Hearing that your dog has a hernia can be concerning, but the good news is that many hernias can be successfully repaired with surgery. While some hernias are present from birth, others develop later in life due to injury, aging, or weakened muscles. Left untreated, certain hernias can become painful or even life-threatening if organs or tissue become trapped.
At Animal Works, we provide surgically repair inguinal, perineal, and umbilical hernias. Our veterinary team will evaluate your pet and recommend the best surgical plan based on their individual condition.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when tissue, fat, or even part of an organ pushes through a weakness or opening in the muscle or body wall where it doesn’t belong. Hernias often appear as a soft swelling or bulge beneath the skin, although not every hernia is immediately visible.
Some hernias remain small and cause few problems, while others can enlarge over time or trap tissue, creating a medical emergency. Surgical repair restores the strength of the body wall and helps prevent further complications.
Types of Hernias We Repair
Inguinal Hernias
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin area, where abdominal tissue pushes through a weakened section of the abdominal wall.
Some inguinal hernias contain only fat, while others may allow portions of the intestine, bladder, or other abdominal organs to move into the hernia. Because these organs can become trapped, inguinal hernias often require surgical repair.
Signs may include:
- A soft swelling in the groin
- Discomfort when walking or moving
- Difficulty urinating or defecating in severe cases
- Sudden pain or swelling if tissue becomes trapped
Prompt evaluation is important to determine whether surgery is recommended.
Perineal Hernias
Perineal hernias occur beside the rectum when the muscles supporting the pelvic area weaken. They are most commonly seen in older, intact male dogs, although they can occur in other pets as well.
As the muscles weaken, fat, the rectum, bladder, or other abdominal contents may shift into the opening, creating swelling next to the anus.
Common signs include:
- Swelling beside the rectum
- Straining to pass stool
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating in some cases
Perineal hernias typically require surgical repair to restore the pelvic muscles and improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias develop near the belly button and are often present from birth. They occur when the opening where the umbilical cord passed through the abdominal wall doesn’t completely close.
Many small umbilical hernias contain only fat and may remain stable throughout life. Larger hernias, however, may allow abdominal organs to protrude through the opening, making surgical repair the safest option.
In many cases, an umbilical hernia can be repaired during another planned surgical procedure, such as a spay or neuter.
Recovery After Hernia Surgery
Most dogs recover well following hernia repair when activity is restricted during the healing period.
After surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions on caring for your pet, including:
- Restricting running, jumping, and rough play
- Keeping the incision clean and dry
- Preventing licking or chewing with an Elizabethan collar (cone)
Carefully following your post-operative instructions helps ensure the best possible outcome and reduces the risk of complications.
When Should You Have a Hernia Evaluated?
Not every hernia is an emergency, but every hernia should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Early diagnosis allows us to determine whether monitoring or surgical repair is the best option before complications develop.
If you notice a lump or swelling on your dog’s abdomen, groin, or around the rectal area, it’s important to schedule an examination.
We’re Here to Help
At Animal Works, we provide surgical repair for inguinal, perineal, and umbilical hernias, including staged repair for bilateral hernias when appropriate. Our team will evaluate your pet, discuss your surgical options, and create a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a hernia or you’ve noticed a suspicious swelling, contact Animal Works today to schedule a surgical consultation. Early treatment can help prevent complications and get your pet back to living a comfortable, active life.