Hernia

[markjcage]

Anyone had any experience of dog hernias?
Daisy's vet says she has one and we should have it sewn up ASAP in case it traps the intestines.

I'm always a little suspicious of vets who say "And make sure you ask for me to perform the op".

We have insurance with Pet Protect, does anyone know whether they cover hernias? I suppose they should.


[Ooooooh, this post has taken me to Senior Member status!   ]

[Kim]

My 1st bitch had an umbilical hernia, it never caused any problems & she had a couple of litters without any problems and out of 14 pups that she had, only one had a hernia too, this was repaired at the same time that she was spayed. The people who bought this puppy from me were fully aware & paid a discounted price which went someway to covering the cost of the op (It's a long time ago now & I can't remember the figures).
Molly died at 10 years old, but not from anything to do with the hernia.

I think it depends really on the size of the opening, as to whether it would merit an operation to correct it.

As for insurance, I think that it should be covered unless it was mentioned at the time of taking the policy out, second thoughts, they may not as it would have been present at birth, the only way to find out is to ring Pet Protect & ask !    

[Cob-Web]

I think it depends really on the size of the opening, as to whether it would merit an operation to correct it.

This is exactly what the vet said when he examined Molo at 10 weeks and found a small hernia.

He goes for his 6 month teenage checkup later this week, and I expect to be told that it has at least partially closed up; as I can no longer feel it.

As well as checking out your insurance; how about getting a second veterinary opinion to ensure that the vet has Daisys best interests at heart?

[Sue H]

Bramble had a small umbilical hernia which our Vet noticed when we took him for his first check up/second vacc.

The problem with claiming on the insurance (even if the breeder did not disclose this on the form) is that it was clearly a pre-existing condition, and, as such, should have been noted by the breeder, their Vet., and (supposedly) me as the owner when I accepted the puppy.

Bramble's hernia was not big enough to give much concern, but again was sufficient for us all to agree that he have it repaired at the same time he was castrated.  You live and learn, and as I get more experience, I know more things to look out for, but his Breeder should have (and possibly did) know about this condition, and yet said nothing, either to me or to PetPlan.

An awful lot of them are just in it for the money, and I am a firm believer in the school of thought that says that all Breeders should be constantly vetted for their environment, the way they socialise (or not!) their puppies and the Health Checks that they have done, and what recourse anyone has who finds that they have 'bought a pup'  !!!  

[Pammy]

as I get more experience, I know more things to look out for, but his Breeder should have (and possibly did) know about this condition, and yet said nothing, either to me or to PetPlan.

An awful lot of them are just in it for the money, and I am a firm believer in the school of thought that says that all Breeders should be constantly vetted for their environment, the way they socialise (or not!) their puppies and the Health Checks that they have done, and what recourse anyone has who finds that they have 'bought a pup'  !!!

Sue

that is a very sweeping statement. Hernias often just happen - they are not all pre-exisiting conditions and many many breeders breed for the love of the breed and nothing to do with money. It is therefore unfair to say that your breeder should have known and said something. How could they if they didn't know. If they did - then of course that's different and a responsible breeder would say something. However, this debate is not helpful to Mark.

Mark - have you had a chat with Daisy's breeder? If they are a reputable breeder, they would want to know that she has developed a hernia and will be able to offer their advice on what you should consider. Some hernias if left untreated can become life threatening and so to some degree you are reliant on your vet being open about the whole picture with you. I would also have another chat with the vet - don't be afraid to ask to see another one for a second opinion and make sure you get all the information you need to enable you to reach your decision.

hth

 

[Michele]

An awful lot of them are just in it for the money, and I am a firm believer in the school of thought that says that all Breeders should be constantly vetted for their environment, the way they socialise (or not!) their puppies and the Health Checks that they have done, and what recourse anyone has who finds that they have 'bought a pup'  !!!

Sorry to go off topic here, but I've just about had enough!!!

This is a real contradiction to your own personal experience Sue H, having looked back at a previous post of yours which can be read here you obviously didn't practice what you preach.
Part of your post was, and I quote...

When we thought of getting a companion for her, we trolled the Internet, and came up with a breeder in pretty much Exmoor who on paper sounded great. It was a 4 hour drive for us (we really wanted a tri or blue roan and tan) but this breeder's place was like a tip - the kennels were apart from the house and separated by a piece of ground that was like someone had overturned dustbins - can lids, old screwdrivers and general rubbish.... Needless to say, we took our little Bramble away from there, and he is a brilliant dog ....

These people purport to show and breed, and personally I wouldn't breed rats in their place ....If I was breeding/showing I would be mortified if anyone saw the state of the place - I could do it better here and, believe me, I wouldn't even try because I value the dogs too much ..!

Didn't alarm bells ring when you got to the place, or did you consider you were doing the puppy a favour. By buying from these sorts of people, we will never be rid of irresponsible breeders.

I don't dispute that there are an awful lot of bad breeders out there, but I don't think any of them are here on CockersOnline. I for one am sick and tired of your endless tirade about irresponsible breeders. Nearly every post you make has a reference in it.

I see you didn't make any comment on this post, which is more of a true refelction on the type of breeders who visit this forum.

Edited to add, this post has been made purely as a member and not as a moderator.

[cbabe]

I'm backing Michelle on this one - I'm sick of breeders getting a battering - when we do so much for our puppies and their new Family. We either vet to much or we don't vet enough - and as for the money issue this is really getting up my nose!!!! God i wish i did make money out of it - but the truth is i have just about broken even with most of my litters due to the amount i put into them!!!

A hernia could have happened at any time - to blame the breeder is jumping the gun!

I feel so angry for these breeders who are being slated before they have even had a chance to reply - or help- if it was me i would be mortified!

Why do people expect puppies to be 100% perfect - you wouldn't take a baby back because it had a hernia or had asthma! Get some perspective here!

Breeders normally do their best - but nature is fickle!


 

[Cob-Web]

Clare & Michele

I would like to say publically that previous comments I have made on other threads have been based on my personal experience of breeders I have contacted; and as far as I am aware have not included anyone on here.

My posts have been made as a new cocker owner, to share with breeders my experiences of looking for and buying a cocker puppy.

I have discovered that I was probably unlucky not to have spoken to some of the breeders who post, but that equally I would not 'meet the standards' of some breeders on here.

I have never personally criticised or judged individual decisons posted by breeders, but discussed the implications of these decisons from a different perspective.

I thought that was what a forum was all about?


BTW, in this case, I agree that to blame the breeder automatically is unfair, as we are not aware of all the facts.
 

[cbabe]

Anyone had any experience of dog hernias?
Daisy's vet says she has one and we should have it sewn up ASAP in case it traps the intestines.
 

Back to the subject

Your vet is right on this bit - a hernia is where the intestines pokes through the muscle lining in the tummy - just poking out will do little harm - but if it strangulates (twists round) it can stop the intestine from funtioning (blocking the way for food) and leading to potential rupture.

As to why he wants to do the op- i don;t know - maybe he is good at them??? Maybe he like your dog?

Clare x