A hernia is a condition in which part of an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that contains it. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated. However, the majority of pets with a hernia will make a full recovery if the condition is caught and treated early.
Causes of Hernias
There are 5 main types of hernias seen in dogs: umbilical, inguinal, diaphragmatic, perineal, and hiatal. By comparison, umbilical, inguinal, and hiatal hernias most commonly affect cats.
Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus (belly button). This type of hernia appears as a protrusion around the umbilicus. It is caused by genetic factors and is most often seen in puppies.
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin. They are considered to be congenital, and are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall where the rear leg attaches to the body. Inguinal hernias can be fatal if large portions of the intestines, bladder, or uterus become trapped in the hernia.
Diaphragmatic Hernias
Diaphragmatic hernias are caused by a weakness in the muscle that separates the abdominal organs from the heart and lungs. They can cause breathing difficulties in pets if large portions of the abdominal organs pass through to the chest cavity. This type of hernia can be congenital or caused by trauma.
Perineal Hernias
Perineal hernias occur when the muscles of the pelvis tear and the contents of the abdomen enter the area near the anus. Some breeds are predisposed to this type of hernia, and unneutered male dogs over the age of 5 are particularly at risk of developing the condition.
Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias develop when a portion of the stomach pushes into the diaphragm. This type of hernia can be congenital or caused by trauma.
Symptoms of Hernias
Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of a hernia.
- Protruding mass on the body
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
Diagnosis of Hernias
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of the condition. During the physical examination, your veterinarian will palpate your pet’s body to check for abnormal masses.
Routine diagnostic tests may include bloodwork and a urinalysis to evaluate your pet’s overall health. A hernia is usually diagnosed based on physical signs, however, your veterinarian may perform imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasounds to assess the extent of the condition.
Treatment of Hernias
Treatment of a hernia will depend on the severity of the condition. In most cases, corrective surgery will be required to put herniated tissue back in place and repair the muscle wall. However, surgery may not always be necessary if a hernia is relatively minor. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on factors including your pet’s overall health and condition.
Prevention of Hernias
We recommend supervising your pet to reduce the risk of hernias caused by trauma. It is also worth noting that some types of hernia can be prevented by spaying or neutering your pet. Finally, please schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health. The prognosis for pets with hernias is greatly improved if the condition is diagnosed and treated early.
