Have you noticed a weird bubble-like mass on your dog’s stomach? Were you told that your puppy had an umbilical hernia and it needed to be fixed? Just like people, dogs can get hernias too (cats are less likely to have hernias, but it can happen). At Animal Works, we can help fix hernias!
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a tear in the muscle wall that allows the internal organs or fatty tissue to slip through. There are 5 types of hernias:
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- Umbilical – this is the most common type of hernia and is congenital (occurring at birth). When the umbilical ring fails to close after birth, a small hole allows abdominal fat or the intestines to slip through the muscle.
- Inguinal – occurs near the groin where your dog’s hind leg meets the body. A tear in the muscle caused by either an injury or pregnancy can allow the bladder to slip through the muscle wall.
- Diaphragmatic – a hole in the diaphragm can allow internal organs to enter the chest cavity. These can either be congenital or caused by an injury.
- Perineal – a muscle tear in the pelvis can cause organs in the abdomen to move lower. This type of hernia is common in unneutered male dogs.
- Hiatal – occurs when part of the stomach moves through the opening of the diaphragm where the esophagus meets the stomach. This can be caused by injury or is congenital.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Drooling
- Swelling at the site of the hernia
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment
It is important to get the hernia checked out by your veterinarian, no matter how small it is, as some can be life-threatening. If your pet requires surgery, the veterinarian will move the organs back into place and repair the hole. Afterward, your pet will need to be kept calm for a few days to allow the site to heal. Getting your pet spayed or neutered will also be recommended to ensure the hernia will not come back, depending on the type of hernia.
If your pet has a hernia that needs to be repaired, contact us, and we’ll have your pet back to normal in no time!