Hernias are caused by holes in the body's muscle wall. These holes can occur naturally or can be caused by a torn muscle. Holes in the muscle allow the intestines and other internal organs to pass through them toward the outside of the body. Hernias can be fixed by a vet if caught early, but can be fatal if left untreated.
-
Types
-
There are three types of hernias that are common in dogs. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area and cause a lump to form on the inside of one of the dog's hind legs. Umbilical hernias occur on the stomach where the umbilical cord was attached to the dog's body in the womb. Diaphragmatic hernias occur in the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities.
The Danger
-
Hernias are dangerous because if the intestine is poking through the muscle wall, food will not be able to pass through it, and because if the hole the intestines or other organs have slipped into is too small, the organ's blood supply may be restricted or cut off completely.
Hernia Symptoms
-
Signs of a hernia include vomiting and lack of appetite. A dog with a hernia may also quit drinking. If the blood vessels of the protruding organ are constricted, the dog will likely experience pain, cramping, fever, lethargy, liver failure and kidney failure. If a hernia is left untreated, death can occur in 24 to 48 hours.
Treatment
-
Hernia repair is done surgically. Vets move the intestines or other displaced organs back into position and close the whole the muscle wall with special long-lasting stitches. If the hole in the muscle wall is very large, the vet may secure a mesh cover to it to help close it.
Hernia Causes
-
Umbilical hernias have a genetic cause. Other types of hernia in dogs are usually caused by some type of traumatic event, such a being hit by a car.
-