Umbilical hernia in puppies. What to do if a hernia has formed on the dog's stomach? Inguinal, perineal and diaphragmatic hernia in a dog

In dogs, umbilical hernia is a fairly common pathology. This is a birth defect that many breeders consider harmless and not threatening to the health of adult dogs. This opinion is fundamentally wrong, since a hernia in a dog on the stomach can cause serious complications under certain circumstances. The condition is especially dangerous when the umbilical hernia is infringed and its contents are deprived of blood circulation.

Why does an umbilical hernia develop?

This disease is hereditary in nature, so it is impossible to prevent its formation in puppies. In dogs in abdominal cavity there is a hole to which the umbilical cord is attached during intrauterine development. After birth, the umbilical ring closes, from which, after a few days, the shrunken umbilical cord falls off by itself. If the tone of the abdominal wall is low, or the shape of the umbilical ring is incorrect, a hernia develops.

In adult dogs, the hernial ring is normally closed by adhesions. However, under certain pathological conditions animal (severe vomiting, prolonged constipation, trauma to the abdominal cavity, bloating), the adhesion may diverge - in this case (depending on the degree of divergence), an umbilical hernia of one kind or another is formed. Quite often this process is observed during pregnancy. Many owners are concerned about the question: “What to do if the dog has a hernia on its stomach” - the answer is unequivocal, you should, without delay, show the animal to the veterinarian in order to avoid the development of complications dangerous to the health of the pet.

Types of umbilical hernias

Depending on how far the adhesions of the hernial ring have diverged, several types of umbilical hernia are distinguished:

• True - under the skin on the stomach through a broken adhesion, the abdominal membrane, part of the intestine, a fragment of the uterus or part Bladder. For appointment effective therapy the veterinarian needs to determine the width of the hernia gate and understand how mobile the contents of the hernia are.
• Reducible hernia - a fragment of an organ that has fallen out through the umbilical ring can be returned “into place” by means of physical pressure on the hernia.
• Incarcerated (irreducible, hard) - the umbilical ring clamps a part of the prolapsed organ, while the contents of the hernia increase in size due to edema.
• A false umbilical hernia in a dog looks like a small rounded formation near the navel. It is soft to the touch, easy to spread with fingers. Over time, the false hernia fills with fat.

The size of an umbilical hernia always depends on how widely the hernial ring has spread. False fatty formations can be up to two centimeters in diameter, while with increased loads they increase. A true hernia with extensive prolapse of any organ in size and shape can resemble an orange, and in especially severe cases it can be larger in diameter.

In addition to umbilical hernias, dogs can develop inguinal, perineal, and intervertebral hernias. Inguinal hernia in small breed dogs is most often diagnosed in pregnant bitches. Its contents (part of the intestines, uterus, bladder) may be reducible or irreducible. If the contents of the bag is a pregnant uterus, then with the growth of the fetus, the hernia increases. If the bladder falls into the inguinal hernia, then when pressing on it, the animal may excrete urine.

What is dangerous umbilical hernia

For the health, and, sometimes, the life of the dog, true and strangulated umbilical hernias are of particular danger. When the intestinal ring is infringed, a fragment of it loses blood circulation. Wherein clinical picture will be completely similar to volvulus. Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia may include:

• refusal of food;
• weakness / depression;
• constipation, vomiting or urge to it;
• swelling and hardening of the formation due to a violation of blood circulation in it.

Without treatment, necrosis of part of the intestine will develop with intoxication and subsequent sepsis, which can lead to death.

If the tissues receive nutrition, and the blood circulation in them is not disturbed, but they still remain in a clamped state, this is fraught with stagnation of waste products and the development of inflammation. In this case, the dog may experience an increase in temperature and depression. What to do with umbilical hernia in dogs?

Self-treatment can significantly aggravate the situation and lead to the development serious complications. Delayed veterinary care often leads to tragic consequences. Always consult a specialist.

Treatment of an umbilical hernia in dogs

most efficient and safe method therapy in this case is surgery. Removal of an umbilical hernia in dogs is most often carried out routinely, during sterilization and other procedures. In this case, the surgeon can work according to two “scenarios” (depending on the type of hernia):

• The hernial sac is opened, the prolapsed organs are set, and the hernial opening is sutured.
• With irreducible hernias and necrotic process, an abdominal operation is performed to remove the contents.

There is another method of therapy - gluing a reduced hernia, but it is effective only for young puppies.

The reputation of breeders and the best pedigree is not yet a guarantee of the ideal health of the future pet. An umbilical hernia in dogs is such a common pathology that experienced breeders do not even take it into account when predicting a puppy's class. However, a purely cosmetic and seemingly harmless problem can become quite significant and life threatening dogs.

It is generally accepted that an umbilical hernia is congenital pathology and does not threaten older or adult dogs. The statement is far from the truth, given the process and causes of hernia formation. In the abdominal cavity of the dog there is a hole to which the umbilical cord is attached at the stage of intrauterine development. During childbirth, the umbilical ring closes and after removing the dried umbilical cord, the puppy's tummy becomes smooth. If the shape of the umbilical ring deviates from the norm or there is a low tone of the abdominal wall, a hernia is formed.

Important! Pathology has a genetic or hereditary cause, so it is impossible to prevent its development in newborn puppies.

hernial ring adult dog closed by adhesions, which can diverge under certain circumstances - bloating, high pressure on the abdominal wall, severe vomiting or prolonged constipation, trauma, pregnancy, prolonged labor, and so on. Depending on the degree of adhesion divergence, an umbilical hernia of a certain type is formed:

• False- looks like a small spherical formation in the navel area. Soft to the touch, easily straightened with fingers, filled with fat over time.

• True- through the soldered adhesion under the skin on the abdomen, the abdominal membrane and a fragment of the intestine, uterus or bladder are squeezed out. For further diagnosis, the veterinarian needs to understand the width of the hernial ring (umbilical ring, adhesions) and how mobile the contents of the hernial sac are.

• Reducible- the fallen fragment of the organ returns to the abdominal cavity with physical pressure on the hernia.

• Irreducible, hard, restrained- a fragment of the organ is clamped by the umbilical ring and increases in size due to edema.

Read also: Hydrocephalus in dogs - causes and consequences

Also, the dimensions of the umbilical hernia depend on the size of the adhesion opening. The fatty formation has a diameter of up to 2 centimeters, a soft structure and does not increase under load. True hernias vary in size, the hole must have a diameter through which the bowel loop will pass. With extensive prolapse of the intestine or other organ, the hernia can reach the size of a large orange or more. For comparison, in the photo below is a fatty and true hernia.

Is an umbilical hernia dangerous?

A true hernia, in the bag of which there is a fragment of an organ, is definitely dangerous not only for health, but also for the life of a dog. Before starting home treatment, massages or other procedures recommended for pathology, be sure to seek the advice of a veterinarian. The main danger of a hernia is its infringement, that is, a situation in which a fragment of an organ loses blood circulation. If the intestinal ring is clamped in the hernial sac, the symptoms will be similar to volvulus (overlap) of the intestines:

• Weakness, depression, refusal of food, soreness of the abdominal wall.

• Constipation or upset stomach, vomiting or urgency.

• Violation of blood circulation in the hernial sac, which is expressed by edema and hardening of the formation.

• pinched tissues, internal, and fatal outcome.

If tissues are nourished but remain constricted, waste products trapped in the intestinal loop cause inflammatory process. Noticing the temperature and depression of the pet, the owners, resorting to self-medication, aggravate the situation with antipyretics and plenty of drinking. The consequences of untimely assistance, most often tragic.

Read also: Leukocytosis - an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood in dogs

Is an umbilical hernia dangerous during pregnancy and childbirth?

Again, depending on the nature of education. If there is a risk of strangulation, an umbilical hernia in pregnant dogs is dangerous. Given that in the second half of pregnancy, the dog's uterus increases dramatically in volume, and the walls of the peritoneum become more elastic, not only pinching is possible, but also aggravation of the hernia.

Naturally, if the dog is a breeding dog, the treatment of an umbilical hernia should be done before pregnancy. If time is lost or a hernia appears in the process of bearing offspring, it is worth preparing especially responsibly for childbirth. At the time of the start of the fights, you should know all the upcoming veterinary clinics and their work schedule, maintain telephone contact with the veterinarian, or better, invite the doctor to the house.

Note! A pinched umbilical hernia can occur on later dates pregnancy, which will require surgical intervention and lead to the death of puppies.

Treatment of umbilical hernia

A guaranteed, safe and fast method of treatment is the removal of an umbilical hernia in a dog through surgery. The doctor may suggest alternative method- gluing a hernia, provided that it is reducible, but in practice, the method can "work" with puppies, but not with adult pets. Most often, the operation is performed as planned, the veterinarian removes the umbilical hernia in dogs, after sterilization or other procedures.

An operation to remove a hernia can take place in two "scenarios":

• Opening of the hernial sac, reduction of the organ and suturing of the hernial orifice.

• Abdominal surgery, if the hernia is irreducible or a necrotic process has begun in the tissues of the strangulated organ.

The most common pathology of the abdominal cavity in dogs is a hernia. An umbilical hernia in a puppy is a congenital ailment, it can occur in both a thoroughbred and an ordinary individual. It is believed that the appearance of a hernia depends on the complexity of childbirth, as well as the quality of cutting the umbilical cord, but this disease has an exclusively genetic origin. The disease has a number of features and nuances that must be taken into account before treatment.

During intrauterine development, the puppy receives nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord, which is attached to the placenta. Immediately before birth, the placenta does not nourish the fetus, but the supply of blood and oxygen continues immediately until birth. After the puppy moves through the birth canal, his body activates the process of preparing for the contraction of the abdominal wall and the opening of the lungs. Where the umbilical cord attaches to the abdomen is the umbilical ring. Immediately before the birth of the baby, the ring significantly decreases in size, and complete closure occurs on the first day of life.

The main cause of a hernia is an insufficient tone of the abdominal wall, an irregular shape of the umbilical ring

If a abdominal wall has insufficient tone or the shape of the umbilical ring is incorrect - main reason the occurrence of a hernia. Fixing the pathology is not at all difficult, because on the puppy's tummy without special equipment you can see a convex, rounded area. It is important to note that in a newborn individual, an umbilical hernia may completely disappear during the first days of life. Although the reverse process often occurs - the presence of this defect in an adult or grown dog.

This problem is very common, although some owners do not even suspect that their pets have a similar ailment. This is due to the fact that in most cases, the presence of a hernia in a puppy does not affect his behavior in any way and the stump leads to symptoms. However, there are some pets for which this disease is fatal, and such an outcome occurs suddenly and without any prerequisites. The appearance of a tubercle in the abdominal cavity is far from a diagnosis of an ailment. There are several varieties of this education:

1. True. Formed from the hernial orifice (in other words, from the umbilical ring), as well as the hernial sac, a part of the abdominal wall and the inner part of the organ, usually the intestine, is squeezed into it.
2. False. If the hernial sac is empty, then the location internal organs is physiologically correct. The small pouch is filled with fat, has a soft texture and is quite mobile.
3. Movable. The prolapsed part of the intestine is inserted back due to palpation, as well as by pressing a finger with a little force.
4. Solid or irreducible. The organ is infringed by the hernial ring.

The size of the formation directly depends on the tone of the hernial ring. In some cases, the hernia continues to grow and can even reach the size of a ripe tomato, usually after some provocative action. Some of these are trauma, violent vomiting, pregnancy, constipation, bloating, or prolonged labor. In any case, if there is a characteristic seal and tubercle on the abdomen, the pet should be shown to the veterinarian.

Qualified doctors from special institutions for animals argue that umbilical hernia in puppies should be treated in any case, and the sooner such a decision is made, the greater the likelihood of a successful outcome. The reason for this opinion is extremely simple, because such a formation of any etiology can lead to infringement of the internal secret of the hernial sac. Fast growth pet leads to the fact that the pinched part of the intestine or other organ is clamped by the umbilical ring. Incorrect physiological position of the intestine and high blood pressure can lead to the following negative manifestations:

• prolonged constipation and even vomiting, which indicates infringement of the intestine;
• renal failure or congestion of urine with infringement of the bladder;
• pain sensations;
• problems with normal blood circulation, which will lead to starvation of cells and tissues;
• the emergence of a necrotic process, which is associated with the death of cells that have not received enough nutrients, the body begins to reject them;
• septic shock, which is associated with increased intoxication;
• coma and death.

It should be noted that the occurrence of a necrotic process gives the pet owner only a few minutes to deliver the puppy to the veterinarian. The dog immediately gets to the operating table, where the specialist removes the affected tissue, otherwise the animal will die.

If the puppy has a hernia, a small fatty type that does not cause any discomfort, then he does not need treatment.

Small fat type hernias do not cause any discomfort and need to be treated only if the owner decides to improve appearance dogs. As a rule, for aesthetic purposes, fatty hernias are removed only after two or in combination with other procedures.

For prevention, the pet needs to massage the tummy immediately after eating. As long as the babies are fed on mother's milk, then after eating, she licks their tummies. After weaning from parental care, the responsibilities of care will fall on the new owners of the puppy. It is necessary to constantly monitor the activity of the puppy, increased tension of the abdominal wall during games can lead to the formation of an umbilical hernia.

Treatment

In puppies, a hernia can be glued, this method works only in the first couple of months of a puppy's life. For adults, the most effective and safest method is surgery. If the operation is performed as planned, then it is customary to combine it with another procedure, for example, with sterilization or some other surgical intervention. During the procedure, the specialist excised the hernial sac, returning the fallen part of the organ back and applying a shock to the hernial stake. In some cases, the procedure is carried out on an urgent basis, as a rule, this occurs when a pinching is detected or a necrosis of the pinched organ occurs.

After surgery, the animal needs additional care. He needs to take a course of antibiotics and painkillers. Sometimes immunostimulants are additionally prescribed to ensure the speedy recovery of health. The first days will be the most difficult for the puppy and its owner. After a while, when scars form at the site of the seam, they will disappear pain and other symptoms, the animal will be able to return to a normal life.

An umbilical hernia is a serious pathology that requires immediate treatment for some indications. In any case, the pet must be shown to a specialist so that he determines the nature of the formation and, if necessary, prescribes surgery.

An umbilical hernia in a puppy is a prolapse of internal organs through an opening into a cavity. According to the localization of the hernia and some of its other features, they distinguish different types pathology. This is a common type of hernia. This pathological formation consists of an opening (hernial ring) and a sac containing a hernia: this is usually an omentum, but in the most severe cases it can be an intestinal loop.

How does a hernia form?

During the birth of a puppy, the navel ring should normally shrink. But sometimes the ring has irregular shape or its size exceeds the norm, as a result of which the abdominal wall does not close naturally and this leads to the development of an umbilical hernia in the puppy.

A good breeder reputation and the best pedigree do not guarantee 100% impeccable health future puppy. Umbilical hernia is such a common pathology in dogs that breeders generally do not take it into account when predicting the class of puppies. But this purely cosmetic and seemingly harmless problem can endanger the life of the animal, just like an inguinal hernia.

Causes of an umbilical hernia in a puppy

A common cause of umbilical hernia in puppies is a congenital condition. Most often, during childbirth, compression of the umbilical opening occurs, however, if it has an irregular shape or an increased size, compression may not occur. This is what leads to the formation of an umbilical hernia. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to umbilical hernia, in which case all or several puppies of the same litter may have it at the same time.

However, a hernia is not always congenital. Sometimes it leads to overstrain of the abdominal muscles or increased intra-abdominal pressure. Pathology can appear during childbirth if the mother pulls hard on the umbilical cord.

Symptoms of a tumor on the abdomen

Both congenital and acquired hernia are easily noticed when examining a puppy: there is a small swelling on the abdomen - from a few mm to several cm. In severe cases, its size can be equal to the size of a chicken egg or even be larger. This swelling is quite soft and is easily reduced into the peritoneum.

More thorough palpation allows you to feel for a solid hernial ring. But only a veterinarian with relevant experience can diagnose an umbilical hernia, since a tumor on the dog's abdomen does not always indicate the presence of a hernia - in some cases it is associated with other pathologies. Therefore, first of all, the owner of the dog, who suspected that she had such a disease, should contact the veterinarian.

In the case of a small hernia, the dog does not show signs of anxiety, since this formation does not cause her any discomfort, even during its probing. However, if the palpation of the swelling causes pain in the animal, this means that the hernia is strangulated and the dog needs treatment.

A hernia in a puppy is dangerous in that its ring can lead to pinching of tissues that have fallen into the hernial sac. This leads to a violation of blood circulation, leading to inhibition of the functions of the intestine or omentum. In this case, the symptoms of the disease worsen: the dog feels sharp pain at the site of the pathology, she becomes lethargic, she loses her appetite, she does not allow her to touch the hernia.

The appearance of the swelling also changes: it swells, increases in size, standing out in color from the surrounding tissues. In the absence of timely treatment, the consequences of a neglected disease can be quite severe, starting with a violation of the functions of the peritoneal organs, ending with death.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in animals

My puppy has an umbilical hernia, what should I do? It is necessary to confirm this diagnosis with a veterinarian who can establish the fact of its presence, as well as determine general state dogs and pick up effective treatment. Some conservative methods of hernia treatment are ineffective, therefore they are almost never used. Only surgical intervention can give a real effect.

In the case when the omentum has grown in the hernia, it becomes stable and you can not touch it throughout the life of the dog. Elective surgery may be required when the hernia is large enough, but the hernia ring is very small, or the dog may injure this place due to the size of the swelling.

Under the condition of the normal course of the disease (in which there is no growth of a hernia and infringement of tissues), treatment can be combined with other operations (for example, sterilization). It is better if the puppy undergoes a vaccination course before the procedure, which allows you to form strong immunity and facilitate the rehabilitation period.

A fairly simple operation is performed, in which the contents of the hernial sac are reduced into the peritoneum, after which the hernial ring is pulled down. In case of tissue infringement, the hernial ring is first dissected, then the contents are examined and set, after which the ring is sutured. In the event that there is an infringement of the tissues, an immediate operation is necessary. This situation does not allow us to expect a planned operation.

After the operation, recurrences of umbilical hernia in the dog are excluded. rehabilitation period rather short. The veterinarian makes recommendations about the animal's diet during recovery and the dog's mobility. A planned visit is scheduled to control the healing of surgical sutures. This guarantees fast treatment diseases that will allow the dog to live a long life.

Classification of umbilical hernia in dogs

Pathology in puppies is divided into the following types:

1. True - includes the hernial orifice (umbilical ring) and the hernial sac, into which a fragment of the internal organ (mainly the intestines) and the abdominal wall is inserted;
2. False - with it, the hernial sac is not filled, thus, the physiological arrangement of the internal organs is correct. The small leather pouch is filled with fat and remains mobile and soft;
3. Solid (irreparable) - infringement of the organ by a hernial ring;
4. Movable - the prolapsed part of the intestine can be set on palpation by light pressure with a finger.

The most dangerous is a strangulated hernia. With it, the content of the hernial sac is squeezed by the hernial opening, which leads to infringement. This condition requires immediate treatment.

Danger of umbilical hernia

According to veterinarians, treating an umbilical hernia is a necessary measure for a puppy, while treating it early reduces the risks to his health. The reason for this is very simple - for any type, this disease can lead to infringement of the contents of the hernial sac. During the growth of the puppy, the umbilical ring can clamp the strangulated part of the intestine or other organ.

Incorrect bowel position and pressure can cause the following consequences:

• Constipation and vomiting in case of intestinal infringement;
• stasis of urine and kidney failure in case of infringement of the bladder;
• Violation of blood circulation, malnutrition of tissues.
• abdominal pain;
• Septic shock as a consequence of intoxication;
• Necrosis - cells that are deprived of nutrition die and are rejected by the body;
• Coma and death.

A small fatty hernia is not capable of causing discomfort in a dog and requires treatment only if the issue of beauty is affected. For aesthetic purposes, such fatty hernias are removed routinely after two primary vaccinations or in combination with other procedures.

As a preventive measure, massage of the puppy's abdomen after eating is shown. When the mother feeds the babies, she licks their tummies after each feeding. But after the puppy is weaned from its mother and moved to a new place of residence, “parental responsibilities” are assigned to its owners.

About the author: Ekaterina Alekseevna Soforova