Puppy with Inguinal Hernia

If the breeder was good with getting the hernia fixed, I would buy the puppy. The Hernia should not be a problem after it has been fixed and the breeder sounds very responsible.

L.,
Please go ahead and take this puppy. Hernias are very common and easily repaired. I am glad that your breeder did get it repaired because there can be complications if it is not, especially with an inguinal hernia - different from the more common umbilical hernia mentioned in other responses. It should not impact her in the future at all. I used to work at a vet's office and although I mostly saw umbilical hernias, the inguinal hernia is the same deal, just in a different location. Your new little girl will be normal, happy, and healthy so ENJOY!
Kate

If I were you I would insist on a dog with no prior problems. You never know what kind of complications may develop. Why not spend the same amount of money and get a puppy with a clean bill of health?

L.,

The best advice I can give is to call in independent veterinarian and get his/her opinion. They would know best whether there will be any repercussions. Also, I don't know if you are eventually planning on breeding this dog, but you should probably ask if this is a genetic trait.

Best of luck,
S.

we bought a puppy (chihuahua) that had had this same corrective surgery done. She is now going on six years old and has never had a problem.

I totally agree with your previous responder. If you are just looking for a pet, this puppy should be fine and dandy. If you are wanting to breed dogs then request a different puppy from this breeder or another one. As a breeder myself, I can tell you that reputable breeders will include a health guarantee with their pups that cover congenital defects. Make sure you get this on a written contract before you take possession of the pup. Inguinal hernias rarely come back so it should not have any lasting effects on your pet. Good luck to you and many happy years with your new family member.

L.
Before I had my son I was the General Manager of a small 5 chain pet store for seven years. We sold all kinds of animals including mixed and pure bread puppies. In my experience I found that Inguinal hernias are VERY COMMON! Most of the time they dont even need surgery because it doesnt affect the puppy at all. It is just a tiny tiny pin whole sized tear near the belly button that is usually caused by the mother licking her baby. I know it looks worse than it is and the breeder probably only got surgery to fix it for your sake. To me that shows signs of a great breeder! I am sure your puppy will be fine and that this won't be the cause for any issues down the road.
As far as buying a puppy from a breeder or a shelter, that is up to you. Of course I think it is best to adopt an animal that is in need of a home but I'm sure you have researched a dog that is best for you family and sometimes shelter dogs come with their own list of issues. What ever decision you make, Im sure that will be the best for your family! But again as far as the hernia you have no need to worry. If your still feeling uneasy I would ask the breeder if you could take it to your vet for a second opinion.
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!
Good Luck!

T. B.
Team Leader
Bubble Goddess Bath Company
"Natural Bath Products For Your Inner Goddess"
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Hi L.-
I also have a dog with a hernia. He is now almost three years old and very healthy. He actually never even had it removed because the vet said that it wasn't necessary. He goes to the vet regularly and they always say that it causes no problems for him at all, and that he is a very healthy dog.

Hi L.,

Are you sure it is an inguinal hernia (on the inside of the leg where the body attaches to the leg) vs. and umbillical hernia (belly button)? The umbillical hernia is very common, and your puppy will be fine if it was correctly fixed, but inguinal hernias are more uncommon and much more difficult to correctly repair. Either way, if correctly repaired, it should cause no future problems, but I would get a statement from the breeder to that effect just in case your puppy needs a second surgery in the future for this problem. And, either way, kudos to your breeder for really caring and taking care of the puppies she breeds!

PS- I am a vet.

I would agree the puppy is mostly going to be fine, but to put your mind at ease, ask to speak to the vet that did the surgery, find out the details, then talk to an independent vet. Also, most breeders want you to take puppy in for a check up within 48 hrs of bringing the pup home, so you can talk about it then too. Enjoy your new puppy!

hello I used to work as a CVT (vet tech) and we saw it all the time! If the doc fixed it there is no need to worry if you plan on breeding it may be a problem (and I dont suggest being a breeder due to the amounts of work and responsibility that comes with it) otherwise the puppy should be just fine=) enjoy your new puppy=)

Puppy will be fine! Go ahead and bring it home. It's a minor birth defect, easily repaired with no future consequences...also more common than people would realize. It sounds like you've been doing business with a great breeder who has business and moral ethics! Good for you!