What are the causes and treatment of hernia(s) in dogs?

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HERNIA(S) IN DOGS

A list of causes, types, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for hernias in dogs

Case History;-

On February 15, 2023, we received a case at SUPERIOR ANIMAL CLINIC of a 2-year-old terrier cross ’’BLACKIE’’ with swelling on the right side of the abdominal region next to the penis. The story goes:

Owner: Greetings doctor, I have brought my pet in for veterinary care as he is suffering from an abscess near his penis that has developed over the past two weeks. I need it drained for him to be fine and comfortable.

Vet Doctor: Hello madam, Thanks for your care for our furry friend. First, we shall do a checkup. Once the diagnosis is conclusive, there will be no more tests required.

Blackie’s checkup results:

Rectal temperature 38.2 °C, heart rate 130 bpm, respiratory rate 28 bpm, pale mucous membranes, swollen prescapular lymph nodes; On aspiration of the swelling, no pus was found; the swelling would disappear if gently pressed; and when Blackie sleeps on his back.

The doctor on duty diagnosed a reducible inguinal hernia.

After discussing the results with the owner, Dr. Mercy was told that the guard had kicked Blackie in the stomach region. The owner consented to surgery, which was a success. Blackie is now living a happy life.

Hernias in dogs: This is the abnormal protrusion of the internal body organ(s) through an opening created in a weak point in the wall containing the organ(s).

Types of hernias in dogs:

Hernias are mainly classified according to their location on the body, their reducibility, and their cause. But mostly location

Umbilical hernia in dogs: Occurs when an internal organ or intestine bulges through the navel.

Perineal hernia in dogs: Occurs when an internal organ(s) herniate into the subcutaneous tissues of the perineal region.

Inguinal hernias in dogs: Occurs when the internal organs (s) herniate through a weak point of the abdominal muscles into the inguinal region.

Diaphragmatic hernia in dogs: The internal organ(s) herniate through the diaphragm muscles into the chest cavity.

Incisional hernia in dogs: The internal organ(s) protrude through the surgical site.

How did my dog get hernia?

Causes of hernias in dogs

Trauma

Genetic disorders

Excessive weight gain

Constipation

Cancer of the internal organs

Ascites

Cryptorchidism

Pregnancy

Poor closure or infection of the surgical site

Rupture of the stitches at the surgical site

Excessive chronic cough

Pulling of heavy materials by sled dogs

How do I know if my dog has hernia?

The symptoms manifested depend on the severity and nature of the hernia. The signs include:

Abnormal bulge that can be either reducible or irreducible on pressing

Vomiting

Breathing difficulties

Coughing

Anorexia

Paralysis of the limbs

Abnormal posture and gait

Fever

Constipation

Weight loss

Lethargy

Bloody emesis or diarrhea

Swollen abdomen

Drooling

Dogs lay in positions where they feel pain relieved (where the protruded organs get retracted to their original positions, but this is possible for only reducible hernias).

What happens if I do not treat my dog for hernia?

If the hernia is left untreated, your dog will experience complications that vary depending on the type of hernia your dog has.

Pneumonia

Peritonitis

Ascites

Intestinal strangulation

Emaciation

Ulcers

Intestinal adhesions

Paralysis of the limb

Intestinal necrosis

Intestinal obstruction

Unthriftiness

Hydrothorax

How can I prevent my dog from getting hernias?

Avoid inbreeding

Do not breed dogs with congenital hernias.

Avoid strenuous exercises and the pulling of heavy materials by sled dogs.

Proper care for the surgical site.

Dogs should be fed soft food.

Proper food ration.

Neutering.

Do not mate small female dog breeds with large male dog breeds.

How to diagnose hernias in dogs

Physical palpation: abnormal swelling is felt that can disappear on pressing if reducible but remain if irreducible.

X-rays: the filming shows the location and extent of the hernia.

CT scans are used to discover small hernial tears.

How to treat hernias in dogs

The remedy plan depends on the size of the hernial ring, location, clinical signs manifested by the dog, and whether they are reducible or irreducible. They include:

Surgical closure of the hernial opening: large hernial openings require a mesh that is put over which muscles heal.

If the hernial opening is small and the contents are reducible, it may resolve independently.

Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Give anti-emetics and anti-diarrheals.

Give IV fluids for cases involving dehydration and anorexia.

Conditions commonly confused with hernia

Tumors

Abscess

Hematomas

Swollen lymph nodes

Sebaceous cysts, mainly in the abdominal region

Localized severe cellulitis