Should I worry about my Aussie getting a hereditary abdominal hernia?

Question

The 2 yr old sire of my purebred 6 month Australian Shepherd just passed away due to a herniated abdominal wall. I've found info on hereditary potential for umbilical hernias, but not abdominal ones. Should I be worried? Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 35 lbs

Julie Settlage, DVM, DACVS-LA, CVA · Accepted Answer

Thank you for using Pet Coach! You are correct that there is some thought that umbilical hernia’s have a genetic component. However, other types of abdominal hernias may be acquired- usually by some sort of trauma. Other types of hernias include inguinal hernias (male dogs only)- these may also have a genetic component if the dog was born with it. If it was acquired later in life - it is usually secondary to some sort of trauma. Since the sire died from a hernia at 2years of age, my guess is that it is not related to genetics.

Should I worry about my Aussie getting a hereditary abdominal hernia?

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