The inguinal hernia in dogs is a protrusion that we can see in the groin area. In this article on our site we are going to explain in detail what a hernia consists of, what risk it poses to our dog's he alth when it is located in the inguinal area, and what is the treatment of choice.
We will also explain why they are more dangerous in females and why in their case the most common thing is that we have to resort to surgery to repair them. Find out below everything about the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernia in dogs.
What is inguinal hernia in dogs?
An inguinal hernia in dogs is a protrusion of fat or intestine through an opening in the abdominal wall that should have been closed during puppy development. They are hereditary, which means that it is easy that, if we know our dog's parents or siblings, one of them also has an inguinal or navel hernia.
Inguinal hernias, like umbilical hernias, can trap loops of intestine inside, which can cause intestinal obstruction. Also, some hernias become strangulated, which occurs when the blood supply to the contents of the hernia is cut off by a constriction in what is known as the neck or hernial ring. In the case of females, more affected by inguinal hernias, the uterus can become imprisoned in the hernia.
Hernias can be differentiated depending on whether it is possible to re-insert them if we push them inwards with the finger or not. Thus, we speak of reducible hernias, if we achieve it, or imprisoned or incarcerated, if it is not possible. In the latter case they could strangle.
Inguinal hernia in puppies
Regarding age, sometimes it is not possible to appreciate inguinal hernia in puppies and it is not until maturity that we will detect a lump in the groin area. In fact, it is not uncommon to diagnose inguinal hernia in older dogs. This aspect poses a risk, since inguinal hernias are more common in female dogs and, if they are not sterilized, during pregnancy, childbirth or some uterine pathology, the uterus itself could remain imprisoned in it.
Causes of inguinal hernia in dogs
There seems to be a genetic predisposition behind delayed abdominal closure, which favors the appearance of hernias. For this reason, it is considered that there are breeds that will have a higher risk of suffering a hernia, such as the English cocker spaniel, the Pekingese or the border collie. But sometimes, some hernias are acquired, that is, the animal is not born with them, but they develop after trauma, pregnancy or obesity.
Inguinal hernia symptoms in dogs
The protrusion of fat or intestine that implies inguinal hernia in dogs can be seen as a bulging of greater or lesser size that we can see or feel in the groin. Their consistency can be more or less hard and, as we have seen, there will be some that we can move towards the inside of the dog's body, while others will remain fixed.
In these cases of incarcerated hernias, if the animal shows pain on palpation, we must go to the veterinarian immediately, as the hernia could be strangling. It is an emergency, since it can lead to kidney or liver failure with a fatal outcome. In the most severe cases, dogs may exhibit other clinical signs such as:
- Vomiting.
- Anorexy.
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
Diagnosis of inguinal hernia in dogs
The diagnosis is made by observing the bulge that forms the hernia. The animal should also undergo a complete examination to obtain information about its general condition. The veterinarian will need to determine the size of the hernia and the type and amount of its contents. To obtain these data you can use ultrasound
Treatment of inguinal hernia in dogs
There are no home remedies that improve or repair a hernia. The myth circulates that hernias are solved by bandaging or putting a coin on them, but these types of remedies have no scientific basis, they do not solve the problem and could even be counterproductive.
In view of the risks involved in an inguinal hernia, it is always recommended to repair them, which can only be done through surgical intervention This it is indicated in all cases, although in the inguinal hernia in a male dog, if it is small, it is possible to schedule a follow-up and wait, since in many cases it will close spontaneously.
If not, yes we must operate. Keep in mind that more or less controllable factors such as obesity or other eventualities, such as trauma, can cause a small hernia to increase in size and cause problems.
Inguinal hernia surgery in dogs
Inguinal hernia surgery in dogs consists of making an abdominal incision to uncover the hernia and put the affected organs back in place. If any intestinal fragment is damaged, it will have to be removed and reconnected. Sometimes it is necessary to use a graft
Success and possible complications will depend on the characteristics of the hernia. Recovery from inguinal hernia in dogs begins once you wake up from anesthesia. At that time you can go home, where we will take care of following the vet's instructions for the postoperative period.
Inguinal hernia recovery in dogs
Most dogs that undergo surgery to repair an inguinal hernia do well, surgery is a success and the dog can resume a completely normal life. But this should not make us forget that, in some cases, postoperative complications may occur. That is why it is important that we control the evolution and scrupulously follow the instructions of the veterinarian. Ultimately, a small percentage of dogs will die from these complications.
