Hernia Types in Canines

Hernias occur in canines when there is an opening in a muscle that allows abdominal organs or tissues on the other side of the muscle to slip through. There are four types of hernias found in dogs, which include umbilical, inguinal, diaphragmatic and hiatal. Treatment is in the form of medications and surgery. If left untreated, hernias may become fatal.

  1. Umbilical Hernia

    • Abdominal organs, such as the intestines, protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus, or belly button. The umbilical cord connects the puppy to its mother. The hernia appears as an internal bulge at the umbilicus area. The condition occurs at birth. The umbilical cord remains open during pregnancy to provide nutrients to the fetus. If the opening fails to close at birth, then a hernia results. Treatment involves performing a surgical repair where the herniated organs are placed back into position and sutured closed.

    Inguinal Hernia

    • An inguinal hernia occurs when the surrounding abdominal muscles slip through an opening in the groin on the inner surface of the dog's rear leg, causing an internal bulge. This condition is caused by obesity or trauma. Treatment involves performing a surgical repair to put back the abdomen in place and suture closed.

    Diaphragmatic Hernia

    • The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the abdomen from the thorax or chest. A diaphragmatic hernia involves the protrusion of the abdominal organs, such as the intestines or liver, through an opening within the diaphragm, which enters the chest cavity and takes up space occupied by the lungs. This causes the dog to experience difficulty breathing and excessive coughing. Diaphragmatic hernias are congenital or due to injuries, such as falls or being hit by an automobile. Treatment involves performing surgery to put the herniated organs back into position and sutured closed.

    Hiatal Hernia

    • A hiatal hernia occurs when the abdominal organs protrude into the thoracic cavity through an opening in the diaphragm, which enters into the esophagus. This causes gastroesophageal reflux or the regurgitation of undigested foods, resulting in the inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus. Treatment involves medications, such as Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac, to control the gastroesophageal reflux, switching to a low-fat diet, antibiotics for the inflammation and ulceration and surgical repair of the herniated organs.