Umbilical hernia in a puppy: causes, clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Home and surgical methods for treating the disease. Umbilical hernia in a dog or puppy on the stomach: diagnosis and what to do

The most common pathology abdominal cavity, which occurs in both purebred and outbred animals, is a congenital umbilical hernia in a puppy. There is an opinion that the occurrence of an umbilical hernia depends on the course of labor and the method of cutting the umbilical cord. In fact, the risk factor is purely genetic.

During intrauterine development, the puppy receives nutrition and oxygen through the umbilical cord, which is attached to the placenta. During the prenatal period, the placenta stops feeding the babies, but the supply of oxygen and blood continues until the end of the expulsion process. As soon as the puppy moved along birth canal, his body begins to prepare for the opening of the lungs and contraction abdominal wall. The place where the umbilical cord attaches to the tummy is called the umbilical ring. By the time of birth, the ring decreases significantly in size and should close completely within the first day of life.

Low tone of the abdominal wall or irregular shape of the umbilical ring is the main cause of hernia formation. It is very simple to determine the defect - a rounded, convex area of skin is visually noticeable on the baby’s tummy. It should be noted that an umbilical hernia in a newborn puppy can “evaporate” without a trace after a few days. However, the “reverse scenario” is also possible – the appearance of a defect in a grown or adult dog.

Types of umbilical hernia in puppies

The pathology is considered very common and it must be admitted that many dogs have lived full life, and the owners did not even suspect that the pet had a “peculiarity.” On the other hand, an umbilical hernia can kill a pet, quickly and without preconditions. The appearance of a lump on the tummy is far from a diagnosis.

The size of the formation depends on the tone of the hernial orifice. A “harmless tubercle” can grow to the size of a ripe tomato after minor injury, constipation, bloating, severe attack vomiting, pregnancy or prolonged labor. Compare the photos and draw your own conclusions. Our recommendation is to immediately show your pet to the veterinarian, and the doctor will accurately determine whether there are risks of worsening the situation.

Why are umbilical hernias dangerous?

Veterinarians insist that treatment of an umbilical hernia in a puppy is a necessary measure, and the sooner it is resorted to, the fewer risks to the baby’s health. The reason is very simple, any hernia threatens to infringe on the contents of the hernial sac. Active growth Puppy can lead to the fact that the strangulated part of the intestine or other organ will be pinched by the umbilical ring. Incorrect physiological position of the intestine and pressure are fraught with:

Constipation and vomiting if the intestines are strangulated.

Stagnation of urine, kidney failure, if the bladder is strangulated.

Pain, which is expressed by the tone of the peritoneum.

Poor circulation, starvation of tissues and cells.

The beginning of the necrotic process - cells deprived of nutrition die and begin to be rejected by the body.

Septic shock due to intoxication.

Coma and death.

Read also: Cushing's syndrome in dogs - symptoms and treatment of the disease

Important! After the necrotic process begins, the owner has minutes to deliver the puppy to the clinic, where the dog will immediately go to the operating table.

Small fatty hernias do not cause discomfort to the dog and require treatment if the issue of conformation is affected. Usually, for the sake of aesthetics, fatty umbilical hernias are removed routinely after two primary vaccinations or in combination with other procedures.

As a preventative measure, puppies are recommended to have a tummy massage after eating. While the mother feeds the babies, she licks the puppies' bellies after each feeding. After weaning and moving to a new home, “parental responsibilities” will fall on you. Monitor your puppy's activity; overstraining the abdominal wall during play can cause an umbilical hernia.

Removal and treatment of umbilical hernia in a puppy

Owners who have not noticed an umbilical hernia in a pet usually find out about the baby’s peculiarity on scheduled inspection at the veterinarian. Every owner experiences a dilemma of interests and for some time cannot decide what to do next. The only guaranteed method of treatment is a simple operation, but what owner would want to subject his ward to surgical procedures if there is no direct threat to life and health?

There is an alternative - treatment without surgery! However, this makes sense if the puppy is still small and with palpation the veterinarian can reduce the hernial sac. A coin or a hard plate is fixed on the baby’s stomach, pressing down the reduced hernia. Guarantees that umbilical ring If it closes, the veterinarian won’t give it to you, but if “time is of the essence,” the method is worth trying.

Umbilical hernia It occurs quite often in puppies. Owners should understand the essence of this disease, the need for consultation with a specialist.

Types of hernia in dogs, causes

A hernia is a soft, painless tumor in the area of natural orifices (for example, the umbilical) or pathological ones (formed due to injury).

It is formed by protrusion of the membrane that lines the cavity with further prolapse of internal organs into it. In puppies there are:

umbilical;
inguinal;
perineal.

The structure of a hernia is divided into:

hernial sac (formed by a membrane - the peritoneum or pleura);
contents (usually the omentum, sometimes a loop of intestine, other organs);
gate (abnormally enlarged opening, allowing protrusion of the membrane).

The main cause of hernia is the hernial orifice. Often, an umbilical hernia in puppies is a congenital phenomenon that appears shortly after birth. The mechanism of development of an umbilical hernia is quite simple: the umbilical ring, formed by the abdominal muscles, should narrow as the puppy grows; if the ring remains expanded into it, under the weight of the internal organs, the adjacent part of the peritoneum begins to hang down and protrude. In the absence of help and competent measures aimed at combating the disease, the puppy’s ring continues to expand, and the omentum falls into the formed hernial sac. At further development pathologies, adjacent internal organs. Typically a loop of intestine.

At this stage, the disease poses a serious threat to the life of the puppy, since the intestinal loop may become compressed by the muscles of the hernial orifice. The intestinal loop is strangulated.

If manipulation is possible, hernias are distinguished:

reducible;
irredeemable.

Reducible ones are quite safe for the puppy’s condition, however, this does not mean that there is no need for control by a veterinarian. A reducible hernia is called when it is possible to painlessly, without effort, return the hernial contents to the anatomical cavity. Sometimes a minor umbilical hernia may disappear on its own. Due to the growth and strengthening of the abdominal muscles, the umbilical ring tightens and prevents re-prolapse of the peritoneum. Sometimes you can get by with conservative treatment methods.

The impossibility of reduction indicates the development of adhesions of the hernial sac to the walls of the opening. This type is subjected to surgical treatment.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in dogs

Reducible small hernias can be left without treatment. Periodic monitoring by a veterinarian is required. If the formation does not cause any discomfort to the puppy and gradually decreases in size, there is a possibility of spontaneous healing. It is recommended to carry out 3-4 point injections ethyl alcohol to the edges of the hernial orifice. It is believed that the aseptic inflammation that develops as a result of injections leads to a narrowing of the hole. Another method is reduction of the hernial contents followed by fixation. A coin or a flat plate is placed on the area of the reduced hernia, the puppy’s navel, firmly fixing it crosswise with an adhesive plaster. It is worth considering that in order to obtain any significant effect from such a procedure, it is necessary to constantly wear this fixing bandage for a long time.

Irreversible hernias in puppies are eliminated by surgery.

Of particular danger are strangulated hernias. As a rule, in similar cases a puppy's hernia reaches a larger size walnut, pain and increased local temperature are noted.

There may be reddening of the skin in the area of the hernia, worsening general condition, depression, lack of defecation, vomiting. Such signs indicate infringement of the intestinal loop, obstruction of patency. This condition is considered urgent and requires the most urgent surgical intervention. Infringement of an intestinal loop threatens its necrosis, the development of sepsis, and the rapid death of the animal.

Noticing similar symptoms in combination with the presence of an umbilical hernia in a puppy, it is necessary to immediately take the dog to the clinic for surgery.

Surgery is performed by cutting the skin and peritoneum. The contents of the hernial sac are examined. If necessary, the necrotic part of the intestine is excised. The hernial contents are returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernial sac itself is excised, and the umbilical ring is narrowed using sutures, preventing recurrence of peritoneal prolapse. Removal of superficial sutures is carried out 9-10 days after surgery. With proper surgical intervention, relapses of the disease do not occur.

In dogs, umbilical hernia is a fairly common pathology. This is a congenital defect that is considered harmless by many breeders and is not health threatening adult dogs. This opinion is fundamentally wrong, since a hernia in a dog’s stomach can cause serious complications under certain circumstances. The condition is especially dangerous when the umbilical hernia is strangulated and its contents are deprived of blood circulation.

Why does an umbilical hernia develop?

This disease is hereditary in nature, so it is impossible to prevent its formation in puppies. Dogs have an opening in the abdominal cavity to which when intrauterine development the umbilical cord is attached. After birth, the umbilical ring closes, from which after a few days the shrunken umbilical cord falls off by itself. If the tone of the abdominal wall is low, or the shape of the umbilical ring is incorrect, a hernia develops.

In adult dogs, the hernial ring is normally closed by adhesions. However, under certain pathological conditions animal ( severe vomiting, prolonged constipation, abdominal trauma, bloating), the adhesion can diverge - and (depending on the degree of divergence) an umbilical hernia of one type or another is formed. Quite often this process is observed during pregnancy. Many owners are concerned about the question: “What to do if a dog has a hernia on its stomach” - the answer is clear; you should, without delay, show the animal to a veterinarian in order to avoid the development of complications dangerous to the pet’s health.

Types of umbilical hernias

Depending on how much the adhesions of the hernial ring have diverged, several types of umbilical hernia are distinguished:

True - the abdominal membrane, part of the intestine, a fragment of the uterus or part of the bladder can be squeezed out under the skin on the abdomen through a ruptured commissure. For appointment effective therapy The veterinarian needs to determine the width of the hernial orifice and understand how mobile the contents of the hernia are.
Reducible hernia - a fragment of an organ that has fallen out through the umbilical ring can be returned “to its place” by applying physical pressure to the hernia.
Strangulated (irreducible, hard) - the umbilical ring pinches part of the prolapsed organ, while the contents of the hernia increase in size due to swelling.
A false umbilical hernia in a dog looks like a small, rounded formation near the navel. It is soft to the touch, easy to straighten with your fingers. Over time, the false hernia fills with fat.

The size of the umbilical hernia always depends on how widely the hernial ring has spread. False fat formations can be up to two centimeters in diameter, while increased loads they are increasing. A true hernia with extensive prolapse of any organ in size and shape may resemble an orange, and in particular severe cases may be larger in diameter.

In addition to umbilical hernias, dogs can develop inguinal, perineal and intervertebral hernias. Inguinal hernia in small breed dogs is most often diagnosed in pregnant bitches. Its contents (part of the intestines, uterus, bladder) can be reducible or irreducible. If the contents of the sac represent a pregnant uterus, then the hernia enlarges as the fetus grows. If in inguinal hernia If the bladder falls out, then when you press on it, the animal may release urine.

Why is an umbilical hernia dangerous?

True and strangulated umbilical hernias pose a particular danger to the health and, sometimes, the life of a dog. When an intestinal ring is pinched, a fragment of it is deprived of blood circulation. Wherein clinical picture will be completely similar to a volvulus. Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia may be the following:

refusal of food;
weakness\depression;
constipation, vomiting or urge to do so;
swelling and hardening of the formation due to impaired blood circulation in it.

Without treatment, necrosis of part of the intestine will develop with intoxication and subsequent sepsis, which can lead to death.

If the tissues receive nutrition and the blood circulation in them is not impaired, but they still remain in a compressed state, this is fraught with stagnation of waste and the development of inflammation. In this case, the dog may experience an increase in temperature and depression. What to do with an umbilical hernia in dogs?

Self-treatment can significantly aggravate the situation and lead to the development serious complications. Lately provided veterinary care often leads to tragic consequences. Always consult a specialist.

Treatment of umbilical hernia in dogs

The most effective and safe method therapy in this case is surgery. Removal of an umbilical hernia in dogs is most often carried out routinely, during sterilization and other procedures. In this case, the surgeon can work according to two “scenarios” (depending on the type of hernia):

The hernial sac is opened, the prolapsed organs are reset and the hernial opening is sutured.
For irreducible hernias and necrotic process, it is carried out abdominal surgery to remove content.

There is another method of therapy - gluing a reducible hernia, but it is effective only for young puppies.

The phenomenon is quite common. The animal may have congenital pathology or purchased. Treatment of umbilical hernia in dogs is impossible, the only way out- reduction and suturing. The problem cannot be underestimated; a hernia is fraught with serious complications, including death. In this article we will talk about the causes of umbilical hernias in dogs of puppyhood and adults. Let's look at the types of such hernias and learn what to do if a problem arises.

What is an umbilical hernia?

This is a pathology in which the animal's insides - the bladder, uterus, omentum and intestines - fall out of the umbilical ring - an opening in the abdomen called the navel.

This condition is not always due to genetic predisposition. The abdominal muscles can weaken and the umbilical ring opens for many reasons. First of all, we will consider the causes of the disease in puppies, and then in adults.

Why do puppies develop umbilical hernia?

It is believed that the occurrence of the disease directly depends on the course of pregnancy and childbirth in the dog, as well as on the method of cutting the umbilical cord. It's not like that at all. Throughout pregnancy, puppies inside the dog's womb receive all the substances they need for life through the umbilical cord. When there is very little time left before birth, the umbilical ring - the place where the umbilical cord attaches to the tummy - begins to narrow. The baby’s entire body is preparing to receive on its own not only food, but also oxygen. You need to learn to breathe, so contractions of the peritoneum begin. But this is not a factor in the development of a hernia, it’s a matter of genetics.

At birth, the umbilical ring is still open, but within 24 hours it should shrink completely. If the ring has irregular shape or the tone of the abdominal wall is weak, then an umbilical hernia may form in the dog in these very first days of life.

How to identify a hernia in a puppy?

If the owner of the woman in labor is attentive and caring, then he will regularly examine the babies. You do not need to be a qualified veterinarian to identify an umbilical hernia in a dog or newborn puppy. With pathology, a more convex area is noticeable on the tummy than the rest of the area. There will be a small, protruding ball on the skin.

Don't start panicking right away. Umbilical hernias often occur in puppies, and in almost all of them they disappear on their own over the next few days of development.

Causes of umbilical hernia in older dogs

If the problem arose in puppyhood, then the cause is a weak umbilical ring, and this is a congenital pathology. In adults, the problem may arise for other reasons.

Peritoneal injuries, overload - do not force the dog to perform physical exercise through strength, everything should be in moderation.
Umbilical hernia in dogs after surgery is a common occurrence. The complication arises due to insufficient recovery period. Immediately after the sutures are removed, the animal cannot be loaded in the same way as before the operation, it must become toned, do not disregard the veterinarian’s recommendations for recovery, follow all instructions and rules.
Frequent and multiple pregnancies of the dog. This problem often occurs when the dog walks on its own and the owner does not keep track of the mating. Another risk group is an inexperienced breeder who wants to make money on the fruiting of his pet, without caring about her condition. If you breed a breed, then take the dog the recommended number of times a year; after one pregnancy, you cannot immediately take it to the groom again. If you don’t want to breed animals, then it’s better to sterilize your pet, this is the key to its health and your peace of mind.
Frequent constipation. This may be due not only to poor nutrition, but also to intestinal pathology. If you notice such a problem, the first thing you need to do is contact your veterinarian. If no diseases are found, then completely review your pet’s menu, and if necessary, put it on a diet.
The cause of a hernia can be another disease - ascites.
Persistent bloating.
High pressure inside the peritoneum.

If the owner himself can determine the penultimate factor by the frequent “gas contamination” of the room, then only a veterinarian can determine the latter. Exactly for the reason frequent violations in the functioning of the body, invisible to the eye, dogs must be shown to the veterinarian annually for examination. The animal cannot say where, what and how it hurts, and often does not even show its abnormal condition.

Types of umbilical hernias

Photos of an umbilical hernia in dogs can be seen in this material. This is a very common phenomenon, and some animals can live with this feature all their lives, while eating well, exercising and not showing pain, since there may not be any pain at all. This may be due to the growth of the omentum to the hernia; it does not fall out, but does not fall into place, it protrudes a little, which may be completely unnoticeable. In this state of affairs, the hernia can be left untouched; the dog will live without noticing the pathology throughout his entire happy canine life. Another thing is when an umbilical hernia appears in a dog with prolapse of the omentum, in this situation it is necessary to correct the pathology, suturing, narrowing, the umbilical ring. But about the operation later, let's look at the types of hernias in dogs of all ages.

If a bump appears on the tummy of a newborn, this is not a reason to make a diagnosis. Hernias are of the following types:

A true hernia is a type of pathology in which the umbilical ring opens and some part of the organ passes through it. The most common organ that protrudes is the intestine.
A false hernia is a type in which the navel ring opens, but organs do not pass through it, remaining in correct position in their places. The skin pouch becomes soft due to filling with fatty tissue. With this type of hernia, the hernia is very mobile.
A moving hernia is a type of pathology in which you can easily, by slightly pressing the sac, push the prolapsed organ back inside. The gate - the umbilical ring - does not prevent the reentry of the organ.
A hard or immovable hernia is the most dangerous look a pathology in which the umbilical ring, after prolapse of the organ, sharply narrows and remains in this position. In this condition, an internal organ becomes pinched.

Hernia dimensions

If in the area of the navel of even an adult animal a small bump, you need to urgently take your pet to the veterinarian. It is not a fact that the hernia will remain this size; it can grow to the size of a lemon or chicken egg depending on the size of the dog and the tone of the umbilical ring. This may not happen at all; the dog will live its entire life without knowing about the pathology. Or it can happen differently - the hernia will “grow” sharply even with a small load, pinching will occur and the pet will simply die within a few hours.

A lump in the navel area does not always indicate a hernia. It could be a harmless wen or a dangerous cancerous tumor. In any case, the pet should be shown to a doctor, even if it does not show signs of an uncomfortable condition.

Is there a breed predisposition?

There is no specific list of breeds that are predisposed to umbilical hernia. Most often, puppies suffer from the pathology, and this is a genetic feature. If an adult dog has a hernia, then there are other reasons for this, described above.

If we consider females and males, then the former have a higher predisposition, because the load on their peritoneum is higher, especially when bearing offspring.

Why are hernias on the navel dangerous?

Veterinarians recommend mandatory eliminate the hernia, and the sooner this happens, the less risk there is to the life and health of the animal. Even if a puppy has a formation, you should not expect it to resolve on its own. The reason for this is obvious - the umbilical ring can close at any time, and the contents of the skin sac will be pinched. Why is this dangerous?

When the intestines are pinched, vomiting begins first and the dog suffers from constipation.
If the pinching has absorbed part of the bladder, then urine stagnation will begin, which will develop renal failure.
When a dog is pinched, it experiences severe pain.
Blood circulation is impaired.
Blood does not flow into the pinched part, a lack of oxygen begins, and the tissues pinched by the ring begin to die.
Dead tissue disintegrates, which causes intoxication of the body.
If no measures are taken, the dog will fall into a short coma and then die.

If the necrotic process has begun, then the owner of the animal will have in a matter of minutes to deliver the pet to the clinic, and there he will immediately go to surgery, where the umbilical hernia will be removed.

Dogs with a false hernia do not require surgery; it is not dangerous to health unless the dog himself begins to scratch it and injure it.

Symptoms

If the hernia begins to bother you, you can determine this by the symptoms.

A dog whines as it shows its pain.
Refusal to eat and drink, apathy.
Digestive disorders - constipation or diarrhea, vomiting.
The animal constantly lies down and refuses to play or go for a walk.
When pinched, the dog becomes more lethargic, weak, constantly whines and cries, and hides from people’s eyes.

Diagnostics

If the condition is not acute, the dog does not show its condition in any way, or the symptoms are weak, but the owner has already brought the pet to the clinic, he will be immediately sent for an ultrasound. After this, you will need to donate blood for analysis to make a more accurate diagnosis.

When acute condition there is no time to waste. Without prior diagnosis, the dog will be immediately referred to a surgeon.

Surgery to remove an umbilical hernia in a dog

There's nothing wrong with that. If the organs have not come out through the ring, then the doctor will simply straighten the abdomen carefully and suture the hernial orifice.

If there are organs in the bag, then first you will have to open this bag to check the condition of these organs. If there are no injuries or other problems, then they are also reduced, and the surgeon sutures the gate.

If there was pinching, then there is a high probability of tissue death. In this case, they are removed and cleaned, which is dangerous for the life of the animal. Only then will the doctor realign the organs and suture the gate.

There will be no relapses after the operation. Once recovered, the dog will begin to live a normal life.

Actions at home

If an umbilical hernia appears in a dog, every owner should know what can and cannot be done.

Under no circumstances should you try to correct the pathology yourself. Your actions can lead to complications - pinching or even rupture of organs. Do not do anything other than contact your doctor.

After surgery, the dog will need a warm, dry place in the house. The wound will need to be treated disinfectants. The veterinarian will prescribe a diet that you must adhere to! Buy your animal a bandage so that when he stands up, his stitches do not come apart.