You’ve finally found the perfect puppy to bring home, but then you notice a small lump in her groin.
The breeder assures you that it’s nothing to worry about—it’s just an inguinal hernia.
But what is an inguinal hernia?
Should you be worried?
Will it require surgery?
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about inguinal hernias in puppies so that you can make an informed decision when selecting a puppy from a litter.
Should I buy a puppy with an inguinal hernia?
The answer is yes! As long as the hernia doesn’t cause your puppy pain and isn’t causing him any other problems, it’s fine to go ahead and adopt him.
An inguinal hernia is an opening in your puppy’s abdominal wall that allows organs to protrude into his groin area.
This typically happens when there’s too much pressure on one area of skin and it stretches out over time—the same way that your jeans get loose after wearing them for too long (except this will probably happen faster than that).
If left untreated, this condition can get worse and eventually cause problems like infections or a bacterial infection called peritonitis—but luckily these are easy to treat with antibiotics once caught early enough.
Inguinal hernias aren’t painful either, so there won’t be anything keeping you from adopting one if you’re interested!
Do inguinal hernias in puppies go away?
Whether or not you should buy a puppy with an inguinal hernia depends on the size of the hernia and your dog’s breed.
Most puppies are born with this type of hernia, but they often go away on their own as the dog grows older.
In some cases, the veterinarian will recommend surgery if it is large enough to cause discomfort for your pet or affects their ability to walk.
If you’re wondering how long it’ll take for your puppy’s inguinal hernia to go away completely, there are no hard and fast rules here either—it all depends on what kind of pet you have, as well as its age when initially diagnosed.
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Is the hernia causing the puppy any trouble?
An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of tissues from the abdomen through the groin into the scrotum.
The condition is common in puppies and young dogs, but it can be found in older dogs as well.
Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- Painful swelling or bulge in one or both testicles
- A firm mass that feels like marble when you press on it
- Difficulty urinating (straining while urinating) or difficulty defecating (straining to poop)
Will the hernia get worse over time?
Your dog’s hernia can definitely get worse over time.
Inguinal hernias in dogs often undergo surgery to repair the defect, but it’s possible for them to recur after surgery.
If you notice that your puppy’s condition is getting worse or if he seems in pain when he moves around, contact your vet as soon as possible so that they can treat him.
There are some other health complications associated with inguinal hernias in dogs, too:
- Pain and discomfort
- Difficulty breathing and even cardiovascular problems
- Limited mobility
Conclusion
Remember, this is an upsetting time for both you and your puppy.
Keep in mind that it’s okay to feel nervous or stressed out about the situation, but try not to take it out on your dog.
This is a time for love and support!
If you have any additional questions or concerns about hernias in puppies, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately.