Bulge on side of stomach - hernia?

Today for the first time I noticed a bulge near Bella's rear leg on her stomach. I was with my friend at the time who is nurse and she said its probably a hernia and not a huge deal, etc. I am going to take her to the vet to find out for sure and treat it but I was wondering if anyone experienced this with thier dog? If so, what causes it? It is something to be concerned with? What are the treatment options? I like to be knowledgeable when going into the vet. Any feedback is appreciated!!

People correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought a hernia is from the umbilical cord being snipped or tied wrong not on the side of the stomach.

I'd take Bella to the vet to get it checked out asap.

An umbilical hernia is at the bellybutton.
An inguinal hernia is lower and in the inguinal cavity.

we went to the vet first thing this morning and its not a hernia. The vet thinks its an absess - possibly from her spay that was done in January - she thinks the dissolvable suttures may have caused it. She will be on antibiotics and hopefully it will go away. If not, we will have to bring her back to be re-evaluated.

Hope she is well soon...

Ouch ! hope this problem gets fixed soon for your little one and that she is not in any pain :hug:

Good thing you got her to the vet striaght away.

Hope Bella gets well soon.

-Good thing you got her to the Vet's in a hurry!