QuestionI have a 6 mo. old Pomeranian puppy, Lilly, my first dog. My vet said that the bump on her tummy is an umbilical hernias.
I got her from a breeder and she was checked out by the breeder's vet and got some shots before I got her. She had to be approved because she flew, the breeder being in Kansas, I'm in California. She had a really small bump on her tummy when I first got her but I figured it was fine because the breeder's vet said she was okay.
Recentlty however, it got swelled and bruised looking. I took her to the vet immediately. He said that the operation would cost $500. Is this an accurate price?
Could you tell me how much these should cost?
If this is overpriced I'm thinking of taking her to another vet. Do you know of any good vets in Southern Claifornia, specifically the Murrieta/Temecula region?
Also, my vet said that the breeder should pay for this because it is hereditary. After trying for a week, the breeder called me back and said she would only pay for it if her vet did it but we would have to pay for her to be shipped back and forth. I really do not want to have Lilly away from me. Thank you for any advice you cold give me!
AnswerI cannot comment on prices as those differ from region to region and if you trust your vet then use your vet. Going to a new vet just becuase of price may cost you your dog.
Here is some info on hernia's-
A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissues. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.
A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the immediate attention of your veterinarian.
Some of the most common types of hernias are:
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In the case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is as a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall.
There are two causes of Umbilical Hernias. One cause is the mother pulling on the umbilical cord too roughly when the puppies are being whelped.
The other cause is genetic, with the constricting ring at the entrance of the umbilical cord closing imcompletely. This can be easily corrected by surgery, If the hernia is so large that you can put your finger through the opening and into the body cavity, the surgery should be done sooner rather than later. The mode of inheritance is unclear, however appears that it may be a dominant trait.
In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be pushed into the abdomen with a finger, consult your veterinarian regarding possible surgical repair.
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s).
Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is the result of a tear in the diaphragm which allows abdominal organ portions to pass into the chest area. The most common occurrence of a diaphragmatic hernia is following an accident. If the tear is small, there may not be any obvious clinical indications. If the hernia is significant, however, there are indications such as strained respiration, lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing or vomiting. If a large portion of the abdominal organ have passed through the diaphragmatic tear the dog tends to stand with an extremely "tucked up" abdominal area.
If you knew about it before you got her then you bought her as is. If you got her and she had it and you were not told about it then you may have a case but you would have to sue her...
I don't have any advice on how to sue a breeder or to get money back from a breeder, I have had no luck with this type of thing.
Best of luck.
-Trish
www.geminipoms.com
