Whats on my puppies stomach?

by Mandy F.
(Platte City, MO, U.S.)

About a week or two ago we found a puppy on the side of the highway laying in the snow. We later figured out that she was a girl. For the first two days she was really quiet and didn't go to the restroom for a while.

We thought she was sick but then after the second day she was playing with us and the other dogs. She is very used to us now. But when we first got her i had noticed that she has a bump about the size of a penny in the middle of her stomach. It looks like the spot where the umbilical cord was.

I did some research and it looks like an umbilical hernia. And it says that its harmless and the doctors will take care of it when i take it in for shots. But I am not certain as to what it is. I can't take her in to the vet right now for check-ups as i am low in money. But in about a month I will get her checked. But i can't wait that long, but any information on to what you think it is would be helpful, and information on how it works. As in, Is it harmful? Does she need surgery? or If I absolutely need to get it fixed.

Thank you for your help,
Mandy Fleming







Hi Mandy
It certainly sounds as though what you can see on your puppys' tummy is a hernia. A true 'hernia' often involves more than the abdominal wall, and can be serious. However, the most common 'hernia' is simply a small 'hole' where the abdominal muscles have failed to knit together properly. This is often called an 'incomplete closure'.

If a puppy is born with this, or it appears shortly after birth, it may heal up on it's own as the puppy grows. If it appears later on it is unlikely to do so.

In most cases, these 'hernia' don't pose any great risk to the pup. But it is possible that the intestine (which 'pokes' through the 'hole' and forms the lump you notice) could get trapped between the muscles. If this happens, blood supply to that part of the organ is cut off and it needs emergency treatment. In this situation your puppy would be in pain and show signs of distress such as panting, whining, pacing, possibly vomiting etc. The lump would also be firm/rigid and you wouldn't be able to push it back through as you normally can.

Other than this, most hernias like this are not dangerous, however most veterinarians' will recommend having it repaired. This is a very simple surgical procedure, it can be done at the same time you have her spayed without much extra effort or cost. Until then just watch her for signs of pain or distress.

As she was a stray puppy and likely has not had any vaccinations she is at risk of getting sick. There are some very serious contagious illnesses that puppies are susceptible to. I would strongly recommend that you take her to the veterinarians' office just as soon as you possibly can.

Hope this puts your mind at rest. Best of luck with your pup.