PetsCareLab
As part of every thorough puppy physical examination, I make it a point to gently palpate the dog’s belly to check for various issues such as tenderness, enlarged organs, or abnormal masses. Running my fingers down the midline near the belly button, I carefully feel for the characteristic lump of an umbilical hernia, and I also examine near the groin for any inguinal bulges — and these hernias turn up quite frequently.
Hernias are relatively common in puppies and can present in several different forms. The reassuring news is that most hernias are easily treatable when caught early. Here’s everything you need to know:
What is a Hernia?
A hernia happens when abdominal organs or fatty tissue push through a weak spot or opening in the muscle or connective tissue wall of the abdomen. The seriousness of a hernia relates to the size of this defect. At its mildest, a small amount of abdominal fat may slip through intermittently and can be gently pushed back with slight pressure. At its most severe, vital organs like intestines may protrude, cutting off blood supply and strangling the tissue. Such cases can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Remarkably, even large hernias can often be successfully repaired when diagnosed before the organs are damaged.
What Types of Hernias Are Commonly Seen in Puppies?
In young dogs, the most frequently encountered hernias include:
- Umbilical Hernias: This occurs at the spot where the umbilical cord connected the fetus to the mother’s placenta — commonly known as the belly button. Normally, this opening closes soon after birth, but sometimes it remains partially open, leaving a hole in the abdominal wall through which tissue can herniate.
- Inguinal Hernias: The inguinal canal is a passage in the groin area, through which the testicles descend in males. Both male and female puppies have this canal and can develop inguinal hernias, where abdominal contents push into this region.
- Diaphragmatic Hernias: The diaphragm is a broad muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen. Trauma or congenital defects can cause openings in this muscle. In puppies, two congenital diaphragmatic hernia types are particularly noteworthy:
- Hiatal Hernia: The hiatus is the diaphragm’s opening where the esophagus passes from the chest to the stomach. If this opening is abnormally large, the stomach can protrude into the chest cavity.
- Peritoneopericardial Hernia: This complex term refers to an abnormal opening between the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (the heart’s protective sac). It stems from developmental issues during embryogenesis and is the most common congenital defect affecting the pericardium in dogs.
What Causes Hernias in Puppies?
Hernias may be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired due to trauma, disease, or aging. Congenital hernias are the predominant cause in young pups and can arise from developmental abnormalities or inherited genetic defects passed down from parents.
Physical trauma is another significant cause. Sudden blunt force — like being struck by a car or experiencing a severe blow — can tear the abdominal wall or diaphragm, creating an opening for organs to herniate.
What Are the Signs of a Hernia in Puppies?
Symptoms vary widely depending on the hernia’s type, location, and severity. Small hernias containing only fat often go unnoticed by owners or may feel like a soft, squishy lump near the belly button or groin.
However, as the hernia enlarges or involves important organs, symptoms may include:
- Signs of pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Visible or palpable large mass in the abdomen or groin
- Difficulty urinating
- Persistent coughing
- Breathing difficulty (dyspnea)
- Irregular heartbeat
How Are Hernias Diagnosed?
Umbilical and inguinal hernias can frequently be diagnosed through careful palpation during your puppy’s physical exam. However, imaging methods like ultrasound or X-rays may be needed to confirm whether abdominal organs are involved in the hernia.
For hernias extending into the chest cavity, such as diaphragmatic hernias, diagnostic imaging is essential to identify displaced organs and determine the severity.
Can Hernias Be Treated?
Since a hernia is essentially an abnormal hole in the body wall, surgical repair is the recommended treatment. Surgery involves repositioning herniated organs back into the abdomen and closing the defect to ensure organs stay where they belong. Successful outcomes depend on the size of the defect, whether the organs were damaged during herniation, and the puppy’s overall health.
In cases of small umbilical hernias where only fatty tissue is involved, your veterinarian might suggest repairing the hernia during a spay or neuter procedure. For larger hernias or those containing abdominal organs, surgery should be performed promptly to prevent complications, including organ damage or death. If you suspect your puppy has a hernia, a timely veterinary examination will help determine the best treatment approach.
Are Hernias Preventable?
Many congenital hernias are unpredictable, although certain breeds do have a higher predisposition for specific types. For instance, Shar-Peis and English Bulldogs are more susceptible to hiatal hernias, while Weimaraners are commonly affected by peritoneopericardial hernias.
Pets diagnosed with any congenital hernia should not be bred, as they risk passing the defect to their offspring.
Although hernias can be worrisome and sometimes life-threatening, most puppies diagnosed early and treated appropriately go on to enjoy long, healthy lives. If you notice any unusual swelling or lumps on your puppy—even if they don’t cause discomfort—don’t delay in having them checked by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is the key to a successful outcome.
