An umbilical hernia is a gap in the muscle in the abdominal cavity with protrusion of some of the intestines. Some of the smaller ones may be out grown without treatment, so that could be why your friend was holding off on the spay. Otherwise, they are easily repaired the same time as the spay is done.
There is a risk of leaving an umbilical hernia unrepaired, including strangulation of the protruding intestines. There is a increased risk of strangulation if the dog becomes pregnant with a non-repaired hernia. The extra pressure on the abdominal cavity can "push" more of the intestine through the opening and cut off the circulation. Strangulation is a surgical emergency.
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