hernias as a “threshold” trait. This means that there is no simple inheritance of dominant or recessive, but the expression of the defect and the degree of the defect may depend on multiple genes, not a simple one-gene dominant/recessive relationship. Also, it is fair to assume that both the stud dog and brood bitch carry the genetic defect if umbilical hernias show up in puppies.

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By: Debra M. Eldredge, DVM

• Author: be.chewy.com

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• Sumary: BeChewy explores the reality of umbilical hernias In dogs, what causes them and how to treat them.

• Matching Result: At this time, the American Kennel Club does allow purebred dogs to be shown who have had an umbilical hernia repaired. Dog breeders and …

• Intro: Umbilical Hernias In Dogs: More Common Than You Think Technically a hernia occurs when a tissue or organ pushes through the area designed to hold it. Normally this refers to the body wall, but it can also be the diaphragm (muscle layer that separates the chest from the abdomen). The most commonly seen hernias in pet dogs are umbilical hernias. These hernias are found on the abdominal wall where the umbilicus is broken off when a puppy is born. The umbilicus may be broken as the puppy emerges, be chewed in two by the dam or cut by the dog…

• Source: https://be.chewy.com/umbilical-hernias-in-dogs-more-common-than-you-think/

• Author: dogbreedinfo.com

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• Sumary: A hernia is a rupture that occurs when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or a hole in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.

• Matching Result: Most umbilical hernias are repaired at the time of spay or neuter. Some dogs with umbilical hernias can still be part of a breeding program, as the hernias are …

• Intro: Hernias in Dogs A puppy with an umbilical hernia A hernia is a rupture that occurs when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or a hole in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. There are different types of hernias in dogs, some more serious than others. Hernias can be caused by muscular strain or injury and are sometimes genetic. Umbilical: occurs at the belly button; can be caused by a dam being too rough with cord care Incisional: occurs through an incision or scar in the abdomen; can happen to dams after a C-section Inguinal:…

• Source: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/care/herniasindogs.htm

• Author: midwoofery.com

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• Sumary: An umbilical hernia is an opening in the muscle under the skin where the umbilical cord was.

• Matching Result: We recommend that no one breed dogs known or suspected to have a genetic predisposition to umbilical hernias. You will have to determine …

• Intro: Umbilical herniasCommon sense disclaimer: It’s critical to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian, preferably one that is board certified in theriogenology (reproductive science) for reproductive matters. This website, its blog, its courses, and other information presented are neither designed nor intended to replace the need for a qualified veterinarian, but instead to help educate people to to work optimally with their veterinarians. All recommendations should be reviewed with qualified professionals, such as a board certified reproductive veterinarian, prior to implementation in a breeding program. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian. Readers assume all risks associated with use of material…

• Source: https://www.midwoofery.com/post/umbilical-hernias

• Author: forum.champdogs.co.uk

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• Sumary: Hi, tracey brown

• Matching Result: There will be no problems for a bitch carrying a litter and an affected animal will not produce puppies with true umbilical hernias, which are …

• Intro: bitch with umbilical hernia – can I breed from her? Hi, tracey brownYou’ve had some good advice from established breeders here, about the hernia and the breeding aspect. Here’s my perspective on the breeding aspect of your post, and I’m coming from the first timer point of view.I am expecting my first litter mid June, but to get to this point has not been an easy or short-term decision.  I have a breeder friend who has been mentoring me over the last 5 years. I already own 3 dogs bred by her, plus two sired by my young lad.  Over…

• Source: https://forum.champdogs.co.uk/topic_show.pl?tid=123023

• Author: dogdorable.com

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• Sumary: You should avoid breeding a dog with a hernia. Although dogs with a minor hernia can technically still give birth and have puppies, it’s not recommended for two reasons. First, the hernia increases health risk during pregnancy and birth. Second, hernias can be genetic and passed…

• Matching Result: You should avoid breeding a dog with a hernia. Although dogs with a minor hernia can technically still give birth and have puppies, it’s not recommended for …

• Intro: Can a Dog With a Hernia Have Puppies? We Don’t Recommend It – Dogdorable You should avoid breeding a dog with a hernia. Although dogs with a minor hernia can technically still give birth and have puppies, it’s not recommended for two reasons. First, the hernia increases health risk during pregnancy and birth. Second, hernias can be genetic and passed on to the puppies. You have just tucked your very pregnant four-legged friend into bed. She is just about to give birth to her litter soon. The next morning, you realize a small bulge emerging from her skin. What is…

• Source: https://dogdorable.com/can-a-dog-with-a-hernia-have-puppies/

• Author: pedigreedatabase.com

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• Matching Result: No problem breeding a dog with a hernia. by Blitzen on 10 May 2013 – 10:05. http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/ …

• Intro: umbilical cord hernias, not suitable for breeding?This is a placeholder textGroup textThis is a placeholder textGroup textThis is a placeholder textGroup textThis is a placeholder textGroup textLooking for opinions and I know I will get them here:) Would you consider a puppy with an umbilical cord hernia not suitable for breeding? I’m talking about a hernia small as a dime…. I see no problem with the personally but placed one pup in a home that does. Was wondering what the majority thought. I already offered to pay to have it stitched shut if it doesn’t close on it’s own but my…

• Source: https://www.pedigreedatabase.com/community.read?post=722997-umbilical-cord-hernias-not-suitable-for-breeding

• Author: dailypaws.com

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• Sumary: Does your dog have an outie?

• Matching Result: Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should …

• Intro: Are Umbilical Hernias in Dogs Something to Worry About? If your dog has an outie, read this. Umbilical hernias are a common finding in many puppies. Most of them are basically “outie” belly buttons. If small, they may seal up on their own and generally don’t cause any problems. Larger ones may require surgery to close up the abdominal wall and prevent intestines from slipping out or getting twisted. Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should not be bred. This is especially true if most…

• Source: https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/dog-conditions/umbilical-hernia