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Umbilical Hernias

Umbilical Hernia
​

The following is some information regarding Umbilical Hernias.  Some umbilical hernias are considered hereditary however, others can be as a result of the mother being aggressive in cleaning and tearing the umbilical cord too hard or too close at birth and are quite common.

Hernia - Umbilical in Dogs
By Ernest Ward, DVM  Surgical Conditions, Pet Services
What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia is a protrusion (outward bulging) of the abdominal lining, abdominal fat or a portion of abdominal organ(s) through the area around the umbilicus (navel or belly button). The umbilicus in dogs and cats is located on their underside just below the ribcage.

What causes an umbilical hernia?                                                     
Before birth, the umbilical blood vessels pass through the umbilical ring (an opening in the abdominal muscles) to provide nourishment to the developing fetus. An umbilical hernia is caused by the incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth. The hernia generally appears as a soft swelling beneath the skin and it often protrudes when the puppy is standing, barking, crying, or straining. Some hernias are reducible, meaning that the protrusion can be pushed back into the abdomen while others are non-reducible indicating at least partial obstruction or adhesion of the herniated contents to the opening.
"Some hernias are reducible, meaning that the protrusion can be pushed back into the abdomen."                                                                                                                      
An umbilical hernia can vary in size from less than a quarter-inch (1-cm) to more than an inch (2.5-cm) in diameter. Small (less than ¼ inch or 1-cm) hernias may close spontaneously (without treatment) by age 3 to 4 months.  Small Umbilical hernias that do not close spontaneously may not require any repair at all.  Umbilical hernias that do not close may require surgery, especially if a portion of an intestinal organ protrudes through it. Umbilical hernias are usually painless. The exact incidence and cause is unknown. Certain family lines have a higher incidence of umbilical hernias suggesting at least a partial genetic predisposition to the condition.


Is an umbilical hernia dangerous?       
Most umbilical hernias pose no health threats. In rare cases, a portion of the intestines or other tissues can be trapped and become strangulated (blood flow is cut off to the tissue, causing its death). This is an emergency requiring immediate surgery.


How is an umbilical hernia treated?                                                                                                                                                            If the hernia has not closed by the time of spaying or neutering, surgical repair of the hernia is recommended. The surgery can be performed at the time of spaying and neutering. Generally there is an increased cost of $50-$75 to do a simple hernia repair at time of spay or neuter.  The fibrous or scar tissues that have formed around the hernia are dissected out or removed, and the defect is closed with a couple sutures.What is the prognosis for an umbilical hernia? The prognosis is excellent following surgical correction. Few puppies experience recurrence of the hernia and few complications are reported with the procedure.
​

Contributors: Ernest Ward, DVM
© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

  • HOME
  • CONTACT
  • STORE
  • NuVet
  • Puppies
    • Puppies AVAILABLE & Litters
    • FAQ about Getting a Puppy from CCGS
    • Deposit INSTRUCTIONS
    • How we raise our puppies
    • More on Raising our Puppies
    • Why our Breeding Stock come from Europe!
    • GERMAN vs AMERICAN
    • HEALTH WARRANTY
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • Socialization
    • Purchase Warranty
    • Male vs Female Puppy
    • FEEDING / GROOMING
    • Vaccination Schedule
    • Kuranda Beds
    • TRAINING >
      • German Dog Commands
      • More on Puppy Biting - Ouch
      • House Breaking your new puppy
      • Crate Training
      • Stages of Puppy Development
      • Socializing Puppies
      • Spaying and Neutering
      • Veterinary Care
    • LIFE SAVING INFO >
      • More Spaying and Neutering
    • Ears not standing?
    • Recommended Reading
    • Why buy from a reputable breeder?
    • Coat Type & Coat Colors
    • What to look for in a puppy
    • When do we wean the puppies
  • Stud Dogs
    • Working IPO
  • Our FEMALES
  • TRAINING
  • MEMBERS
    • Your PUPPY News
    • Temperament Testing Key
    • BURMA X YURI 11/23/22 >
      • Vaccinations & Vet 11/23/22 Litter
      • Temperament 11/23/22 Litter
    • PAM X YURI Litter 10/2/22 >
      • Pam 10/2/22 Vaccinations & Temperament & VET Exams
    • SARA X YURI 7-29-22 >
      • Temperament & Vaccinations
  • Health Risks
    • LIFE SAVING INFO
    • Hip Dysplasia
    • Panosteitis (PANO)
    • Heart Mur Murs
    • Poisonous to Dogs & Puppies
    • Undescended Testicle(s)
    • Umbilical Hernias
    • FLEA TREATMENTS
    • VACCINATING TOO MUCH
  • Adult Dogs Available
  • Our Ranch In the Making
  • I am a breeder
  • Puppies First Days at Home
  • MICROCHIP REGISTRATIONS
  • Service Dogs