breathing problems

Pit bull puppy born with umbilical hernia seems to have some weird breathing habits, almost like he is gasping for several breathes at once then breathes normal for awhile again, then the cycle begins again. what could this be?

Could it be associated with the hernia or is it nothing? puppy is 11 weeks old.




Hi
Young puppies can breathe a little erratically, but usually it's noticeable when they're sleeping, not when they're awake.

The sort of pattern you mention I wouldn't consider to be normal at this age and I'd recommend that you discuss this with your vet. I'm assuming that your pup has had routine checkups, puppy shots, deworming etc., so that if there is a health issue it is something that's show up fairly recently.

Small umbilical hernias aren't really 'hernias', but are often called 'incomplete closures'. They're simply an area where the abdominal muscle walls haven't 'meshed' properly. True hernias often involve weakness in the chest walls too, and I wonder if it's possible that there is more to this hernia than is apparent. Again, your vet would be able to tell you.

It could just be that your pup is stressed, anxious or nervous, and his breathing reflects that, but it's much better to be safe than sorry, so do get him to a vet asap.

Best of luck.