Hernia in a puppy: causes, symptoms, treatment, recovery period and advice from veterinarians

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The occurrence of an umbilical hernia in a puppy is a fairly common pathology. With this defect, the internal organs (uterus, intestinal loop, omentum) fall out into the hole that has appeared in the lower abdomen. In most cases, the disease is hereditary.

Why does a hernia occur

When an animal is born, the abdominal opening closes, where the umbilical cord was previously attached, which connected the puppy and the mother's womb. Most often, the umbilical ring closes in a day, and the skin on the abdomen is leveled. However, it is possible that some deviations will appear, as a result of which the ring may increase in size or change shape. As a result, the connective tissues are stretched and the internal organs fall out. This defect can go away on its own after a few days, but sometimes there is a complication in the form of infringement of internal organs.

The main causes of hernia in puppies are:

• features of heredity;
• the abdominal wall is lowtone;
• connective tissues are rather weak;
• the umbilical cord was removed incorrectly;
• birth injury;
• flatulence;
• Intra-abdominal pressure is too high.

If we talk about genetic characteristics, then pathology can develop in representatives of the following breeds:

• dachshund;
• bull terrier;
• chow-chow;
• collie;
• poodle;
• basenji;
• Bobtail;
• Pekingese.

Hernia in German Shepherd puppies is also due to genetic abnormalities.

Types of diseases

This ailment can be congenital (inherited as a recessive trait) or acquired. In the second option, the appearance of a tumor is influenced by external factors, as well as the anatomical features of the internal structure of the animal.

Umbilical hernia can be divided into 4 types:

• Real. If the umbilical ring is not closed, then there is a hernial sac, which is formed from the pleura or peritoneum. The contents partially contain internal organs.
• False. It is a soft, hollow growth that fills in fat deposits.
• Reduced. The prolapsed organ is mobile and elastic, it can be returned to its place with gentle pressure.
• Injured (hard). The organ is pinched by the hernial orifice, resulting in swelling of the tissues and neoplasms.

How to diagnose a hernia

Determine a hernia in a puppyon the abdomen is possible by the presence of an elastic soft tumor that occurs in the umbilical region. The process takes place without breaking the skin, and the dog does not experience discomfort. The growths can be the size of a pea or a walnut. Palpation helps to determine the presence of a defect, if you press a little harder, then a hernial ring is detected.

There are a number of minor clinical manifestations by which an acquired hernia is determined:

• seals appear;
• breathing changes;
• presence of pain;
• animal refuses to feed;
• behavior becomes oppressive.

The owner can handle the diagnosis of an umbilical hernia in a puppy. It is enough to determine the main manifestation, which is characterized by the presence of a convex area of the skin, which has a rounded shape. The final verdict should be made by a veterinarian after a series of tests. If necessary, the animal is sent for an ultrasound scan, during which the gastrointestinal tract is examined.

What you need to know about treatment

When a tumor is detected, it is necessary to provide the dog with proper assistance. However, any owner should remember that any therapeutic measures should be carried out only after consultation with a veterinarian. In the first two months after birth, non-surgical gluing of the hernia can be performed if the defect is classified as a reducible option.

With a small size of education and a small agepuppy, veterinarians advise the owner to take care of the animal on their own. Most often, palliative care is used. The essence of the method is to apply a fixing bandage slightly above the growth, a coin or a dense ball of cotton can play a holding role. Adhesive plaster is used for fixing. This method can be used after the hernia has been reduced.

How massage can help

Many owners, after making a diagnosis, ask the question: “A hernia in a puppy, what should I do?”. Firming massage of the umbilical region very often gives good results in this disease. The purpose of these actions:

• stimulate blood circulation;
• relieve spasms;
• strengthen the abdominal wall and ligaments.

Massage should be done for 5 minutes, several times a day. Thanks to such actions, the abdominal region is warmed up and stimulated.

Execution technique

First you need to gently start stroking the puppy with your fingertips so that the animal can relax. Then start making movements in a circle in a clockwise direction.

It is important not to forget to pay attention to the reaction of the pet, if he shows that he is in pain, then the procedure should be stopped immediately.

It must be remembered that massage cannot be done in the following cases:

• infection;
• wounds;
• fever;
• inflammatory processes.

When a hernia is formed in a puppy, the dog should not stand on its hind limbs. If there is a need to take a sick pet in your arms,then only under the tummy.

Surgery

Impaired blood circulation, necrosis and pinching of the organs of the hernial sac are unpleasant consequences of this disease. With such an aggravation of the condition of the animal, it is necessary to remove the hernia. When pinched, the following symptoms occur:

• temperature rising;
• hernia increases in size and turns red;
• swollen peritoneum;
• breathing becomes more frequent;
• during palpation, the animal experiences pain;
• nausea;
• general state of apathy;
• no feed;
• constipation.

If the above symptoms are identified, then it is strictly forbidden to help your pet on your own (in the absence of proper education and experience). It is necessary to take the animal to the veterinarian, who will decide what to do next.

Don't be afraid of the operation. The puppy's hernia will be repaired, and that's the main thing! The goal of surgery will be to restore normal functioning of the body and minimize negative consequences.

What is the operation

The action itself is not something complicated, an incision is made in the skin, then the hernial sac is opened, the internal organs are reduced, the umbilical ring is tightened and sutured. All this takes place under local anesthesia.

The owner should take into account that surgery is performed only on those puppies thathave been fully vaccinated.

What care does a puppy need in the postoperative period

Any animal will need some care after surgery. Compliance with simple rules will allow the pet to recover faster, and the owner will not have to treat possible complications that arise when the animal is mishandled.

Recommendations from veterinarians are as follows:

• obligatory purchase of a bandage for a dog so that the puppy cannot injure himself;
• buying antibiotics, painkillers, vitamins and using them as prescribed by the vet;
• observance of the regime, which will exclude the load on the place where the stitches are applied.

What is an inguinal hernia

Already from the name it becomes clear where this pathology is formed in dogs. Inguinal hernia in puppies can also occur at the point of contact of the limb with the skin of the peritoneum. Here, not only part of the intestine can fall out, but also the bladder or uterus. That is why this type of disease poses the greatest danger to the life and he alth of a pet.

It is worth noting that middle-aged pets and puppy dogs are most susceptible to inguinal hernia.

It is quite easy to identify the disease by the symptoms. A large bag is formed in the groin area. The animal does not show restlessness or tenderness when palpated.

If there is no abscess, then the superficial areaformation will be warm and has the temperature characteristic of the puppy's body. The skin does not grow bald, ulcers do not appear on them. Partial hair loss can occur if the hernial sac rubs against the limb of the animal.

To prevent serious problems with the he alth of your pet, you need to carry out, as soon as possible, a surgical intervention, namely, the removal of a hernia in a puppy. This measure is necessary due to the presence of large organs in the hernial sac, and if even slight damage occurs, it can lead to the following consequences:

• fecal peritonitis;
• miscarriage;
• extensive internal bleeding.

If we talk about the operation, then it goes according to the following scenario:

1. The dog is under general anesthesia.
2. Repositioning internal organs into place.
3. Contraction of the hernia ring.
4. Suturing.

Each owner needs to know that if any type of hernia occurs, it is worth contacting a veterinarian so as not to aggravate the condition of the animal. Timely assistance to your pet will help to avoid big problems with his he alth in the future.