Hernia in dogs can be extremely painful and dangerous. A hernia is characterized by the protrusion of an organ or fatty tissue through a weak spot or tear in the fascia (connective tissue of muscles) or in the muscle surrounding the organ. There are many types of hernia. Although hernias can be life-threatening to dogs, they are completely treatable especially when detected early and given proper medical intervention. There are 5 most common types of hernia in dogs. These include:
Umbilical hernia - This is the most common type of hernia in dogs. It’s congenital and are often seen in puppies. The belly button of affected dogs appears to be protruding and squishy. Some may heal on their own while there are those that need to be surgically fixed.
Inquinal hernia - This type develops in the groin area, that part of the rear leg which is attached to the dog’s body. If the opening of the hernia is large enough, portions of the intestine, bladder or uterus can possibly be trapped which can be life-threatening.
Diaphragmatic hernia - The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic/chest cavity where the heart and lungs are located. This type of hernia is characterized by abdominal organs entering the chest cavity. Affected dogs tend to suffer from breathing difficulty.
Perineal hernia - A tear in the muscles of the pelvis cause abdominal organs to enter the perineal area, that part of the body adjacent to the anus. Some canine breeds have higher risks of developing the problem as well as intact dogs over 5 years of age.
Hiatal hernia - It is characterized by a portion of the stomach pushing in the diaphragm in the area where the esophagus and the stomach meet. Some dogs are genetically predisposed but it can also be caused by trauma.
If your dog is exhibiting signs of hernia, you should take your pet to a vet clinic Metairie, LA sooner rather than later. Click this site for more information.
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