What to do if a dog has a hernia: symptoms with photos, treatment recommendations

Dog hernias can be a problem that worries pet owners. They happen when a tissue or organ pushes through a gap in the surrounding or muscle tissue. Early detection of the symptoms can have a significant impact on your dog’s comfort and well-being.

This post will discuss the typical signs of canine hernias and include useful images to make diagnosis easier. It is essential to know what to look for in order to intervene quickly.

We’ll also talk about the various hernia treatments available, including when visiting a veterinarian. If you have the necessary information, you can make sure your pet receives the assistance they require as soon as possible.

Causes of occurrence

A hernia is a rupture of the peritoneal tissue that encroaches on organs, usually the abdominal cavity. That is, a portion of the bladder, uterus, or intestine protrudes into the resulting "hernial orifice," which can develop as a congenital defect in puppies or as a result of trauma.

• Injuries, falls (directly related to the peritoneum or another place where the hernial neoplasm is found);
• Postoperative hernias (in case of suture divergence, improper care or recovery);
• Birth of large puppies (difficult birth is the most common cause of tissue ruptures);
• Chronic diseases that cause increased abdominal pressure (constipation, diarrhea, gas formation, intestinal volvulus, peritonitis, pancreatitis, gastritis);
• Age (with old age, animals" cartilage, bones, muscles weaken, in addition, due to decreased activity, excess weight and obesity appear);
• Heredity (if the hernia has become a recurring problem for the parents, then there is a high probability that the puppies will have a similar disease);
• Predisposition (the appearance of hernial neoplasms is typical for Spaniels, German Shepherds, Poodles, Dachshunds, Bull Terriers);
• Excessive physical activity or its insufficiency (for each breed, a daily physical activity rate is prescribed, which cannot be exceeded or lowered; the puppy is prohibited from lifting heavy objects, jumping on stairs, from high objects).

Video about hernia from a veterinarian

Symptoms and types of the disease

The primary indicator is a recognizable enlargement or ball-shaped protrusion of the organ, usually on the abdomen (though it can also occur on the side, neck, back, or elsewhere). There are various types of hernias, depending on how the neoplasm manifests and how good it is.

Congenital hernia

Pathology can appear due to a variety of factors, including an inguinal canal that is too large and poor tissue regeneration, which prevents the umbilical canal from healing. Inadequate obstetric care frequently results in a rupture of the abdominal tissue, which causes sick babies to be born with a variety of bone and muscle issues.

Acquired

Throughout the course of a dog’s life, different types of hernias develop for a variety of causes related to the strain that illnesses or surgeries place on the abdominal muscles. Animals with heart defects, persistently high blood pressure, blood vessel and blood flow issues are included in the risk group. Females of small breeds typically develop acquired hernias as a result of difficult pregnancies or deliveries.

True

The most dangerous manifestation occurs when part of the organ falls into the formed form and the muscle ring diverges more than 2 cm. The size of the hernial ball can approach that of an orange. Tissue death is facilitated by the cavity’s progressive expansion, compression, and stretching of the uterine or intestinal tissues.

The animal needs to be brought to a vet to be examined if a formation of that kind is found. Appropriate palpation will reveal whether reduction is possible or not.

False

A form where fat, not organs, fills the divergent muscle tissue. The ball has a tiny diameter (up to 2 cm), is smooth to the touch, and has the ability to roll under the skin or smooth out. The animal does not need to undergo surgery.

Reducible

The formation can only be categorized by a veterinarian based on the level of reducibility. A hernia is referred to as reducible if the organ can be put back in its original position. Upon palpation, the ball feels soft and elastic, slides into the muscle ring with ease, and stays there as long as the animal is still. In this instance, the hernial orifice is removed surgically.

Irreducible or hard

This kind of hernia is probably the result of a truly reducible one that was not treated. appears when a muscle opening is used to pinch an organ, causing tissue inflammation and pus to appear. As a result, the cavity gets bigger and is unable to fit through the hernial orifice, which puts the pet’s health and life in danger and makes it hard. There are additional symptoms as well:

1. Lethargy, lack of interest in life;
2. Poor appetite;
3. Fever;
4. When tapping on the cavity, a dull sound appears (like when playing a drum).

Early diagnosis and treatment of a dog hernia are essential for successful outcomes. Swelling, discomfort, and alterations in behavior or appetite are typical symptoms. With the aid of helpful photos, this article will walk you through the identification of these symptoms and offer helpful treatment recommendations to make sure your pet receives the care they require.

Features of the location of the hernia and its treatment

Another way to classify bulks is by location. The pathology develops a different course and set of side symptoms depending on the location. If there are indications of a muscle ring but no visible swelling, an X-ray or ultrasound may be performed to identify a hernia.

Abdominal hernia (umbilical)

The most typical symptom, particularly in infants. Hernias are rounded, ball-like growths that typically occur in the area of the abdomen and umbilical canal. This is because a portion of the intestine falls into the cavity. Seldom does the neoplasm grow larger than 2 to 5 cm in diameter.

Pathology develops in adult animals as a result of increased gas production, bloating, and frequent constipation. As the disease progresses, the dog becomes less active and loses its appetite. In addition to surgery, conservative measures like bandages, dressings, and massages are used to treat it.

Inguinal

More frequently seen in bitches. The hernial orifice is where the bladder, intestines, and uterus enter. The appearance of a ball in the groin is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, nausea, vomiting, a generalized depression, an elevated pulse, and increased breathing.

When feeling the testicles, males experience painful impulses, while females feel the same way when feeling the lower abdomen or loop. Pinching the bladder can cause anuria and involuntary urination.

Inguinal in small breeds

Weak abdominal muscles cause an inguinal hernia in small dogs during pregnancy. Since the uterus containing the fetus in this instance descends into the ring, the neoplasm grows as the pregnancy goes on and the fertilized cell multiplies. Such a pathology poses a risk to the unborn puppies as well as the mother.

Perineal

The pelvic muscles rupturing. Males who have not been castrated, elderly dogs, and short-tailed breeds are at risk. Causes include inflammatory processes, prostatitis, and constipation. The hernial cavity contains the bladder, prostate gland, and large intestine, also known as the rectum.

A sizable ball-shaped seal develops in the perineum or around the anus. The tumor is soft, painful to the touch, and difficult to urinate and defecate. Should it burst, death is certain. A pregnant bitch considers the development of a perineal hernia to be the same as having an abortion.

Intervertebral

A rare type, common in older dogs who have spent their entire lives participating in sports or transportation. A vertebral cartilage protrusion into the formed fibrous ring of the spinal canal is indicative of a hernia. The issue interferes with multiple intervertebral discs’ ability to function.

Acute back pain, paralysis, lameness, and failure of the front or rear limbs are symptoms of a hernia. The animal gives up playing and running and refuses to walk. An X-ray is required for a precise diagnosis.

Diaphragmatic

As implied by the name, a breach in the diaphragm’s integrity is the cause of such a hernia. As a result, the abdominal cavity’s organs rise into the thoracic or intercostal space. Heart disruption and pulmonary edema accompany such pathology. Typical symptoms manifest as follows:

• Blue mucous membranes;
• Oxygen starvation;
• Anemia;
• Arrhythmia;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Bulges in the chest area.

Surgical removal of a hernia

The pathology can be treated conservatively (bandages, massages) or surgically. The initial procedure is used for reducible and false hernias (less frequently for puppy umbilical hernias). Surgery is necessary for animals with diaphragmatic, intervertebral, perineal, and inguinal hernias. Adult animals with umbilical neoplasms are also surgically treated.

The animal is placed in a laying position and given anesthesia. The procedure involves cutting the skin, separating the peritoneal tissues from the hernial sac, repositioning the organ (assuming tissue death has not set in), cutting the cavity, and suturing the window. The sac is removed entirely if the formation is pus-filled and the decomposition process has started. The sutures and antiseptic treatment are the final steps of the procedure.

Medication for the animal includes immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and painkillers (and occasionally laxatives, astringents, and symptomatic). A diet is also prescribed for the dog.

Within ten to fourteen days, recovery occurs; during this time, antiseptic suture treatment, bandage application, and rest are required daily.

Symptoms	Treatment Recommendations
Visible lump or swelling	Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis
Pain or discomfort	Surgical intervention may be necessary
Difficulty moving	Follow vet"s post-surgery care instructions
Vomiting or loss of appetite	Monitor closely and provide a soft diet if advised

The early detection of symptoms is critical when managing a dog hernia. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as pain, swelling, or strange behavior. Do not hesitate to see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis if you observe any of these.

Surgery is frequently required as part of the treatment plan, but it’s crucial to carefully follow your veterinarian’s advice. They will help you through the healing process, which usually entails rest and keeping an eye out for any issues.

Recall that prompt treatment and early detection can improve your pet’s condition. Keep an eye on their health, and if in doubt, get professional advice. Your attentiveness and consideration are critical to your dog’s health.

Video on the topic

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