Hernia surgery (umbilical, inguinal, perineal)
Closure of an opening in the abdominal wall or perineum through which organs protrude. Planned for small hernias, urgent when a trapped intestine or bladder is life-threatening.
What it involves
A hernia is an opening in the body wall through which fatty tissue or internal organs protrude under the skin. The most common in dogs and cats are umbilical hernias (congenital, in puppies and kittens), inguinal hernias (congenital or acquired in bitches) and perineal hernias (in older unneutered dogs, beside the anus).
The operation consists of returning the contents of the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity and suturing the hernial ring. For large defects or perineal hernias we reinforce the wall with a muscle transposition or a mesh. In a male with a perineal hernia we combine the procedure with castration, because testosterone is the cause of the weakness of the perineal muscles.
A small umbilical hernia containing only fatty tissue is not dangerous and can be closed at the time of neutering. A hernia in which intestine or bladder becomes trapped is an emergency — the compressed organ dies within hours.
When it is used
Planned: when the bulge is soft, can be pushed back and is not painful, but is growing or is large enough to risk becoming trapped. In puppies and kittens most often during neutering, under the same anaesthetic.
Urgent: when the bulge has become hard, painful and red, cannot be pushed back, and the animal vomits or cannot pass urine or faeces. During the practice's opening hours, call and come in straight away.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A puppy or kitten has a soft “ball” near the navel that gets bigger when it cries or strains.
- A bitch has developed a soft lump in the groin that sometimes changes size.
- An older unneutered dog has a bulge beside the anus and difficulty passing faeces.
- A bulge has suddenly become hard, hot and painful.
- An animal with a hernia vomits or cannot pass urine.
- After earlier abdominal surgery, a bulge has appeared in the scar.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
A clinical examination is usually enough to make the diagnosis, but an ultrasound of the hernial sac shows what is inside — fat, intestine, bladder or uterus — and whether the contents have a good blood supply. This determines the urgency and extent of the procedure. With a perineal hernia we also assess the prostate and bladder on ultrasound.
For traumatic hernias we take X-rays to rule out displacement of organs into the chest and fractures. Pre-anaesthetic assessment under STD-01, with a blood test in older patients and in all urgent cases.
How it proceeds
The patient arrives fasted. General inhalation anaesthesia with intubation and monitoring of vital signs (STD-02), and pain management before the operation begins (STD-04).
The surgeon incises the skin over the hernia, opens the sac, assesses the contents and returns them to the abdominal cavity; necrotic sections of intestine are removed. The hernial ring is then closed with strong sutures, and for large defects the wall is reinforced. A perineal hernia is a more complex procedure — reconstruction of the pelvic diaphragm with a muscle flap, and castration — and takes 1,5–2,5 hours. A simple umbilical hernia takes 20–30 minutes.
Recovery from anaesthesia in a hospital kennel. After simple hernias the patient goes home the same day; after perineal surgery or a trapped hernia the patient usually stays for 1–2 days.
Aftercare
A collar and restricted movement for 14 days (for a perineal hernia — 3–4 weeks, with a stool-softening diet so the animal does not strain), and medicines as set out on the schedule. Wound check after 2–3 days, suture removal after 10 days.
Call if swelling or a renewed bulge appears at the surgical site, the wound leaks, or the animal vomits or has trouble passing faeces or urine.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small umbilical hernia in a puppy need an operation?
If it is small and contains only fat, it can be monitored and closed at the time of neutering. A growing or large one needs closing earlier.
Can a hernia come back?
With umbilical and inguinal hernias, recurrences are rare. With perineal hernias the risk of recurrence is higher; castration and limiting straining after the procedure clearly reduce it.
Is a hernia hereditary?
Umbilical and inguinal hernias have a hereditary component. Animals with a congenital hernia should not be used for breeding.
How do I know if a hernia has become trapped?
The bulge becomes hard and painful and cannot be pushed in, the skin over it turns red, and the animal is restless or vomits. This calls for an immediate visit.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Questions about hernia surgery?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.