Umbilical Hernia in Dogs

If your dog just had puppies, you may have noticed something near the puppy’s umbilical cord. It may have been a slight bulge, but it may have alarmed you. There could be a chance that what you saw was an umbilical hernia. It’s more likely to happen in puppies, but adult dogs can develop them too. Adults and puppies have different symptoms and may require other treatment. Identifying them in puppies can be easy, but adult dogs can be missed. 

When it comes to your pup’s health, it’s best to have all the facts and prepare yourself for your dog’s health needs. In this article, you’ll be able to learn more about umbilical hernias in puppies and adult dogs. Along with the facts, you will also take comfort in knowing you learned the steps to care for them. After reading this, you’ll be prepared to talk to your dog’s vet and get an opinion on the situation.

Causes of Umbilical Hernia in Dogs

Pregnant dogs are more likely to develop the condition due to the increased pressure on the abdominal wall. An abdominal injury can also cause umbilical hernias. This can happen from a large object hitting your dog or if they get into a fight with another animal. The hernia may, in some cases, be caused by the dog straining, such as after severe constipation or giving birth.  

Umbilical hernias often occur in puppies when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel. In most cases, umbilical hernias are harmless and will close on their own as the puppy grows. 

There are several possible causes of umbilical hernias in puppies. One is that the puppy is born with a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This is often due to genetic factors and is more common in certain breeds of dogs. Another possible cause is that the navel was not completely sealed at birth, allowing part of the intestine to protrude. A dog being overweight can cause a hernia as well. 

Dog Breeds Most Likely to Get an Umbilical Hernia 

Some breeds are more likely to develop umbilical hernias than others. Airedales, Basenjis, and Pekingese are all breeds with an increased chance of developing these hernias. If your dog has similarities to these breeds listed below, then you will better know what to expect with your dog and if you need to watch for signs that they have developed one.

Airedales are a type of dog known for being very friendly and intelligent. They are the largest terrier type and can weigh up to 70 pounds. They have a wiry coat that is usually black and tan. Basenjis are a type of dog characterized by their small size, short coat, and lack of barking. In appearance and behavior, they are often described as “cat-like.” Fur colors can range from tri-colored, reddish, to brindle. Pekingese is a long-bodied long-haired fluff ball. They are usually shades of brown and have a shortened muzzle. Purebred hounds, toys, and herding dogs can also be at risk. If your unknown dog breed has these similarities, keep an eye out for symptoms.

What Are the Signs of an Umbilical Hernia

Adult dogs with umbilical hernias may display signs of discomfort or distress, including whining, whimpering, or crying when the area is touched. You might notice your dog guarding the area the bulge is near. In adult dogs, they may not eat or drink as much as usual. It is crucial to monitor your dog if you notice a lump that protrudes out when they bark, cough, or sneeze, along with any other signs of discomfort mentioned. In puppies just born, you may notice a bulge on their tummy near the navel where the umbilical cord connects. You can use the size of your pinkie finger to measure the size of the hernia. If the length is equal to the circumference of your finger at eight weeks old or less, then it shouldn’t be a problem.

It still needs to be seen by a vet as there is conflicting information about if hernias can heal on their own or not. More often than not, the umbilical will heal when the puppy is about six months old. It’s fairly easy to tell if a dog has a hernia if they are short-haired, but long-haired dogs can be missed easily. It’s always a great idea to get a second opinion if you think your dog has one. A vet can guide you on what steps to take to correct the problem.

Common Symptoms

Small hernias may not cause symptoms, but larger ones can lead to coughing and vomiting. Dogs with Umbilical Hernia show lethargy, cramping, and drooling symptoms. The hernia may be visible as a bulge under the skin near the navel. The symptoms are caused by the intestines pressing against the abdominal wall. If your dog has behavior changes or is generally not feeling well, it could be related to an umbilical hernia. In severe cases, the hernia can become twisted, cutting off blood supply to the affected area and causing severe pain. 

This rarely occurs. When it does happen, it’s referred to as a strangulated umbilical hernia and is a medical emergency. The skin around the bulge can become discolored, and you may feel a significant amount of warmth. If not treated promptly, umbilical hernias can be fatal. Fortunately, Umbilical Hernias can be easily repaired with surgery. Most dogs make a full recovery and enjoy a normal life afterward.

Treatments for a Small Umbilical Hernia in Dogs

In dogs, the best treatment for umbilical hernias is to monitor the hernia and ensure it doesn’t grow in size. If the hernia becomes strangulated, immediate medical attention is required. That will be a painful experience for your dog but also life-threatening. You shouldn’t feel anxious, however, because this is rare. 

For small hernias in older dogs, your vet may want you to give it time to close on its own. With small hernias, waiting to see if the problem resolves itself can help avoid unnecessary surgery. Limit strenuous activities in adult dogs, such as jumping. It won’t be an easy task if your dog is one of the hyper dog breeds, such as Huskies. You can try to give them treats that calm them down or bribe them with more cuddles to keep them distracted from rough housing. Most of the time, these hernias will heal on their own, and a vet can tell you an estimated recovery time.

Medication for Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia

While your dog is recovering or waiting on surgery, there are some medications they may be recommended or prescribed to use. These medications can help the symptoms they may be experiencing, and it’s always best to know all the facts so you’re prepared for the steps and costs to get your doggy better. 

Umbilical hernias often cause digestive issues such as heartburn or excessive gas. For digestive relief, your vet may suggest using Pepcid, which helps decrease the amount of stomach acid in your dog’s stomach. As for gas relief, one option may be Gas-X. It can be uncomfortable for dogs to have constipation with a hernia as the added strain of pushing can cause pain. 

Increasing their fiber intake helps prevent constipation. A stool softener may also be used in cases where fiber doesn’t help. Most of the time, the stool softener is a suppository. If your dog needs mild pain relief, you can ask for a prescription or over-the-counter options such as aspirin. An anti-inflammatory like that can help reduce swelling effectively.

Surgery and Follow-up

Surgery for umbilical hernias is relatively simple. It typically consists of removing fat from the edges of muscles and the skin and then closing them up again. If a hernia is too big, there is a chance of them using a mesh to cover the muscle. The mesh helps to promote healing and reinforce the abdominal wall. In less than two weeks, your dog should fully recover but will have limited activities for at least a month. The surgery is considered safe and is a low risk of complications in healthy dogs. Dogs with medical conditions may have different risks that a vet can determine.

Aftercare for your dog will be based on your vet’s recommendations. Most of the time, the care will include changing bandages and watching for infections. You will also be given instructions for all prescribed medications, and sticking to the schedule is crucial to keep your dog comfortable. You can get a notebook and write the dosage and times of each medication alone with any questions or concerns you have. This will help at a follow-up appointment or if you need to call for more information.

Conclusion 

Umbilical hernias can make you feel nervous as a dog owner, but with the guidance of a vet, it should be smooth sailing. Complications rarely happen, and the surgery isn’t as risky as others. If you suspect your pup has a hernia, you should make an appointment as soon as possible. 

You may want to write down any symptoms your dog may have up until his appointment. This can help the vet ensure that the hernia is the only problem and that it wasn’t caused by something else or that another health concern must be addressed. 

If your dog seems uncomfortable or acts like they’re in pain, you can call the vet to ask about pain relief options for your dog. When it comes to your pet, it is always best to get a professional to check them out and put your mind to ease.