If you don't want her spayed, I wouldn't spay her, just fix the hernia. Yes, they "can" be hereditary, who knows if that is the case here...I wouldn't throw a bitch out of a breeding program because of it. Kathy, member GSDCA, DVGSDC Celebrating generations of Dual Titled TC'd Champions visit www.geocities.com/pinehillgsds In a message dated 3/4/2009 7:47:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, DPiagentin@xxxxxxx writes: Umbilical hernia's can appear as the puppy grows and get heavier, doen't sound like it is too big, I would fix the hernia when the pup is spayed, and the spay should not be before 6 mos. of age. The pup should not undergo anesthesia, twice at such a young age. This vet may want to spay the pup now when he fixes the hernia. Would not do this. Diane P In a message dated 3/3/2009 9:18:20 PM Central Standard Time, gina@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Ok guys... co-owner just called to say her 4 1/2 month old female puppy has an umbilical hernia. Weird... I didn't see a hernia on any of the puppies and the whole litter was vet checked at 7 weeks.. She said she didn't notice it until a few days ago. Anyway, the hernia still isn't closed. I've never had one that didn't close by now... do you guys think it will close on it's own? Her vet wants to repair it immediately. Would you guys just spay and fix it during the spay? This was also a pick puppy that's still looking real nice.... go figure! Thanks in advance, Gina ROYAL T SHEPHERDS Home of GV Ch. Ossipee Ceasar v Clover Acre CD ROM, ROMC Select Ch. Deb-Mar's Pandora, & sister Ch. Deb-Mar's Phoenix & many champions _www.debmarsgermanshepherds.com_ (http://www.debmarsgermanshepherds.com/) Home of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Ch. Canterbury's Susie Q ofa good & Ch. Kavalor Baxter CGC hips OVC certified: _www.debmarscavalierkingcharlesspaniels.com_ (http://www.debmarscavalierkingcharlesspaniels.com/) **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1219957551x1201325337/aol?redir=http: %2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================ **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1219957551x1201325337/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================