Umbilical Hernia – I can usually tell by 8 to 10 weeks of age if one of my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies is going to have a little hernia. Umbilical hernias are thought to be caused by chewing/cutting the umbilical cord too short by the dam or the cord being under stress or
unusually short at delivery. There are many disagreeing studies that they may or may not be hereditary.

While the mode of inheritance is unknown, but regardless this is minor and not a health issue. It is kind of like having an “outie” bellybutton.
What actually is a umbilical hernia? If the umbilical ring does not close immediately after birth sometimes a little fatty tissue is trapped on the outside of the abdomen after the ring closes causing a bubble-like area where the umbilical cord was attached. If the bubble cannot be pushed
back up into the abdomen it is called a non-reducible hernia. If the bubble can be pushed back up into the abdomen, then it is called a reducible hernia. Some puppy families opt to never do a thing about them, while others opt to fix them during spay/neuter. They are very common in small breed dogs of all breeds. A companion pet owner
need not be alarmed if their new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy does have an umbilical hernia.

Inguinal Hernia – This is the condition which is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes.

Different from the Umbilical Hernia, an Inguinal Hernia should be fixed sooner than when you spay/neuter because you have the added risk of their intestines or organs starting to poke through the hole. If it is apparent before they are sent home, I will have this repaired for you.