Hernias in k-9's

A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of
the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an
abnormal opening of the surrounding tissues.
There are numerous types of hernias, each
type named after its affected area.
A hernia which can be pushed back into the
abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which
are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the
blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is
pinched off the hernia becomes strangulated.
A strangulated hernia is an emergency
situation and must be brought to the
immediate attention of your veterinarian.
Some of the most common types of hernias
are:
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is the most common type
of hernia found in puppies. In the case of
umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal
organs protrudes through an incompletely
closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may
be present at birth, or may be acquired. The
most common means of acquiring an umbilical
hernia is as a result of the umbilical cord
being severed too close to the abdominal wall.
In most cases umbilical hernias are small and
reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the
time the pup is six months old the umbilical
hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If
the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be
pushed into the abdomen with a finger,
consult your veterinarian regarding possible
surgical repair.

Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal
organs, fat or tissue protruding through the
inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented
as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can
be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral,
involving only one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females
than males, but do occur in both sexes. As
with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias
will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows,
although you must keep an eye on the size of
the hernia(s).
Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed,
middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as
the result of stretching of abdominal tissue
due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal
tissue and musculature due to advanced age.

Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is the result of a tear in
the diaphragm which allows abdominal organ
portions to pass into the chest area. The most
common occurrence of a diaphragmatic hernia
is following an accident. If the tear is small,
there may not be any obvious clinical
indications. If the hernia is significant,
however, there are indications such as
strained respiration, lack of appetite, difficulty
swallowing or vomiting. If a large portion of
the abdominal organ have passed through the
diaphragmatic tear the dog tends to stand with
an extremely "tucked up" abdominal area.

All About Hernias