So when Gizmo went to his first vet appointment, back in 2012 at 8 weeks old in SC, the veterinarian pointed out his umbilical hernia, which at that time was smaller than a dime.  She suggested we get him surgery to close it up at the same time that we got him neutered.  Well, my sweet wonderful husband didn't have the heart to get him fixed right away, and by the time his next vet appointment came around, the veterinarian said that the hernia had closed up, trapping a bit of fat on the outside of his body.  She said she was no longer worried about it because when she pushed on it, it did not travel into his body and for that reason she was convinced that the hole had closed. 

So now, at 2 years old, he looks like he has a little outie belly button.  It's never changed size, only stretched a bit as he's grown.  And now that I finally have my husband on board to get Gizmo neutered, this new vet office says they need to fix his hernia as well.  The veterinarian there said it's not closed, but she didn't have an explanation as to why she thought this.  It definitely feels the same, the same bit of fat trapped in a little bubble, but she said it's there and it needs to be surgically repaired while he is neutered. 

If that is the case, then I absolutely agree that it should be done at the same time.  I don't want to put him under anesthesia more than once, if I can help it.  But I'm not totally convinced that the hernia surgery is necessary (and they've also quoted the hernia surgery at $600!).

Anyone have any experience or opinions on this type of situation?