A hernia is the outflow of part of an organ from the anatomical structure to which it should be fixed. Hernias in cats can occur in various locations. Thus, we find from the umbilical hernia of newborns to disc or perineal hernias, more characteristic of older cats, passing through diaphragmatic and inguinal hernias.
The treatment of hernias must be surgical, since it is necessary to seek closure of the ring that allows the displacement of the organ in order to restore the anatomy and correct organic functionality of the affected cat. Cases of hernia strangulation in which the blood supply stops are emergencies that require immediate attention.
Keep reading this article on our site to learn more about hernia in cats, its types, symptoms and treatment.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a partial or total exit of a tissue or organ from the cavity that contains it, which can happen in various locations and even at the same time in the same cat, if chance or cause occurs. Many hernias are harmless, but others can cause discomfort, discomfort and even have considerable consequences for affected cats.
Hernias usually occur when the muscular structure that supports the tissues weakens, allowing them to move and exit the cavity that contains them. The most frequent are those that affect the abdomen and are caused by a fissure, rupture or weakness of the peritoneum, which is the muscular wall that makes the abdominal organs sit and stay in their anatomical position.
On other occasions, hernias can affect the dorsal area of the cat, in the communication between the thoracic and abdominal cavities, near the spine or the genitals. In addition, can be congenital and present from birth or develop throughout the feline's life, often as a result of trauma or accident.
Types of hernias in cats
As we have mentioned, cats can develop hernias in various locations, with different prognosis, consequences and clinical signs. We review them in detail.
Diaphragmatic hernia
As its name suggests, this hernia affects the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and is important in breathing because it allows the contraction and expansion of the chest. When there is a hernia in this structure, the abdominal organs can push into the chest cavity, putting pressure on the lungs and consequently making it difficult to breathe
Among the causes of this type of hernia, the main ones are trauma, especially accidents that tear the diaphragm, although it can also be congenital. The symptoms include dyspnea or rapid breathing and an orthopneic posture with the limbs apart and the head and neck extended by the effort of breathing. If the cause is a hit-and-run, sometimes ribs can also break, causing bruises, lacerations, and hemo or pneumothorax in the lungs.
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias occur especially hereditarily as the inguinal rings of the abdominal cavity do not completely close, although trauma, obesity, pregnancy and nutritional or metabolic disorders may be risk factors for development of this hernia.
Consists of the exit of intestine, fat or other tissues through an opening in the abdominal cavity due to a defect of the inguinal ringswhere the spermatic cord or the round ligament of the uterus passes in the inguinal region. The symptoms that it can produce are swelling, pain or discomfort in the area of the groin, anorexia, lethargy, more frequent urination or vomiting.
Disc herniation
Disc herniation develops due to a problem with an intervertebral disc, which are the cartilaginous cushions that are located between the vertebrae and contain a gelatinous core in a harder ring. When a tear occurs in that annulus, the nucleus can push out and press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain and neurological signs such as paralysis of the third posterior, urinary incontinence, ataxia or flaccidity of the tail. These hernias usually form in the lumbosacral area of older cats.
Perineal hernia
Occurs due to tear or weakness of the muscular wall of the pelvic area, causing organs such as the intestine, prostate or bladder or abdominal fat enters the perineal region. If any of these organs become trapped and their blood supply is compromised, complications can arise that endanger the cat's life.
The symptoms associated with this hernia are swelling of the perineal area, lethargy, anorexia, urinary incontinence and difficulties in urination or in defecation. This type of hernia occurs most often in older, unneutered cats, so spaying is the best preventive measure.
Umbilical hernia
This is a congenital hernia that affects the umbilical cord. Affected kittens show a swelling of the navel area This is a hernia characterized by failure of the cord to heal properly, resulting in an opening that It communicates with the abdominal cavity and allows the passage of fat, intestinal loops and other viscera that can be strangled, although usually only fat passes through. It is not known if it may also be due to the cord not being closed properly after the mother cuts it after delivery.
Post-sterilization hernia
Hernia can also occur in cats after neutering. Specifically, we are referring to a ventral hernia of the midline in the area of incision in the sterilization of females, which, depending on its size, may allow the exit of the contents of the abdominal cavity.
Occurs in the first week after surgery in less than 1% of spayed cats. It is due to a technical error, such as an inappropriately sized, too small, or separated suture, or a lack of the fascia of the lateral rectus abdominis muscle at closure.
How to detect a hernia in cats
Almost all hernias are diagnosed with the naked eye. In addition, palpation may be used. If this is not possible or to confirm which content has herniated, complementary techniques should be used, such asimaging diagnosis , especially ultrasound. For example, in diaphragmatic hernias, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, tests such as:
- Thoracic X-ray: the diaphragmatic line and the silhouette of the heart will not be appreciated, the pulmonary spaces are displaced and intestinal organs are seen in The thorax.
- Gastrointestinal contrast X-ray: confirms the path of the herniated organs.
- Abdominal and thoracic ultrasounds: confirm the herniated organs and their severity.
- Computerized tomography: it is a more advanced technique that allows to know with greater accuracy and clarity the herniated organs, the place of tearing of the diaphragm and gravity.
Treatment of hernias in cats
Treatment depends on the individual hernia in question, its severity and the cat's he alth. Some, less serious, can be treated with drugs, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, but it is usually necessary, in almost all of them, surgical treatmentto reposition the organs that are out of place and close the ring to stop the outflow of content and restore the cat's anatomy.
While some diaphragmatic hernias are not urgent because the first thing is to stabilize the injured cat, in cases of strangulated inguinal hernias or other types of hernias in which strangulation has occurred, the diaphragm should be closed. emergency ring, in order to avoid the consequences that the cessation of blood flow in the affected organ or organs may have.
