umbilical hernia infection or unknown issue

I have a 2-year-old long-hair chihuahua who has an "outie" belly button and today when I picked him up I felt what looked like dried poo stuck to his belly button, but while washing his belly I see what I can only describe as though somehow he had a somewhat dried umbilical cord similar to an infant child.  After google searching, I discover his "outie" is an umbilical hernia. (it used to be a round little dime-sized "ball" with no unusual coloring etc.) The photos were taken about an hour after washing.  I have added some antibiotic cream to the area, and he mildly flinched when the cream was being applied, but while washing, etc. he did not show any signs of pain or discomfort and he still does not show any signs of pain or discomfort. If anyone has any insight as to what is happening here and if I should immediately take him to a veterinarian or if surgery would be likely I would appreciate any info.  Thank you.

Hello!  This does, as you say, look like an umbilical hernia.  Perhaps it's an infection that has made it break out like that.  Maybe it's just been licked a lot when no-one was looking?  Licking is usually a sign that a dog is in pain and something they do to self-soothe.  It can sometimes make rather a mess of the surrounding skin when done repeatedly. Your emergency vet should triage this situation for you now.   Triage is the act of deciding how urgent a case is and how soon it needs to be seen.

To be clear, possibilities may include infected cord (infection can track up to the inside?), hernia (your vet stands the best chance of telling you where that swollen lump is coming from), one causing the other, an abscess, or perhaps some form of growth.  It does look to need attention;  licking may be causing damage and indicated that pain releif may be needed.

Hernias can break out or infection can work its way deep, resulting in peritonitis, which is why its a good idea to talk it over with your emergency vet tonight.

Thank you for your responses.  I will get my little man to the vet asap.