Hernias in dogs are commonly seen. They occur when an organ or body part slips out of its normal place and bulges through a weak spot in a body wall or muscle layer.
They can be present from birth (also known as congenital) or they can be acquired which means they happen later in your dog’s life, for example from an injury. Some hernias have no obvious clinical signs and appear harmless, others can be painful and pose a serious risk to your dog’s health and well-being. Some common hernias cause swelling in the groin, abdomen, or bottom area which is often the first sign owners notice.
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What is a Hernia?
Hernias occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak area in the body wall or muscle. They vary in size. The severity depends on the location and if there are any internal organs involved. Many hernias are hereditary which means they are present from birth and caused by genetic factors. Hernias can also be caused by injuries and accidents such as being hit by a car.
Different types of hernias in dogs
There are a few different hernias your dog may experience. The more common types are listed below:
Umbilical hernia
This hernia presents as a bulge near your dog’s belly button. It’s common in puppies. Umbilical hernias can vary in severity. Often they disappear on their own, but sometimes the guts can become trapped inside them. Surgical repair is usually a straightforward operation. The incision can be incorporated into a spay incision in female dogs if they are being neutered at the same time.
Inguinal hernia
This type of hernia occurs in the groin area. It’s more common in female dogs. Surgery can be done via an incision into the abdomen. Sometimes internal organs such as the bladder, bowels, and uterus can get trapped in the hernia. If this happens, it can be life-threatening.
Diaphragmatic hernia
This type of hernia occurs when there is damage to the diaphragm which allows abdominal organs to move into the chest. It can be present from birth or it can occur as a result of an injury. Some dogs with hernias can live for a long time without it being detected as they have no clinical signs. However, if it has been identified it should be repaired as soon as possible.
Perineal hernia
This type of hernia occurs when the muscles in a structure called the pelvic diaphragm become weak or tear. Internal organs such as the bladder and bowels push through the muscle and sit in the perineum. This is the area between your dog’s bottom and their vulva or scrotum (depending on their sex). These types of hernias are most common in older, unneutered male dogs.
Hiatal hernia
This type of hernia occurs when part of the stomach wall moves into the chest cavity. It is often caused by an increase in breathing effort and is commonly seen in dogs with flatter-shaped faces such as French bulldogs.
Clinical signs of hernias in dogs
Hernias can occur in lots of different places in dogs. Due to the wide variety of locations, clinical signs can vary greatly.
Hernias in the stomach area
- Inguinal hernia: A bulge in the groin area.
- Umbilical hernia: A bulge in the navel area.
- Diaphragmatic hernia: Faster breathing, Difficulty breathing, abdominal distension, lethargy, and collapse.
- Hiatal Hernia. Loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting (usually after a meal or after lying down), and trouble swallowing.
Hernias in the Perineal Area
The perineal area is the space between the bottom and the scrotum or vulva. Hernias here may cause difficulties passing urine and faeces, incontinence, and pain.
If a hernia contains internal organs that have become trapped, clinical signs may include lethargy, collapse, fever, rapid breathing, and severe pain.
Diagnosis of hernias in dogs
Your vet will typically diagnose a hernia through a thorough physical examination. This may have been prompted by owners noticing certain clinical signs at home, or they may just pick it up at a routine examination, for example at their annual injection appointment. Your vet will examine your dog for any unusual swellings or lumps. Depending on the location and nature of the hernia they may also need to use additional tests such as ultrasound scans or X-rays to confirm a diagnosis. This can also be useful to assess the severity of the hernia, if there are any internal organs involved, and determine the best treatment option.
Treatment of hernias in dogs
Hernias are usually surgically repaired under general anaesthetic. The goal of the hernia repair is to replace the herniated tissue to its correct position and then fix the defect that allowed the hernia to occur in the first place.
The hernia repair technique your vet will carry out largely depends on the type of hernia that is present.
A general approach for surgical repair will go something like this:
- Your pet will be given medication to help them relax and go to sleep. This is part of the anaesthetic.
- Your vet will place your dog in the correct position to allow access to perform the repair. For hernias in the tummy or chest area, they’ll be positioned on their back. For hernias near their bottom, they’ll be placed on their tummy.
- The surgical site is prepared by clipping the hair and cleaning the skin. Your pet will then be moved into an operating theatre if this hasn’t already been done.
- A sterile covering called a drape is placed over the area to be operated on, and the skin is cleaned again. Your vet will make a cut in the correct place for the type of hernia.
- Your vet will locate the hernia. They may have to dissect or cut away tissues around the hernia to gain access. Any damaged tissue around the hernia will be removed. Your vet will then repair the weakened muscle wall if necessary, sometimes using a special mesh for larger holes. They’ll carefully check for any bleeding before closing the incision.
- After the surgery, your vet will give your dog lots of pain relief as required. It is important to keep your dog in a quiet calm area and don’t allow them to jump on the sofa or attempt to climb the stairs. Often your vet will send your dog home with a buster collar on to prevent them from licking the surgical site. You must keep a close eye on the site to monitor it for signs of infection or wound breakdown. Usually around 10- 14 days post operation your vet will remove the external sutures (unless they have done sutures inside the skin, in which case they will dissolve on their own)
Each type of hernia has a slightly different surgical approach
This means that different techniques can be used.
Umbilical hernias
These are usually repaired under general anaesthetic. The surgery involves correcting the weakening in the tummy wall around the dog’s belly button. A small incision is made next to the belly button, the herniated tissue is gently replaced back into the abdomen. The incision is then closed fully. Sometimes there will be stitches in the skin, other times your vet will do intradermal stitches which means they are inside the skin and can’t be seen by the owner.
Inguinal hernias
Typically, these would be repaired surgically under general anaesthesia. An incision is made over the groin area. The herniated tissue is gently replaced back into the abdomen, including any organs that might be trapped in the hernia. Your vet will check that there isn’t any damaged tissue or organs present that need further attention. They will cut away any scar tissue that has developed at the hernia site. They will use sutures to reduce the inguinal canal to its proper size. In some cases, a muscle graft is used to help keep everything in place. The skin incision will be closed with sutures.
Diaphragmatic hernias in dogs
These are a little more complex. Again, they are repaired surgically under a general anaesthetic. Sometimes the dog can present in a critical condition. If this is the case, they may need to be stabilised before the surgery is attempted. Your vet may need to drain fluid from the chest for example. Surgical repair involves your vet making an incision into the abdomen to enable them to move the herniated organs back into place, and then carefully repair the tear in the diaphragm. After the surgery, your dog will stay in the hospital for a while to be monitored closely.
Perineal hernias
Mostly, these too will be repaired surgically under general anaesthetic. The procedure your vet carries out will depend on the severity of the hernia and if internal organs are involved and damaged.
Your vet will make an incision in the perineum to repair the hernia and replace any affected internal organs. In some cases, the hernia can be repaired laparoscopically usually with a small camera and some specialised equipment.
Some dogs, especially older dogs that may not be good candidates for general anaesthesia, may benefit from medical management. This can include pain medication, antibiotics to prevent infection, and dietary changes to help with incontinence or constipation.
Hiatal hernias
Unlike most of the others, hiatal (or hiatus) hernias can be managed medically or surgically depending on the severity of the clinical signs and also the underlying cause.
Medical management can involve medication such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors.
Dietary changes can be implemented. This can involve feeding low-fat, small meals more frequently. This is to reduce pressure on the stomach and reduce the likelihood of acid reflux. Some dogs can be fed using an elevated water and food bowl which can help reduce acid reflux. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the hernia. This involves your vet repositioning the stomach and tightening the opening in the diaphragm to prevent the hernia from occurring again.
Final Thoughts
Hernias are a relatively common problem in dogs, especially young puppies. While most hernias are present from birth, they can also occur due to accidents or injuries.
There are different types of hernias that occur in different locations. The severity of a hernia depends on its location and whether it is causing problems for your dog. Some hernias can involve internal organs and be life-threatening, others can slip under the radar for long periods of time. Each case is unique and will require different investigations in order for your vet to gain a diagnosis. If you are worried your dog may have a hernia, your vet should always be your first port of call. Contact them for a consultation, they will be happy to help.
Further reading
- Hernias in Animals – MSD Veterinary Manual
- A Review of the Surgical Management of Perineal Hernias in Dogs.
- A retrospective study of inguinal hernia in 35 dogs
- Retrospective Study on Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Nontraumatic Inguinal Hernias in 41 Dogs
- Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency in 23 dogs: Description of technique, complications, and outcome
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