Hernias in Dogs

excessive salivation. Signs may be worse during or after exercise or when the dog gets excited. Dogs with hiatal hernias have an increased risk of developing aspiration pneumonia 2
Mild hiatal hernias may be treated with medication to manage the symptoms. Moderate to severe hiatal hernias may need to be repaired via surgery.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias occur in the muscles of the abdominal wall in the groin area. Parts of the bladder or uterus may protrude through the groin muscles of the lower abdomen near the inner thighs. Inguinal hernias may also involve the scrotum but this type of hernia is uncommon in male dogs.
An inguinal hernia often appears as one or two lumps in the lower abdomen or between the dogs thighs. This lump may or may not bother the dog at first. However some inguinal hernias are warm to the touch and painful to the dog.
An inguinal hernia often appears as one or two lumps in the lower abdomen or between the dogs thighs. This lump may or may not bother the dog at first. However some inguinal hernias are warm to the touch and painful to the dog.
Inguinal hernias may be congenital or acquired. If present at birth the hernia may resolve on its own. The acquired form is typically caused by trauma pregnancy or even obesity. Surgery is necessary to repair a persistent inguinal hernia.
Perineal Hernia
A perineal hernia occurs due to a weakening of the pelvic diaphragm a muscle wall in the lower abdomen that separates the rectum from the abdominal organs. This type of hernia can cause constipation difficulty urinating or defecating urinary incontinence lethargy and pain. The protrusion can be seen as swelling or lumps on one or both sides of the dogs anus.
The exact cause of perineal hernias is not known. Congenital or inherited perineal

hernias may be seen in puppies. However most perineal hernias occur in dogs over the age of five and are more common in unneutered males. Surgery is the only treatment option for a perineal hernia.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias are the most common types of hernias in dogs. This type of hernia occurs when there is a hole in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus also known as the belly button or navel that did not close completely during fetal development. The protrusion is visible to the naked eye in the center of the dogs belly. Umbilical hernias may only involve fatty tissue but can also involve the intestines.
Small umbilical hernias are usually not treated unless the dog has clinical signs. Your vet may recommend repairing your puppys mild to moderate umbilical hernia during routine spay or neuter. Larger hernias or those causing complications will need to be surgically repaired sooner.

How Vets Diagnose Hernias in Dogs
Your vet will thoroughly examine your dog for confirmation of a hernia. Depending on the type and location of the hernia that your vet suspects your dog may have the following types of tests could be recommended3
How to Treat Hernias in Dogs
Palpitation of the area or a visibly protruding hernia
Examination of the skin over the protrusion
RadiographyXrays possibly with barium contrast if digestion is affected
Rectal exam if gastrointestinal issues are present
Aspiration of the liquid in the swollen portion of a protrusion but this is rarely suggested
Depending on the type and location of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms there are various treatments available. Hernias may be treated with reparative surgery or medicine to manage symptoms.
Hernias can either be reducible or nonreducible. If a hernia is reducible it means the protrusion can be pushed back into place typically through reparative surgery. A nonreducible hernia means the hernias
materials have partially adhered to the opening and also require surgery. There is also research debating the possibility of using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques to repair certain types of hernias in dogs 4
Hernias in Dogs
Prognosis for Dogs With Hernias
Most dogs recover well from surgery and can go on to live normal lives unless the hernia caused damage to the organs. The sooner your vet can detect and treat a hernia the better the chances of full recovery.
How to Prevent Hernias
There is nothing to prevent a congenital hernia. To prevent an acquired hernia through an injury it helps to make sure your dog is kept safe both indoors and outdoors.