Umbilical Hernias
The umbilicus is the tube containing blood vessels that attaches the fetus to it's mother through the placenta. The umbilicus is normally bitten off by the mother (or torn or cut and tied off by the midwife, doctor, etc)
All mammals have an umbilical cord, and all mammals are left with a "belly button". We all know this, right? From Science Fiction movies where we can detect the the aliens from the Earthlings because the aliens don't have a belly button.
The hole left by the bitten off umbilical cord usually self seals within a few days leaving a small scar of various size and appearance that we call a belly button or umbilicus.
Hernia is the medical term for a hole or a too large opening in the body. An umbilical hernia then, is the medical problemfairly common in puppies where the belly button hole doesn't seal leaving a hole in the abdominal wall covered only by the skin.
This is easy to detect if you get the puppy in the right position and will usually be detected up by your veterinarian during the puppy exam.
Most umbilical hernias ARE NOT SERIOUS (unlike inguinal hernias) medical emergencies. But:
1. If the hernia is larger than a dime, there's a chance that a loop of intestines may be trapped in the muscular hole causing possible severe, fatal consequences if ignored.
Because of this possibility, even though not common, we recommend surgical repair of the hernia if it's large.
2. Umbilical hernias can be passed on genetically. Because of this, we recommend spaying and neutering of these pups to prevent the problem in future generations.
Note: we often fix the hernia at the same time as we spay or neuter.
The surgery itself is minor and uncomplicated. The only danger being the relatively slight danger inherent in any anesthetic-surgical operation.
Note: This pertains to all types of hernias: The main danger with herniations is that if the intestines do get trapped within the muscular ring making up the hernia, then it's very likely that the veins supplying those trapped intestines will twist and swell and swell and swell.
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias are much more serious than umbilical hernias. This is the type of hernia old men are prone too. The inguinal rings in the normal puppy (or any other mammal) are tight, muscular openings on either side of the crotch between the lower abdomen and the rear legs.
It's there as a passage for the nerves, veins, and arteries going to and from the trunk and legs.
Inguinal hernias are more likely to entrap the intestines causing severe intestinal pain and possible rupture. Therefore the recommendation for surgical repair is a little more urgent than with umbilical hernias. How urgent depends on the size of the hernia, the activity level of the patient, and how much risk you're willing to take as care taker of the patient.
Inguinal hernias are also likely to be genetically passed on to individuals of future litters, so once again, we highly recommend spaying and neutering to prevent this.
Diaphragmatic Hernias
Another common hernia site in dogs involves the internal muscle that separates the abdomen and chest. That internal sheet of muscle is called the diaphragm, so the hernia is therefore referred to as a diaphragmatic hernia.
The intestines and other abdominal organs are able to pass through the opening within the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This squishes the lungs to various degrees. Symptoms range from coughing to severe breathing disorders.
Unlike umbilical and inguinal hernias, diaphragmatic hernias are caused by trauma (usually a vehicle accident) and are not associated with genetic defects.
This is a much more serious condition and surgical repair can be difficult and complicated. Your vet may recommend referral to a surgical specialist for best results
