If your dog has an umbilical hernia, when your dog lies on his back, you can feel a small opening at the umbilicus site. If it is the size of the end of your pinkie finger at 8 weeks of age, it is usually not a problem.
Many of these small hernias will close up on their own by 6 months of age
.
Can a dog live a normal life with a hernia?
If you weren't aware, dogs can get hernias just like people can, and just like people,
dogs can be treated for their hernias and live normal lives with them
! Just like people, these hernias can happen in many different areas of the body, too.
Can you push a dogs hernia back in?
Spaying or neutering a dog is the first procedure for pre-treatment. In the case that it's too late for either procedure,
if the hernia is reducible, then it can simply be pushed back into its correct area
(example: abdominal wall).
Is it OK to buy a puppy with a hernia?
Most are not harmful or can be quickly dealt with through surgery, so when it comes to buying a puppy with an umbilical hernia, it depends on the size of the hernia. To put it simply,
if the puppy has a relatively small hernia, it should be fine and can be resolved naturally, or with a quick surgery
.
Do all dog hernias need surgery?
The is the most common type for hernias in puppies. You will notice this as a squishy protrusion near your puppy's belly button. Sometimes these can heal on their own. However,
they may need to be surgically fixed when your puppy is neutered
.
How much does it cost to fix a hernia in a dog?
Cost of Hernia Repair in Dogs
Hernia repair surgery can be expensive and price varies depending on the location of the hernia and the cost of living in your area. Hernia repair expenses range from
$700 (for simple more common hernias) to $2,500 (more complex cases) with $1,600 being the average cost
.
What happens if a dog hernia goes untreated?
Most umbilical hernias pose no health threats. “In rare cases,
a portion of the intestines or other tissues can be trapped and become strangulated
.” In rare cases, a portion of the intestines or other tissues can be trapped and become strangulated (blood flow is cut off to the tissue, causing its death).
Should I get my dogs hernia fixed?
Depending on the size, these can either heal on their own or can be surgically fixed when your puppy is spayed or neutered
. Failure to repair the hernia, if large enough, can lead to serious complications.
Does pet Insurance Cover a hernia?
Yes.
Many pet insurance plans cover hernia surgeries, but they won't cover hernia surgery if the hernia is a pre-existing condition
.
How serious is a hernia in a puppy?
In its most severe form, intestines or other abdominal organs may pass through the the hole, compressing blood supply and essentially strangling the organ. In these worst-case scenarios
hernias can become life threatening in a short period of time
.
What to do if your puppy has a hernia?
If you suspect your dog may have a hernia, you should
take them to a vet immediately for diagnosis
. Sometimes a hernia will be visible, or your vet may feel it during an exam. If your dog's hernia is not easy to see then your vet may have to do X-rays to find out where the hernia is.
Can a dog live with an umbilical hernia?
Your dog is not in pain and the tear is so tiny that the intestine, fat or other organs can't pass through. The best course of action is to wait and watch, especially if you have a puppy.
Usually, the hernia will go away on its own by the time the pup is 6 months old
. If not, consult your vet.
How long does it take a dog to recover from hernia surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery, full recovery will take
between six weeks and four months
. A full, safe recovery requires careful post-op care, followed by a gradual rehabilitation. Your veterinarian or board-certified veterinary surgeon will give you a range of time that they expect your pet will take to heal.
