An Overview of Umbilical Hernias in Dogs

He was hard to miss, the tiniest pup in the litter, off to one side and looking sad. The breeder announced that the pup was free to a good home. The vet's diagnosis: an umbilical hernia.

What causes of an umbilical hernia in dogs?

It's actually a fairly common condition. According to webvet, as they develop, puppies are attached to their mothers just as human babies are. Nutrients pass from the mother to each of her babies in utero through an umbilical cord.

After birth, this cord is cut. The stump normally dries up and drops off, leaving behind a small spot that looks a little like a human belly button. Before birth, the umbilical cord connected the newborn pup's blood supply through a small opening in the wall or the dog's abdomen.

This opening usually seals off after the puppy is born. If it doesn't, a small amount of tissue from inside the dog's abdomen can stick out under the skin. When it persists, it's known as an umbilical hernia.

PetPlace.com advises that experts believe most umbilical hernias in dogs are inherited. The disorder is most frequently a congenital malformation. While the condition affects both cats and dogs, it's much more common in dogs.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The telltale hints of a canine umbilical hernia are a soft abdominal mass at the area where the dog's "belly button" should be and signs of intestinal strangulation. These signs include a large, painful hernia sac that might feel warm, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, anorexia, depression or a combination of these symptoms.

Although abdominal structures might float into the opening - depending on its size - this usually isn't a problem. In dogs with large openings, the danger is an intestinal loop that becomes trapped. This can result in a life-threatening situation.

In some male dogs with umbilical hernias, a condition known as cryptorchidism is also present. This refers to having a retained testicle.

How do vets diagnose an umbilical hernia?

A veterinarian notes the presence of an umbilical hernia in dogs as the result of a physical exam. In most cases, the contents of the sac can be pushed back into the animal's abdomen, allowing the vet to figure out the size of the opening and decide on the best course of treatment.

For some hernias with small openings, the vet might decide that no treatment is necessary. However, most umbilical hernias end up being surgically corrected.

What are the appropriate types of treatment?

Pets with small hernias might have no problems during their entire lives without surgery. Spontaneous closure of a small umbilical hernia can occur in dogs up to six months old.

Larger hernias require a surgical repair. Vets normally perform them at the time of spaying or neutering.

Good home care after surgery is very important. Owners should regularly check the dog's incision for potential problems like redness, swelling or discharge.

Any dog who has a history of an umbilical hernia and whose hernia has increased in size or who has an abdomen painful to the touch should see a veterinarian on an emergency basis. Other signs of a medical emergency for a dog with a hernia are vomiting, depressing or unwillingness to eat.

If an owner wants to breed a dog, one way to try to prevent umbilical hernias in any puppies is to avoid picking a mate who either has a hernia or a family history of the problem.

Sources:

http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=96&med=1

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/umbilical-hernia-in-dogs/page1.aspx