@tanza:
By the way, 80% of Basenjis have umbilica herinas… and there is NO emergency to get them fixed as 99% of the time they never cause problems. We show with them, we course with them, even the bitches have puppies with umbilica hernias... Your Vet is totally off base... that that he/she is the first... happens all the time.
Also there is a Basenji breeder, who is a Vet (Tracy Leonard) in Beavercreek, Oh... maybe she could give you a referral?
Our Basenji also had an umbilica hernia when he was little. Our Vet told us to just keep an eye on it but said it was pretty common. The umbilica hernia our basenji had took care of itself and the dog is completely healthy.
Like Tanza has said your Vet is off base and you are doing the right thing by seeking another Vet. We chose to use a Vet that specializes in sports medicine for dogs. I would follow the advice you have received and get a referral from a breeder or contact your local AKC club and find out if there are any other Basenji owners in that club and ask them who they use for a Vet. They should be very willing to help you.
Jason
