Hi! I was hoping to get some information and advice here -- we recently bought a Bullmastiff puppy, the breeder told us that he had a "large umbilical hernia" that would need surgery when he was neutered and they gave us a sizeable discount to cover the cost of the surgery, along with a stipulation that he was to be neutered. The breeder gave us his vet record, which also mentioned that he had "very mild suture lines in the left eye." We brought him home three weeks ago, he's now 12 weeks old, and we absolutely love him dearly. He is the sweetest, smartest, happiest little puppy we've ever had, he's eating well and growing like a weed. Our two older female Bullmastiffs absolutely ADORE him, and we are all just head over heels in love with him. We brought him to our veterinary clinic within days after we got him, and the vet there told us that we could have the hernia repaired when he is neutered at six months old. However, she also noted that his testicles had not descended, but said not to worry, they could still come down, but so far there is no sign of them at 12 weeks. She asked me what the previous vet record meant by "suture lines" in his eyes, as she had no idea what they were, so I had to explain to her what I found on Google (I had Googled "suture lines" and found a site that said breeders have puppy eye exams as a precaution, and mild suture lines are perfectly normal and should clear up as he gets older) and she just said "oh, okay."
After I learned he was cryptorchid of course I consulted Dr. Google yet again, and found several sites that said puppies with umbilical hernias are often cryptorchid, and also may have other associated problems, such as "luxated patella," but mostly that occurs in small dogs. So now I have several concerns. He is due back at the vets next week and I plan to address all my concerns, but just wanted to make sure I have all my facts straight before I talk to her.
First of all -- if his testicles don't descend, will it be safe to have the cryptorchid surgery to remove them along with the umbilical hernia surgery at the same time? Also, my main concern right now is that his umbilical hernia is quite large -- it measures a good two inches from end to end, and bulges out a good inch when he stretches or strains. The vet said "oh that's just fat" but I'm really worried about it -- should we be careful picking him up? I check it every night when he is sleeping and when I roll him on his back, it goes right back in. Is it really okay to wait until he's neutered to repair such a large hernia? Also, is it safe to wait until he's six months old to neuter him if his testicles haven't descended? I've seen Bullmastiff puppies with six month testicles before and they can be quite large. Also, should I have them check his knees out for luxating patellas? Is there a way to tell at this age if his knees are or will have problems? And what about the suture lines in his eyes? And is there anything else I should be worrying about? I just want to be prepared, and make sure we do everything right and don't miss anything.
Anyway -- I would really appreciate any input from anyone who has been through this or some of these things before, rather than relying on Google for my information! thanks!
After I learned he was cryptorchid of course I consulted Dr. Google yet again, and found several sites that said puppies with umbilical hernias are often cryptorchid, and also may have other associated problems, such as "luxated patella," but mostly that occurs in small dogs. So now I have several concerns. He is due back at the vets next week and I plan to address all my concerns, but just wanted to make sure I have all my facts straight before I talk to her.
First of all -- if his testicles don't descend, will it be safe to have the cryptorchid surgery to remove them along with the umbilical hernia surgery at the same time? Also, my main concern right now is that his umbilical hernia is quite large -- it measures a good two inches from end to end, and bulges out a good inch when he stretches or strains. The vet said "oh that's just fat" but I'm really worried about it -- should we be careful picking him up? I check it every night when he is sleeping and when I roll him on his back, it goes right back in. Is it really okay to wait until he's neutered to repair such a large hernia? Also, is it safe to wait until he's six months old to neuter him if his testicles haven't descended? I've seen Bullmastiff puppies with six month testicles before and they can be quite large. Also, should I have them check his knees out for luxating patellas? Is there a way to tell at this age if his knees are or will have problems? And what about the suture lines in his eyes? And is there anything else I should be worrying about? I just want to be prepared, and make sure we do everything right and don't miss anything.
Anyway -- I would really appreciate any input from anyone who has been through this or some of these things before, rather than relying on Google for my information! thanks!
