TOA
PAYOH VETS
Hernias - examine the lower body carefully. Pet shop owners and breeders should disclose the presence of hernias to avoid misunderstandings, litigation and return after purchase
Many buyers do not examine thoroughly the lower part of the body and may think that swellings in the belly or groin area are normal. They are not. One such swelling seen in puppies is a hernia. This is uncommon but the unfortunate new puppy owner sometimes resent being sold a non perfect puppy.
CONGENITAL DISEASES - HERNIAS
INSPECT THE LOWER PART OF THE BODY.
Hold up the puppy under the armpits. Inspect the belly and groin areas for any swelling beneath the skin. A hernia is a hole in the muscle layers permitting abdominal fat, intestines and bladder to flow from the abdomen to under the skin. It can be very painful and life-threatening to the dog if it is large.
UMBILICAL HERNIAS. A swelling is seen under the belly.
INGUINAL HERNIAS. If you see two swellings around the groin area, they are left and right inguinal hernias (see pictures below).
ADVICE FOR BUYERS.
Do not buy the puppy with hernias, but some puppies are just too attractive to let go. Small ones (less than 1 cm in diameter) usually do not cause a problem. Some Sellers may agree to pay for the hernia surgery. It is up to you to negotiate.
Hernias over 1 cm may enlarge later. You will need to spend money on veterinary surgery.
ADVICE FOR BREEDERS.
If you wish to be a breeder, do not buy puppies or adults with hernias.
If your vet repairs the hernia at the age of 6 - 8 weeks of age, the puppy will still command a premium selling price when the wound has healed 14 days after surgery.
You and your vet have to take the risk that the puppy may die on the operating table. Puppies over 12 weeks of age are safer to anaesthesized. The puppy should not be kept for breeding after surgery if you want to upgrade your breeding stock.
It is not possible to describe various congenital disease. It is best that you get your Vet to examine the puppy after purchase as most Sellers will take back the puppy within 1-3 days (see Sales Contract) if it fails the veterinary inspection.
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