What is Hernia?
Hernias are caused by a defect in the muscle that allows the internal organs to penetrate through it. Some cats are born with this condition, while others develop hernias later on in life. Certain hernias can be reduced, but the majority will require surgery to repair the defect. The good news is that hernias in cats are typically not serious when caught early on.
Cat owners must be on the lookout for anything that can adversely affect the health of their beloved pet. When playing with or petting your cat, take notice of any unusual lumps and bumps that appear as it may be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment. While it is not common, cats can have hernias that can be serious if left untreated.
Hernia Average Cost
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Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Hernia in Cats
The symptoms associated with hernias in cats vary depending on the type of defect. Here are some symptoms you may notice if your cat has a hernia:
- Groin swelling
- Protrusion in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody urine
- Depression
Types
Three types of hernias most commonly affect cats.
Inguinal Hernia
If your cat has an inguinal hernia, his intestines or other contents of the abdomen are pushing through the inguinal canal which is located in the groin. This condition can be classified as uncomplicated, which may not require corrective surgery. It is considered a complicated case if intestines or internal organs become trapped within the muscle wall, which is life-threatening.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when the muscle wall has an opening near the belly button. Intestines and organs may press through this opening, creating a bulge underneath the belly button. Like inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias can be complicated or uncomplicated.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernias are located at the diaphragm, where the stomach and esophagus meet. When this occurs, a portion of his stomach slips through the opening. Most hiatal hernias are congenital and appear before the kitten reaches one year of age.
Causes of Hernia in Cats
The cause of hernias in cats depends on the type of hernia present. Below are some of the primary causes of this condition:
- Congenital
- Acquired due to traumatic injury
- Weakness in the abdominal wall
- Straining to defecate
- Pregnancy
- Chronic bloating
Diagnosis of Hernia in Cats
Before examining your cat, your veterinarian will ask you a few questions about your cat's health. Be sure to include any unusual birth events, medications taken daily, traumatic injury and pre-existing medical conditions. After taking a medical history, your doctor will examine your cat and feel his groin area or abdomen. Vital signs such as weight, heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate are taken and recorded at each visit. He will also take blood for a CBC or complete blood count and a chemical profile to determine your cat's level of health. He may also perform diagnostic X-rays to confirm his diagnosis.
Treatment of Hernia in Cats
Uncomplicated hernias may not require any corrective treatment. However, because hernias can create life-threatening situations if the intestines become strangulated, most veterinarians recommend surgery to repair the defect.When an intestine becomes trapped inside the abdominal wall, it dies and begins to release dangerous toxins that can kill your cat. If your cat has not been spayed or neutered, your doctor may recommend repairing the hernia during that surgery. During the surgery, your doctor will repair the hole in the abdominal wall and cover it with mesh to keep it strong.
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Recovery of Hernia in Cats
The overall outlook for cats with hernias are very good after corrective surgery. You will need to keep your cat from being extremely active for several weeks following the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication that you will need to give your cat immediately after surgery. He will provide you with information so you can recognize any complications that may arise. In most cases, doctors schedule follow-up appointments within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It is very important to attend this visit because any problems can be addressed before more time elapses. He will also need to remove any staples or stitches at that time, as well.
If your cat had surgery to correct a hiatal hernia, there is an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The symptoms associated with this type of pneumonia include coughing, problems breathing, rapid heart rate, trouble exercising, vomiting and altered mood. This is a long-term complication that can occur in cats and you must learn to recognize it to avoid serious illness or death. Most cats do very well after surgery and go on to live full and normal lives.
Hernia Average Cost
From 532 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Hernia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Tortoishell
Rollo
6 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump
Hello I recently found a kitten and brought her to be dewormed they found a hernia but it wasn’t a full vet setup so they told me to make an appointment at a vet. Soonest is Saturday, i just want to know how serious a hernia can be. The kitten is no more than 6 weeks old ears good goes to bathroom normally ..
July 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
It really depends on the hernia, but generally umbilical hernias are not something which should be treated as an emergency unless there is strangulation of intestine or anything else which may have passed through. Some cats live their whole lives with a hernia whilst other have complications, but I wouldn’t be worried about a few days. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2018
It’s not an umbilical hernia, I took her to a vet at petsmart and she was feeling it and said it felt “weird” and that she needed an X-ray to get a better look....x Ray was over priced and i really didn’t have the money. I called another vet which is low cost he told me that an X-ray isn’t necessarily needed... idk who to listen to and she’s eating 100% normally and going to the bathroom fine. She plays and acts just as a kitten should....
July 29, 2018
Rollo's Owner
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Tabby short hair
sonic
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump After A Spay
Nearly a month ago my cat had spay surgery the incision is on her side, at her 2 day check she had a slight swelling we was advised she rested, at her 10 day check up the swelling was larger we was told to let her rest for another 4 days.
On day 14 i took her to the vets they said she had a hernia they squeezed her side a a liquid pink in colour came out so the next day she had another operation to repair the hernia as they said it wasnt seroma. within day 2 she had another swelling , then again on her 10 day check she had swelling they said she now needs and ultrasound as they believe its a hernis again.
she eats well and goes to the toilet fine her lump is small when she stands up but seems to sit over her leg bone as a bulge when she sits down.
can you please help my vets bills are hundreds of pounds and i have lost faith in the vets
July 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I unfortunately can't see Sonic or know more about her so can't really help with her situation, but If she has had two herniations at the site of her surgery, either she has something more complicated going on, or the surgeries are not being done properly. I'm not sure which without knowing more, unfortunately. It might be a good idea to discuss what is actually going on with your veterinarian and let them know that you are not happy, or to get a second opinion from another veterinarian to get their input on the situation. I'm sorry that that is happening to Sonic, and hope things get resolved soon.
July 12, 2018
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short hair
Charlie
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My kitten had his umbilical hernia repaired a week ago. He now has a bigger lump in the same place which is hard not soft. What is this, should I be worried?
July 10, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that there has been some dehiscence of the sutures in the abdominal would leading to a recurrence of the hernia, another cause may be due to a seroma; you should return to your Veterinarian for an examination to determine the specific underlying cause (hernia or something else). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 11, 2018
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mane coon
Fettuccine Alfredo
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hernia
My cat is 3 years old she is a mane coon and she weighs just 6 pounds (the runt of her litter) she is scheduled for a surgery tomorrow morning to fix a hernia she received from a fall. The vet is URGENTLY recommending she be spayed as well due to the fact that they believe a future pregnancy would not be successful for her. I have ALWAYS wanted her to have babies someday and I need to know if her being spayed is ABSOLUTELY necessary or if i can avoid it and get the surgery and just look into a cat fertility specialist in the future?
July 7, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If your veterinarian is recommending that Fettucini be spayed to prevent injury to herself in the future, it seems that that would be the best thing to do. Without knowing more about the location and severity of her hernia, I can't comment on the necessity of the surgery, but your veterinarian would not urgently recommend that for no reason.
July 7, 2018
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Tuxedo
Ghost
9 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nauseous, Lethargic
Hello
A few weeks ago I adopted a 6 week old stray kitten with an abdominal hernia. I took him to a local vet and they reccomended that we wait until he's 5 pounds to have the hernia surgically repaired. He didn't show any signs of discomfort or loss of appetite until recently. He will eat and drink a little, but he seems very nauseous after. I was wondering if abdominal hernias in kittens are life threatening and his recent change of behavior be cause for concern. Also what is the likelyhood of a 2 pound kitten recovering from an abdominal hernia repair surgery? Thank you for your help
June 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Whether his hernia is going to cause problems depends on how big it is and where it is located. Your veterinarian would have assessed any danger to Ghost at the time of the exam, and if they think that you are safe to wait, that is probably true. We do do surgery on 2 pound kittens, but it is safer to wait until they are a little older if possible. The loss of appetite and nausea may be unrelated, and it might be a good idea to have him seen again, especially if he hasn't been dewormed.
June 26, 2018
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Cat
Tuffy
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Umbilical Hernia
I was given a male cat who is about 15 months old and he has a large hanging bulge from his abdomen which I was told by a neighbor is an umbilical hernia. He seems to be in otherwise good health and disposition, eating well and no problems with relieving himself, and he loves to play with the other cats and kittens. He's very affectionate and I would hate to lose him but I'm worried it may be too late to have it fixed. What should I do? I plan to move soon and I will take him with me. Should I have the hernia repaired or is it too late?
Hernia Average Cost
From 532 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
