As the tissue dies, the affected area turns into an abscess and many different harmful metabolic waste products are flushed throughout the animal s body. Without treatment, the animal will usually die within 24 to 48 hours. As an owner, do not take a hernia in your pet lightly. In many cases, they are disasters just waiting to happen. Do not buy a puppy that has a hernia unless you have a veterinarian examine it so you will understand what treatment is necessary and the potential cost.
Some hernias found in young dogs can wait for repair until the time they are spayed or neutered .
In older dogs, we generally repair a hernia as soon as possible once they are discovered. This often requires the use of specialized techniques and long-lasting suture material. The disorder is passed from generation to generation just like the color of the coat or the animal s overall size. Very, very rarely are they caused by trauma or excessive pressures during whelping . Animals that have a hernia or had a surgical repair of a hernia should never be used for breeding.