An organ or piece of tissue protruding through a muscle or other opening is known as a dog hernia. Find out how to spot your dog’s hernia symptoms.
Hernias in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons; some are quite common, such as the dog umbilical hernia, while others are quite uncommon, such as the peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). Check out my list of the top 10 frequently asked questions about dog hernias to learn more about hernias in dogs.
When an organ or tissue protrudes through an irregular opening in the abdominal wall, a muscle, or another part of the body, it is known as a dog hernia. Hernias can happen in other parts of the body besides the abdomen, where they frequently occur.
Since many hernia types are congenital, your dog likely has one from birth. His hernia may have come from either his mother or father, or both. Hernias can also result from traumatic injuries, like being struck by a car.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian has a variety of tools at his disposal to determine whether or not you are correct if you believe your dog has developed a hernia. Typically, during a physical examination, umbilical and inguinal hernias can be identified by palpating, or lightly pressing the abdomen or groin. To confirm the condition’s progression and determine whether any vital organs, such as the intestines or other abdominal organs, are protruding through the herniated portion of the muscle or fascia, additional imaging may be required. Imaging tests like x-rays and ultrasound will be necessary for hernias that open into the chest cavity, like the diaphragmatic or hiatal, in order to determine whether and how much the hernia has displaced the organs in those spaces.
Surgery is necessary for all hernias to restore the muscle wall that has been torn. Your veterinarian will replace the abdomen’s contents and fix the problem during surgery to ensure that the organs continue to develop as they should going forward. Depending on the extent of the tear, whether organ damage resulted from the herniation, and your dog’s general health, the surgery may be difficult.
You must deprive your dog of food at least 12 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of nausea brought on by some anesthetic premedication drugs.
While some hernias, like perineal hernias, may not necessitate abdominal exploration, other repairs, like diaphragmatic or hiatal, are much more difficult and involve both the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The steps involved in a hernia repair will typically look something like this:
Hernia repair surgery can be quite expensive due to the extent of the procedure, and the exact cost will vary depending on the location of the hernia and the cost of living in your area. Hernia repair costs typically range from $700 for less complicated and common cases to $2,500 for more complicated cases. A canine hernia repair typically costs around $1,600, which covers the diagnosis, procedure, and post-operative care.
Hernia surgery may save lives and have long-term advantages. After a repair, there is little chance that the same area will experience another hernia.
Signs & Symptoms of Hernias in Dogs
However, depending on where and how severe the hernia is, there are different signs of a hernia that you can look out for in your dog. You may occasionally feel a protruding, soft, and bubble-like mass in the area of the belly button or groin if you have a small, uncomplicated hernia. There may be warning signs as the hernia grows and more critical organs are put at risk, such as:
Can a Dog Hernia Heal Itself?
If an inguinal hernia in a puppy is not causing any problems for the puppy, it may resolve on its own over time. However, some hernias do not heal on their own and, if untreated, can be dangerous. Always ask your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to treat a hernia if your dog has one.
FAQ
What happens if hernia is not treated in dogs?
Most umbilical hernias pose no health threats. A portion of the intestines or other tissues may occasionally become trapped and strangulated. A portion of the intestines or other tissues may occasionally become trapped and strangulated, which kills the tissue by cutting off its blood supply.
How serious is a hernia in a dog?
You should see the vet if you believe your dog has a hernia. Hernias can become a potentially fatal situation if the organs piercing the muscle become strangled and lose blood flow.
Can a dog live a normal life with a hernia?
Hernias are relatively common in puppies. Despite the fact that some do cause issues, most dogs treated for them will live normal, healthy lives. In most circumstances, corrective surgery is routine and advised to avoid further issues.
Do hernias in dogs need to be removed?
In most cases, a straightforward procedure is needed to close the hole and reintroduce the abdominal contents. Your veterinarian will probably advise spaying or neutering your dog if it hasn’t already done so at the same time the hernia is repaired because it can stop future hernias from forming.