Umbilical hernias

This article will answer some of your questions:

Hernias: Umbilical - Inguinal & Diaphragmatic
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1571&articleid=442

I gave my usual answer here so I'll be lazy and link you LOL...

THREAD ABOUT HERNIAS

Thank you to both of you!  Very helpful information.

I'm still really jumpy about it and am waiting to hear back from the breeder for more information.  I love the markings on the puppy in question, but wonder if I'd be better off waiting for one without "issues."  I'll only do agility, not conformation, so that won't matter to me.

I found out that one of the dogs we do agility with has a hernia, so I also plan on talking to his owner about this.

Once it's repaired the risk is gone. I'd figure neutering/spaying was on the docket anyhow and if it's done then there should really be no issues. Afterwards it'd be the same as using a bitch that'd been spayed as far as an abdominal repair/surgery site on an active dog.

 My dog had an umbilical hernia.  The Vet took care of it when she was spayed.  It wasn't a large hernia and I probably could have left it alone but I didn't want to take any chances of anything happening later in her life.  She's fine.

I say....get your puppy!  

Thanks for your personal experience!!  Would you happen to have any before/after pictures of your dog's hernia/repair?  I'm curious to see what it looks like.

 You're welcome!   I don't have any before pictures and as for after...there's nothing to see.  The hernia was just a small  lump where her umbilical cord was (as I recall) and now you can't even tell it was ever there.  She doesn't even have a scar.  She's 3 years old now; which means I'm 3 years older so my memory isn't that great.    You could probably find pictures of what one looks like on the internet.  Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
 

 I did working trials years ago with a dog that was born with a hernia. He never had any issues at all.