Hernias in Dogs

A hernia is a serious condition for a dog because it means that part of an organ or tissue is protruding through a cavity wall. A hernia can obstruct some of your dogs bodily functions resulting in gastrointestinal digestive or breathing problems depending on the type and location of the hernia. There are different types of hernias that a dog can have affecting different parts of the body and varying in severity.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when organs fat or other tissues protrude through a hole or tear in the muscle wall of the abdomen or another cavity. The affected tissue can become trapped in the protrusion cutting off blood supply and leading to inflammation infection and impaired bodily function.
Symptoms of Hernias in Dogs
If you notice any of the following signs its important to contact your veterinarian right away. These symptoms can be considered an emergency situation for your dog because they may be impacting the way your pets body is trying to function. The type and location of the hernia your dog may have can determine the type of symptoms your pet experiences.
Symptoms
Lump in abdomen or anal area
Trouble breathing
Digestive andor gastrointestinal issues
Lethargy
Lump in Abdomen or Anal Area
Finding a lump in the abdomen or anal area may indicate a specific type of hernia. The protruding lump may be swollen feel warm or is painful to the touch.
Trouble Breathing
The location of a hernia can make it difficult for your dog to breathe. This is a serious symptom that should never be ignored.
DigestiveGastrointestinal Issues
Depending on the location and type of hernia your dog may experience digestive and gastrointestinal issues such as trouble swallowing vomiting constipation or incontinence.
Lethargy
Lethargy is a nonspecific symptom but shouldnt be ignored. If a dog has a hernia it may be painful which may make it difficult for
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your pet to move around. Or the hernia could be obstructing food and nutrients from being adequately absorbed which can leave a dog with less energy for daytoday activities.
What Causes Hernias in Dogs?
A dog can get a hernia in two ways it is congenital or develops because of an injury to the area. For example an umbilical hernia is considered a birth defect but a diaphragmatic hernia can either be congenital or caused if the area of the diaphragm experiences trauma and becomes torn. Some pregnant dogs may acquire certain types of hernias such as inguinal hernias 1
Types of Hernias in Dogs
Several types of hernias may occur in dogs each with varying levels of severity. Each type affects a different part of the body and symptoms can vary considerably.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. It serves an important function for breathing. A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when one or more abdominal organs push through a hole or tear in the diaphragm. This can be a very serious type of hernia because of its effect on the lungs and sometimes the heart.
Dogs with diaphragmatic hernias may experience trouble breathing gastrointestinal issues or problems with organ function. A diaphragmatic hernia cannot be seen from outside the body. Some dogs will show no signs of a diaphragmatic hernia especially at first. In fact some diaphragmatic hernias are discovered on routine radiographs Xrays.
Diaphragmatic hernias may be congenital present at birth. They can also be caused by trauma such as being hit by a car. Surgery is the only treatment for these types of hernias.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is another type of diaphragmatic hernia. It occurs in the diaphragm where the esophagus meets the stomach and can affect digestion.
Dogs with hiatal hernia may experience trouble swallowing vomiting regurgitationacid reflux and