Small (less than 1⁄4“ or 1cm) hernias may close spontaneously (without treatment) by age 3 to 4 months.
Umbilical hernias that do not close may require surgery
, especially if a portion of an intestinal organ protrudes through it. Umbilical hernias are usually painless.
What should I do if my puppy has an umbilical hernia?
In the cases of small umbilical hernias where only fat is protruding, your veterinarian may recommend repairing the
hernia at the time of spay or neuter
. If the hernia is large or contains abdominal organs, surgery should take place as soon as possible to avoid organ damage or even death.
How common is an umbilical hernia in puppies?
Hernias are a common congenital condition (meaning that puppies are born with them), affecting
around 1 in 500 puppies
. Although they can make some dogs seriously unwell, most are usually discovered at a puppy's first checks or vaccinations without any associated or preceding signs of ill-health.
How much does it cost to fix an umbilical hernia on a puppy?
For most minor hernia repairs, including anesthetics (excluding any necessary pre-surgical labwork) pet owners should expect to pay
$150-$400
.
Can a dog hernia heal itself?
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.
When should I worry about my puppy's umbilical hernia?
If the
hernia bubbles out
or is bigger than a pinkie finger, there is a chance that intestines may be slipping in and out of the opening. At some point, a section of intestines could slide out through the hernia opening and get trapped or twisted. At that point, your dog needs emergency surgery.
How much does it cost to fix an umbilical hernia on a puppy UK?
Large holes may take longer to heal, with the animal having restricted exercise for up to a month. The cost of Umbilical hernia repair surgery, when paid for at admission, is
£289
.
How serious is an umbilical hernia in a puppy?
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).
Is it common for puppies to have hernias?
Hernias in
dogs are relatively common
, especially with puppies. Much like in people, a hernia is a condition where the contents of a dog's abdomen pushes through a tear or hole in the muscle wall or fatty tissue. Over 90% of hernia cases are due to genetics, as puppies are most commonly born with them.
Can a dog with an umbilical hernia be bred?
What do umbilical hernias mean for my breeding program?
If a hernia is sufficiently large it requires surgery, the dog should not be bred
. Dogs with minor hernias or in which hernias went away naturally should be considered to have a fault that you want to breed away from.
How long does it take for a puppy 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.
When can a puppy have hernia surgery?
They may close up on their own by the time the puppy turns
three or four months old
. If they don't, they typically require surgery. Your veterinarian may be able to fix the hernia at the same time your puppy is spayed or neutered. Are you thinking about welcoming a new furball into your family?
How long is umbilical hernia surgery?
Umbilical hernia repair is a fairly quick and simple operation. It takes
about 20 to 30 minutes
and it's usually possible to go home on the same day. However, some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or if they live alone.
Can a dog hernia get bigger?
The canal becomes enlarged — think of a hole getting bigger once there's a tear — and
abdominal organs can herniate through the opening
. “These are true, major hernias that need to be fixed,” says Tufts veterinary surgeon John Berg, DVM, who serves as Your Dog's editor-in-chief.
How long does it take for a puppy's umbilical cord to heal?
Once the puppy is out of the uterus, the mother dog will immediately bite and break off each of her offspring's umbilical cord. In
one to three days
, the stump of the umbilical cord dries up and falls off, soon leaving just a scar.
How old should my puppy be to get neutered?
For dogs: While the traditional age for neutering is
six to nine months
, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be neutered as long as they're healthy. … It's possible to spay a female cat while she's in heat.
