If you’ve recently adopted a puppy, they’ll probably be needing a check-up with a veterinarian soon. These puppy health consultations are really important, not only to discuss vaccinations and parasite control but to make sure your pup is fit and well. But what if the veterinarian finds that your puppy has a hernia? What does it mean for your new fluffy bundle?
A hernia occurs when there is a hole in the muscle wall of the abdomen, through which a pouch or sack of abdominal contents can protrude. Depending on the size of the hole, the contents of the hernial sac will vary. If the hole is very small, only a small amount of abdominal fat may fit through. However, if the defect is large, portions of the guts or other organs may protrude.
Although puppies can get hernias in other places, the term ‘puppy hernia’ usually refers to an umbilical hernia. This is a hernia of their belly button, where their umbilical cord would have been attached in the womb. Hernias can be congenital, which means present from birth, or they can develop later, usually through trauma. But even though puppies can occasionally acquire hernias through trauma, a puppy hernia refers to a congenital umbilical hernia.
Have you noticed a strange bulge on your furry friend’s belly or groin area? Your dog might have a hernia, and you’re probably wondering if this is something serious or if your pup can live a normal life with this condition. The good news is that in many cases dogs can indeed live with hernias but there are important factors to consider.
As a dog owner myself, I understand the worry that comes with discovering any health issue in our four-legged companions Let’s dive into everything you need to know about hernias in dogs and what it means for your pet’s quality of life
What Exactly is a Hernia in Dogs?
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a tear or hole in the wall of a body cavity. In simple terms, it’s when something inside your dog’s body pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall, creating a visible bulge.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explains that hernias are classified based on their location in the body. They appear as swellings or lumps in different areas depending on the type of hernia.
Types of Hernias in Dogs
There are five main types of hernias that can affect dogs
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Umbilical Hernias – These occur around your dog’s belly button (umbilicus) and appear as a bulge on the stomach just under the rib cage. They’re the most common type and are always congenital (present at birth).
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Inguinal Hernias – These involve abdominal organs protruding through the inguinal canal in the groin area. You’ll notice a bulge where your dog’s hind leg meets their belly.
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Perineal Hernias – These involve a rupture in the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm, appearing as swelling around the anus. Older male dogs who haven’t been neutered are particularly susceptible.
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Diaphragmatic Hernias – These involve abdominal organs pushing through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. You won’t see external bulges with these, but they can cause breathing problems.
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Hiatal Hernias – These occur at the natural opening where the esophagus and stomach meet. Like diaphragmatic hernias, they don’t usually create visible external bulges.
Can a Dog Live with a Hernia?
The short answer is yes, many dogs can live with a hernia, especially if it’s small and uncomplicated. However, the answer really depends on several factors:
Factors Affecting a Dog’s Life with a Hernia:
- Type of hernia – Some hernias are more serious than others
- Size of the hernia – Larger hernias typically pose greater risks
- Age of the dog – Older dogs may face different challenges
- Overall health – Dogs with other health issues may struggle more
- Whether vital organs are involved – This can create emergency situations
According to veterinary experts, many dog hernia cases are reducible (can be pushed back into place) and can be managed without surgical intervention, particularly if caught early.
When Hernias Become Dangerous
While many hernias are manageable, there are situations where they can become life-threatening:
- If an organ becomes strangulated (loses blood supply) within the hernia
- If there’s an intestinal blockage, particularly with perineal hernias in older male dogs
- When the bladder or uterus gets trapped in an inguinal hernia
- With diaphragmatic hernias that cause severe respiratory problems
- When abdominal hernias grow large enough to touch the ground, causing friction and irritation
Signs Your Dog’s Hernia Needs Immediate Attention
Watch for these warning signs that indicate your dog’s hernia has become an emergency:
- Vomiting (especially high fluid volume)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing
- Pain when the hernia area is touched
- Severe swelling, redness, or discoloration around the hernia
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately!
How Are Hernias in Dogs Diagnosed?
Vets diagnose hernias through:
- Physical examination
- Palpation of the affected area
- Imaging (X-rays, sometimes using contrast dye)
Treatment Options for Dogs with Hernias
Non-Surgical Management
For small, reducible hernias, your vet might recommend:
- Monitoring the hernia closely
- Medications to help manage symptoms
- Dietary adjustments
- Activity restrictions
Surgical Intervention
Surgery is often recommended for:
- Larger hernias
- Non-reducible hernias
- Hernias involving vital organs
- Hernias causing significant symptoms
According to Dr. Klein, “Surgical correction and reduction of most hernias are recommended to prevent further complications. Some small umbilical hernias may be able to be manually reduced until a time when surgical reduction of the hernia is performed.”
The average cost of hernia surgery and treatment is around $1,600, though prices can range from $700 to $2,500 depending on the complexity.
Recovery After Hernia Surgery
If your dog does need surgery, here’s what to expect during recovery:
- Typical healing time is 10-14 days
- Restricted activity during recovery
- Possible need for a cone to prevent licking at stitches
- Smaller, more frequent meals may be recommended
- Medications should be given exactly as prescribed
Special Considerations for Senior Dogs with Hernias
Older dogs are more susceptible to certain types of hernias, particularly inguinal and perineal hernias. Special care should be taken with senior dogs who develop hernias:
- Early diagnosis is especially important
- Surgery risks may need to be carefully weighed against benefits
- Recovery may take longer than in younger dogs
- Monitoring for complications should be more vigilant
Preventing Hernias in Dogs
While you can’t prevent congenital hernias, you can reduce your dog’s risk of developing traumatic hernias by:
- Spaying or neutering your dog (especially important for preventing perineal hernias in males)
- Keeping your dog at a healthy weight
- Preventing constipation through proper diet
- Supervising your dog to avoid injuries
- Teaching good leash manners to prevent accidents
- Providing a nutritious diet appropriate for your dog’s age and breed
Real Dog Owner Experience
My neighbor’s 8-year-old Labrador, Max, developed an inguinal hernia last year. They noticed a small bulge where his back leg met his belly. Their vet recommended surgery since the hernia was getting larger over time. Max underwent the procedure, spent about two weeks in recovery, and is now back to his normal, energetic self with no complications.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
You should contact your vet immediately if:
- You notice a new lump or bulge on your dog
- An existing hernia becomes larger or changes in appearance
- Your dog shows any signs of pain or discomfort
- Your dog exhibits any of the emergency symptoms listed above
Final Thoughts
Can a dog live with a hernia? In many cases, yes! But it’s important to have any hernia evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Many hernias are manageable or treatable, and with proper care, your dog can continue to live a happy, healthy life.
Remember that early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcomes, so don’t delay in getting veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has developed a hernia. Your furry friend is counting on you to make the right decisions for their health and wellbeing!
Have you ever dealt with a hernia in your dog? What was your experience like? Feel free to share in the comments below to help other pet parents navigating this issue.
Can a puppy hernia affect your dog’s health?
Puppy hernias can vary in size and be classified as either reducible or non-reducible. A reducible hernia is where the pouch contents can be replaced into the abdomen, through the hole. A non-reducible hernia is when the hole is too small to allow the herniated tissue back into the abdomen.
A hernia becomes a health risk to your dog if the hole is too small and restricts the blood flow to the hernial sac. This is called a strangulated hernia, and it can cause the tissue within the hernial sac to die. It can be very painful, but it can also be life-threatening, especially if organs are involved in the hernia. Therefore, a small, reducible hernia is less risk than a larger or non-reducible hernia, but, over time, the hernia can gradually become smaller. So, strangulation is a risk at any age.
What other types of hernias can dogs get?
Aside from umbilical hernias, dogs can also get hernias in other locations. An acquired traumatic hernia can occur anywhere where the abdominal wall becomes damaged, but other specific hernia locations include:
Where the abdominal and leg muscles meet in the groin, there is a small opening that allows some nerves, blood vessels, and — in male dogs — the spermatic cord to pass through. This opening is called the inguinal ring and is formed of two layers. If the hole is too large, abdominal fat or organs like the bladder or intestine can pass through.
A hernia of the diaphragm, the muscular barrier that separates the chest from the abdomen, can be congenital or due to trauma. A large diaphragmatic hernia or rupture can cause organs like the intestines to pass through the diaphragm, restricting the lungs. If there is a small hernia around the point where the esophagus enters the abdomen, this is called a hiatal hernia, and it’s not uncommon for part of the stomach to slip through into the chest cavity.
A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the rectum and other organs in the pelvis become weakened. This can lead to the protrusion of a hernia on either side of a dog’s bottom. Sometimes the hernia contains part of the rectum or bladder and causes problems with passing urine or feces. This usually happens later in life and is more common in unneutered males.
My puppy has a hernia! What should I do? | Sweetie Pie Pets by Kelly Swift
FAQ
Can dogs get hernias?
Dogs can get hernias, just like people. And, just like people, dogs can be treated for their hernias and live normal lives with them. These hernias can occur in various parts of a dog’s body.
Can a dog live a normal life if it has a hernia?
Even if a dog has a hernia and requires immediate attention, it can live a normal, happy life despite the hernia! If a dog has a hernia, it can be treated, but it can also be life-threatening, painful, and lead to many complications if left untreated.
Can a senior dog have a hernia?
Older dogs are more susceptible to certain forms of hernias such as inguinal and perineal. Sometimes these hernias can be treated without surgical intervention and sometimes surgery is required… If you suspect your senior dog has a hernia, early treatment is important to limiting its effect on your dog’s overall health.
Can a dog recover from a hernia?
In addition to that, the vet might prescribe medications to help your dog recover. For instance, with hiatal hernias, oral antacids can reduce vomiting, and antibiotics are often used for cases with pneumonia complications. The good news is that many dog hernia cases are reducible. Just keep in mind that early diagnosis is key. Dog Hernia Surgery…
Does my dog’s hernia require surgery?
Your vet can take care of a dog’s hernia with either open or laparoscopic surgery. In some cases, your dog won’t even need surgery. The first priority when seeking treatment for a dog with a hernia is to see a vet immediately for evaluation and medical help. Most importantly, do not ignore a hernia.
Can a bulldog have a hernia?
Umbilical hernias can occur in any breed, while hiatal hernias are most common in Bulldogs and Shar Pei dogs. Perineal and inguinal hernias tend to occur in older dogs. Perineal hernias primarily affect intact males; they are associated with excessive straining due to an enlarged prostate gland.
How long can a dog go with a hernia?
What happens if a dog’s hernia goes untreated?
What happens if you don’t fix a dog’s hernia? Without treatment, a hernia has the potential to strangle the trapped organ or tissue and cut off the flow of blood, resulting in organ or tissue damage.
How do you treat a hernia without surgery?
While surgery is the only definitive treatment to repair the tear in the muscle or tissue, a hernia can be managed without surgery using supportive undergarments like a hernia truss or binder to hold the organ in place and temporarily relieve symptoms. Other non-surgical strategies include avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy weight, and for hiatal hernias, making dietary changes and elevating the head of your bed. Some conditions like sports hernias may benefit from manual therapies, including joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and corrective exercises.
How to help a dog with a hernia?