Ever notice a little bulge near your dog’s belly button? It could be an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia in dogs is a fairly common condition, especially in puppies. It happens when abdominal contents push through an opening in the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord used to be.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about umbilical hernias for dogs, including what causes them, how to spot them, how vets diagnose them, and what treatment options are available.
The good news is that with proper treatment, the prognosis for dogs with umbilical hernias is generally excellent.
What causes umbilical hernias in dogs?
Umbilical hernias are usually caused by problems that arise when a puppy is very young.
Congenital defects
Most umbilical hernias are congenital, meaning the puppy is born with it.
Incomplete closure of the umbilical ring
The most common cause is the failure of the umbilical ring to close completely after birth. This opening allows abdominal fat, and sometimes even part of the intestine, to poke through.
Genetic predisposition
Some breeds, such as Airedale Terriers, Pekingese, Maltese, and Boxers, are more prone to umbilical hernias than others. This suggests that genetics may play a role. However, umbilical hernias can occur in any breed.
Other contributing factors
Although less common, umbilical hernias can be caused by trauma to the umbilical area shortly after birth. In rare cases, they may be related to improper cutting or care of the umbilical cord right after birth.
Spotting an umbilical hernia: Symptoms and diagnosis
How can you tell if your dog has an umbilical hernia? Here are a few telltale signs.
Recognizing the symptoms
- Visible lump or bulge. The most obvious sign of an umbilical hernia is a soft, palpable bulge or lump in the area of the belly button. These bulges can be small (like a pea) or large (like a golf ball or even bigger).
- Reducible hernia. In many cases, you can gently push the bulge back into your dog’s abdomen. If you can do this, it’s known as a reducible hernia.
- Pain (rare). Usually, umbilical hernias aren’t painful unless they become incarcerated or strangulated.
Diagnostic procedures
If you think your dog might have an umbilical hernia, your vet can usually diagnose it with a simple physical exam. By feeling the area, the vet can assess the hernia’s size, consistency, and whether it’s reducible.
In rare cases, the vet may order X-rays or an ultrasound to see what’s inside the hernia or to rule out other potential problems.
Treatment options for umbilical hernias
Small hernias that don’t cause any issues may not need immediate surgery. Larger hernias or hernias that are causing your dog discomfort will likely need to be surgically repaired.
Conservative management (small hernias)
If the hernia is small, especially in a puppy, your vet may recommend simply monitoring it to see if it closes up on its own as the puppy grows. Some vets also use tinctures in an attempt to help the hernia close.
Surgical repair
Surgery is usually recommended for larger hernias, hernias that can’t be reduced, or hernias that appear to be causing pain. If the hernia hasn’t closed on its own by the time the puppy is 6 months old, surgery is usually the next step.
The procedure involves an incision near the hernia. The vet will gently push any abdominal contents back into the abdomen and then close the opening in the abdominal wall using sutures. Sometimes, a mesh material is used to reinforce the closure.
The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, and your vet will likely prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable as they recover.
After surgery, you’ll need to restrict your dog’s activity to prevent them from straining the surgical site. You’ll also need to prevent them from licking or chewing at the incision. Be sure to give all prescribed medications, such as pain relievers or antibiotics, exactly as directed. Keep an eye on the incision for any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge.
Potential complications of surgery
As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection. Another possible complication is seroma formation, which is a buildup of fluid under the skin. In rare cases, the hernia can recur after surgery.
Umbilical hernias and spay/neuter procedures
If your dog has an umbilical hernia, your vet may recommend fixing it when you spay or neuter them. This approach minimizes how many times your dog needs to be anesthetized and undergo surgery.
Combining the procedures is usually more cost-effective than performing them separately. In some cases, the vet may only charge a small additional fee to repair the hernia during the spay or neuter surgery.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether combining these procedures is the right choice for your dog.
The Bottom Line
An umbilical hernia is a relatively common condition in dogs, and it’s often congenital, meaning puppies are born with it. Fortunately, most umbilical hernias are easily treated, leading to a positive outcome for your furry friend.
If you notice a soft swelling or bulge near your dog’s belly button, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent potential complications and ensure your dog’s well-being.
With proper management, most dogs with umbilical hernias can live normal, healthy lives. While it can be concerning to discover a lump on your dog, rest assured that umbilical hernias are often a minor issue with a simple fix.