Can A Dog Live With A Hernia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Should I get my dogs hernia fixed?


If your dog has a small umbilical , surgery may not be needed

. If the defect in the body wall is small enough, it won't pose a threat to your dog's health, so the repair would be considered cosmetic. Your veterinarian can give you advice on the best way to handle this situation.

How much does it cost to fix an inguinal hernia in a dog?

Cost of Inguinal Herniorrhaphy in Dogs

The cost of treating inguinal hernia will vary based on any additional costs incurred, including medications and supportive care. The cost of inguinal herniorrhaphy typically ranges from

$800 to $4,000

. The average cost of inguinal herniorrhaphy is $2,300.

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 much does it cost to have a puppy's hernia removed?

Veterinary Cost

For most minor hernia repairs, including anesthetics (excluding any necessary pre-surgical labwork) pet owners should expect to pay

$150-$400

.

Should a breeder sell a puppy with a hernia?

While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So

it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia

.

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 hernia in dogs painful?


An untreated hernia can result in a great amount of pain for your dog

and could lead to medical complications.

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.

Can a dog live with a umbilical hernia?

What is the prognosis for an umbilical hernia?

The prognosis is excellent following surgical correction

. Few puppies experience recurrence of the hernia and few complications are reported with the procedure.

What does a hernia look like on a dog's stomach?

Since a hernia pushes fat or internal organs through the muscles of the abdomen, the hernia often looks like

a protruding, soft, bubble-like mass

. Additionally, your pet may have the following symptoms: Coughing. Anorexia (not eating)

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.

Why do puppies get hernias?

Hernias

can be congenital (meaning the puppy was born with the condition) or acquired through trauma, disease or aging

. Congenital hernias are the most common cause noted in young dogs. They may be the result of a spontaneous problem during development, or a genetic defect passed on from one of the parents.

Is an umbilical hernia serious in dogs?

Luckily most umbilical hernias are small and

don't present a health concern

for your dog!

Do puppy hernias go away?

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

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.