Hernias in Dogs and Cats
A hernia is a common condition in which organs protrude through an abnormal opening in one part of the body into another area of the body. Dogs and cats are two animals susceptible to hernias, which may be congenital or acquired. Although congenital hernias are usually painless, acquired hernias, which are often caused by trauma, can be painful and life-threatening. Depending on the type of hernia, the amount of herniated tissue, and the effect of the hernia on the organ it is displacing, symptoms will range from mild to severe. If a dog or cat has an unusual protrusion in its abdomen, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
Types of Hernias in Dogs and Cats
There are five types of hernias that occur in dogs and cats.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the diaphragm, which is the muscular "wall" that separates the abdomen and chest cavity, develops a tear, causing the abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity. Diaphragmatic hernias are frequently the result of trauma, such as being hit by a car. They may, however, be related to a congenital abnormality. Diaphragmatic hernia symptoms include breathing difficulty; rapid, shallow breathing; and abnormal posture while breathing.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is found at the diaphragm's opening, where the food pipe joins the stomach. Part of the stomach pushes through the opening, forming the hernia. Symptoms include coughing, regurgitation, weight loss and vomiting. Males are more susceptible to hiatal hernias than females.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin region, and is caused when contents in the abdomen protrude into the inguinal canal/ring. Trauma, pregnancy and obesity are risk factors for inguinal hernias, whose symptoms include include painful swelling on one or both sides of the groin, vomiting, frequent attempts to urinate, bloody urine and lack of appetite.
Perianal Hernia
Perianal hernias occur in the region between the anus and vulva/testicles when the pelvic diaphragm weakens or fails. Older animals, the majority usually between the ages of 7 and 9, are more susceptible, as are males that have not been castrated. Symptoms include swelling on one or both sides of the rectum; constipation; difficulty in urinating; a change in the way the tail is carried; and lethargy. Dogs or cats that have abdominal pain or a strangulated loop of small intestine, or cannot urinate, require emergency surgery.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is an opening in the muscle wall where the belly button is located; it allows abdominal contents to pass through it. It is sometimes the result of the umbilical cord's being cut too close at birth, but is generally considered a congenital defect. An umbilical hernia causes a soft swelling in the umbilical area, with acute cases causing vomiting, depression, lethargy and lack of appetite.
Diagnosis of Hernias in Dogs and Cats
A physical exam to diagnose any physical symptoms (including protrusions) will be performed. An X-ray may be taken or an ultrasound performed to locate the hernia. A contrast exam may be taken to pinpoint any abnormalities that may be causing the problem. If an umbilical hernia is suspected, a fine-needle biopsy with cytopathology may be performed to rule out the possibility of an umbilical abscess.
Treatment of Hernias in Dogs and Cats
Mild, congenital hernias may be asymptomatic; other hernias can be treated by pushing the protruding contents back where they belong. Some hernias develop into strangulating hernias, which obstruct blood flow, and require surgery.