Hernia's are a
weakness or opening (tear) within a muscle mass that allows other
tissues or organs to pass through. Three types of hernias are
common to canines:
Umbilical hernia,
Inguinal hernia, and Hiatal {Diaphragmatic} hernia
Any
type of hernia can become “incarcerated.” This is when the hernia
becomes pinched off and then becomes strangulated. This is AN
EMERGENCY CONDITION AND the canine requires immediate attention of your
veterinarian!
Umbilical
Hernia
The umbilical
cord is the tube, which attaches the puppy fetus to the mama through
the placenta. A hernia is a hole or a too large opening in the
body. Umbilical hernias are
the most common hernia in canines. An umbilical hernia is a
bulging outward or protrusion of the abdominal lining (belly) through
an area around the belly button. In canine’s this may involve
part of the intestines coming through the abdominal wall in the navel
area. (The navel area is located in the mid-abdominal
area.) Umbilical hernias more commonly consist of fatty tissue
protruding through the abdominal wall.
Umbilical
hernias, in canines, are usually congenital – secondary to flawed
development. (This cause is said to be inherited.) It is
recommended, that if this is the cause of a puppies hernia, to have the
puppy spayed or neutered and not breed it. Another cause is the
mama dog biting off the umbilical cord too closely or roughly while
whelping the puppy.
Veterinarians
easily discover an umbilical hernia upon physical exam of the
puppy. It is noted that an umbilical hernia may not be
immediately noticeable. The abdominal contents may not protrude
consistently – they may reduce spontaneously or when the area is
pressed on.
The symptom of
an umbilical hernia is a soft swelling in the navel (umbilical)
area. It is not considered critical unless the opening is large
enough to allow organs or intestines to protrude. Most
umbilical hernias are not serious. Small umbilical hernias
have been noted to close spontaneously by the age of 6 months.
For this reason, many vets will recommend waiting until the puppy is 6
months of age before repairing surgically.
Please
take note:
Is the hernia
larger than a dime? If so – there is a chance that part of the
intestines may be trapped in the opening/hole. This could cause
severe or even fatal complications, surgical repair is required.
If the area is
bruised or painful – immediate surgery will likely be required.
Notify your vet
of the following symptoms:
1. Redness &
tenderness at hernia site
2. Vomiting or
sudden signs of distress
3. If the puppy
has painful or difficult bowel movements
Your vet will
advise you on the seriousness of the umbilical hernia and the treatment
recommended.
Umbilical
hernias are more common to the breeds: Weimaraners, Pointers,
Airedales, Pekingese, Beagles, and Basenjis.
Diaphragmatic
Hernia {Hiatal Hernia}
The diaphragm is
a muscle, which separates the heart and lungs from the abdominal
organs. As the diaphragm contracts air enters the lungs. A
tear in this muscle results from a defect in the diaphragm allowing the
liver, stomach and/or intestines to enter the chest cavity.
A hiatal hernia may be present at birth (congenital) or caused by
trauma such as being hit by an automobile, being kicked or falling;
with the most common cause being hit by an automobile. The
vet may diagnose this type of hernia through physical exam and/or
diagnostic testing.
If your
canine has been hit by a car – immediate attention by your vet is
recommended.
Symptoms:
|
Difficulty
breathing *
Rapid breathing
Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Vomiting (bloody vomiting)*
Regurgitation *
Excessive salivation *
Difficulty eating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Lack of or no appetite
Abdominal distention
Weight loss
Collapse
Shock
No symptoms
(some dogs may not demonstrate any of the above symptoms) |
*Most
common
|
Treatment:
Medication
1.Oxygen therapy may be recommended
if lung expansion is impaired due to the hernia
2.Elevating the canine’s body front
may assist in pushing the organs back naturally.
3.Surgical repair
Hiatal
{Diaphragmatic} hernias seem to be most common to the Chinese Shar-Pei
breed.
Inguinal
hernia
An inguinal
hernia is located in the groin area on the inner part of the rear leg
of a canine. It is a skin covered bulging over the groin.
Inguinal hernias can be on both sides (Bilateral) or on just one side.
An inguinal
hernia develops as a result of birth defects as well as trauma.
In female canines – she may develop an inguinal hernia during her
pregnancy as a result of the abdominal walls stretching to allow room
for the puppies.
In puppies,
inguinal hernias usually develop prior to the age of 3 months.
Some inguinal
hernias may shrink and heal on their own – others may need surgical
repair.
Inguinal hernias
are common in many different breeds of canines.
