What is Hernia?
Given that parents love stroking their pets, it’s not uncommon for loving hands to find lumps and bumps on a dog’s body — some of these are serious and others are benign in nature.
Hernias sit somewhere in the middle. As any human who’s suffered from the medical condition will know only too well, they can be mighty painful and lead to a raft of other unwelcome symptoms. However, the good news is they can usually be treated successfully by a vet.
Read our guide to hernia in dogs, and you’ll discover:
- Symptoms of a hernia in a dog include fever, lethargy and even vomiting
- Hernias in dogs are usually hereditary
- Dogs can get a hernia through trauma
- There are different types of hernia — including Diaphragmatic hernia, hiatal hernia and Umbilical hernia
- Some hernias can require surgery to treat
What is a Hernia in Dogs?
A hernia is an abnormal opening in a muscle in which an organ or other tissues can pass through to reach other body parts. This will sometimes lead to external swelling. Can dogs get a hernia? Yes, they can.
While hernias in humans occur typically due to overexertion — by lifting something too heavy, or with a poor technique — in the case of a dog hernia, all the different types can be a condition a dog is born with.
These different types are umbilical, diaphragmatic, inguinal, hiatal and perineal; hernias in dogs are usually found near the belly button, the groin, diaphragm or perineal area.
While hernias in humans occur typically due to overexertion — by lifting something too heavy, or with a poor technique — in the case of a dog hernia, all the different types can be a condition a dog is born with.
These different types are umbilical, diaphragmatic, inguinal, hiatal and perineal; hernias in dogs are usually found near the belly button, the groin, diaphragm or perineal area.
Hernias are most easily cured when caught early on and this is where a pet insurance policy really comes to the rescue. Compare some of the top options available using WAG!’s comparison tool
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Average Cost
$1,600
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Symptoms of Hernia in Dogs
What does a hernia look like in a dog? Symptoms of hernias in dogs are typically:
- Cramping
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Numbness in the legs
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting of food or water
It’s important to act quickly if you see any of the behaviors listed above. In the worst case scenarios, a dog may even die if bacterial toxins are able to make their way into the body after tissues break down — this could happen as quickly as 24 to 48 hours if your dog is not treated immediately.
Causes of Hernia in Dogs
Genetics
In over 90 per cent of cases, hernias in dogs are hereditary — the only exception to this is hiatal hernias. This is more of a puppy hernia, as vets mostly treat the disorder in dogs of less than a year old.
As a result, vets will often recommend spaying or neutering dogs susceptible to hernias to avoid the condition being potentially passed on to a set of puppies. Even dogs who have had a surgical repair on their own hernias are generally discouraged from reproducing again.
If a pregnant female dog's hernia is found, it’s advised that both the mother and the puppies should all be spayed or neutered as soon as possible to prevent the disorder from continuing to spread.
It seems cruel, but, as with all other genetic disorders, there’s currently no other way of stopping an inherited disorder from being passed onto offspring.
However, you should be aware that dogs can get a hernia even after being spayed, though it’s relatively rare. Hernias can be a result of an improper healing process after being spayed, such as the dog overexerting themselves and tearing internal stitches across the abdomen.
Trauma
Although it’s much rarer, hernias can be the result of significant trauma at any age. Muscles can be damaged during injuries, such as traffic collisions or dog bites, which can lead to a hernia developing.
There are no ways to prevent accidents from happening aside from following common sense when it comes to things like leash control. Your vet will check for internal damage during an examination after the incident in question.
At the same time, the trauma can come from another health condition. For example, the straining from regular bouts of constipation can place stress on muscles and lead to a tear.
Diagnosis of Hernia in Dogs
How are hernias in dogs diagnosed? Considering hernias consist of tissue moving into the wrong place, your vet will first be on the lookout for what doesn’t look quite right in certain regions of the dog’s body.
The vet will also look for any signs of respiratory or abdominal disorders, as well as hard or painful bulges. Because those hard bulges could lead to fatalities if bacteria are able to travel through the muscle tissue, those areas will be focused on immediately before moving on to any other potential hernia spots.
A contrast study will often help confirm the diagnosis. This process uses a special dye — administered orally or by needle injection — that makes it easy to highlight where the hernia is on X-ray film or digitally, depending on the available equipment.
Different Types of Hernia in Dogs
There are different types of hernias that can affect your pup. The five main ones that vets tend to watch out for are: diaphragmatic, hiatal, inguinal, perineal and umbilical. Each type is named differently after the various parts of the body they affect:
- Diaphragmatic Hernia — This takes its name from the diaphragm, a muscle that lies under the lungs and separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. Diaphragmatic hernia in dogs occurs when the liver or stomach bulges through the diaphragm and moves into the lung area.
- Hiatal Hernia — Similar to the above, this type also involves the diaphragm. However, a hiatal hernia happens when the stomach protrudes through the natural opening between the esophagus and the stomach. This usually leaves no external lump and is more commonly seen in male dogs.
- Inguinal Hernia — This occurs in the inguinal canal, an opening of the muscle wall in a dog’s groin. If the opening of the canal widens, abdominal contents can pass through and an inguinal dog hernia often be seen as a bulge at the point at which the hind leg meets the belly. Older female dogs are likely candidates for an inguinal hernia.
- Perineal Hernia — These occur within the pelvic floor muscles, which keep the abdominal organs in the correct position. This can be potentially dangerous if the bladder or a loop of the intestine moves through the tear. A vet will land on this diagnosis if they see swelling around the anus. Older male dogs are at higher risk of a perineal hernia, especially if they haven’t been neutered.
- Umbilical Hernia — The umbilicus is the medical term for the belly button, the point at which a puppy was once connected to their mother. Umbilical hernia in dogs can occur when abdominal organs push against this area and will be easy to spot as a swelling underneath the rib cage.
You can learn more about hernia repair here.
Treatment of Hernia in Dogs
How long can a dog live with a hernia? That depends on the severity of the case. Sometimes nothing needs to be done at all — small inguinal hernias will often close without medical attention, particularly with male dogs.
If the hernia is caught early or is what’s known as reducible, the protruding matter can sometimes just be pushed back into the correct position. Oral antacids are one of the home remedies for dog hernias prescribed by vets in non-life-threatening cases.
In more serious instances — perhaps when there’s a blockage or the blood supply is being cut off — correctional surgery will be required. This can prevent tissue from attaching itself to other organs.
The cost of hernia surgery and treatment varies, but the average cost is around $1,600. Thankfully, the prognosis is typically positive and the dog should heal as usual, but times may vary. General healing time is typically 10-14 days.
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Recovery of Hernia in Dogs
As long as the surgery is successful, the dog should be able to go back to a healthy lifestyle. However, vets will more often than not recommend that the dog be spayed or neutered to avoid potential puppies having the same problem as the parents.
In the case of a hiatal hernia, pet owners may have to feed a dog more frequently than normal due to slower digestion. Eventually, the dog should heal as usual, but times may vary.
After surgery, be careful with exercising your dog. You’ll probably be advised to stick to short walks, on the lead, for a time after your dog has undergone surgery to avoid the risk of stitches tearing and experiencing any damage to the affected area.
Watch out for your dog licking the incision site, too. If he or she can’t leave it alone, they may have to wear a cone to prevent them from reaching their stitches.
Watch out for your dog licking the incision site, too. If he or she can’t leave it alone, they may have to wear a cone to prevent them from reaching their stitches.
It’s hard to prevent hernias from happening, but they’re a lot easier to treat, especially with a good vet on your side — a wellness plan will keep you and your dog in regular contact with this expert.
Hernia Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $700 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,600
Top
Hernia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltese Yorkie
7weeks
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I think she has a harnias
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
27 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
That may be a hernia, but without examining her, I cannot say for sure. If you are concerned, it would be be best to have her seen by a veterinarian who can see her and examine her, and they can let you know if that is a hernia or not.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Bully Basset
Seven Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavy Breathing
Has a hernia under her belly gets big and shrinks
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Rottweiler
9 weeks
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
N/A
I’m about to buy a Rottweiler puppy for a hefty price tag and the breeder just let me know that he was taken to the vet for a health check and the vet said he has a small hernia that will most likely go away on it’s own? Is this true?? The breeder said he felt for it and couldn’t find it himself but I’m wanting to know if I’m going into something where he’s going to have to end up getting surgery later or if it really will go away on it’s own or that there is a high probability that it will?
Sept. 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
15 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm not sure which type of hernia the puppy has, umbilical and inguinal hernias are somewhat common. Hernias don't tend to go away on their own, but if they are very very small, they may not require surgery. They tend to be hereditary, so if you are planning on breeding this dog it would probably not be a good idea, but if it is that small, then it may not be something that you need to worry about. I would imagine that your dog will come with a health guarantee of some kind, and it would be a good idea to follow up with a veterinarian once you have the puppy to make sure that you have all the information since they will be able to see and examine the dog. I hope that all goes well.
Sept. 10, 2020
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Mixed
Fourteen Weeks
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog got spayed last week now she has a small bump on her stomach what does that mean
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. The swelling is most likely a seroma which is an accumulation of fluid underneath the incision. It happens commonly ii puppies are being active post surgery. Though seromas are most common it is possible for a hernia to occur there as well so it is recommended that you have the incision rechecked by your veterinarian. They will be able to palpate the swelling to assess what the cause is.
Aug. 5, 2020
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French Bulldog
6 weeks
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Inguinal Hernia
I have a 6 week old puppy that my vet says has a tiny Inguinal hernia that doesn't require surgery and may close on its own. Everything I read says they don't close without surgery. Is there a possibility that being only 6 weeks old and tiny that it will close?
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello, Yes very small hernias in young dogs can close on their own. I usually recommend waiting until you get your dog spayed or neutered as your dog can have just one surgery to fix both problems.
July 30, 2020
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Poodle
Rocco
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Umbilical Hernia
My 6 month old Mini Goldendoodle has had an umbilical hernia since birth. The hernia is very small, maybe a little bigger than a pea. When we initially took him to the vet she said she would remove the hernia when he got neutered. He was neutered three days ago and I reminded the vets office that he was to have his hernia removed also. I just now realized that the hernia wasn't removed. I called the vets office and they told me that the hernia closed off on its own and there's no reason to put him through more unnecessary surgery because it doesn't pose a risk. I'm just concerned because I could still feel the hernia, and I'm a bit upset that they didn't explain/tell me this when I picked him up after his surgery. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation happen and if it was okay to just leave the hernia the way it is or if I should consult another vet?
Doxie
Lucy
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
we just had our little rescue doxie spayed a week ago today. It was in a clinic 60 miles away. It is a state program that does it for a small fee. she has done ok until it started healing and itching. now there is a bump about the size of a dime or nickel. she eats good, pottys good and does not holler when we kind of mash on it. she is taken out to potty on a short leash or does it on pads in the home. it had a little drainage from it but not a lot.should we watch it for a few days before taking her to our local vet? I have a friend who goes to church with us that is a vet. she thinks it might be ok but I wanted your opinion.
Hernia Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $700 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,600
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