According to VetInfo.com, an umbilical hernia occurs when the contents of the abdomen extend beyond the belly button. It appears as a soft mass that protrudes from what you would consider to be your pup’s abdomen. Some sources say that this isn’t dangerous, but the risk comes when, if the opening is large enough, the intestinal loop can slip through. If trapped, the result can be life-threatening intestinal loop strangulation (where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off).
But that’s about as much black-and-white information as I can find on the condition. We know that it’s usually an inherited condition (Millie’s had it since she was little – we discovered shortly after her spay procedure), but what I cannot discern is whether or not treatment is required.
- VetInfo.com says that umbilical hernia surgery is meant only for severe cases, and that in most cases, the hernia is not life-threatening.
- PetPlace.com recommends elective repair of a larger hernia because of the risk of intestinal loop strangulation.
- PetEducation.com says that in many cases, a hernia that goes untreated can have a fatal outcome. “As an owner, do not take a hernia in your pet lightly. In many cases, they are disasters just waiting to happen.”
Since hernia surgery of course is done under anesthesia, vets recommend that you have the surgery at the same time your dog is spayed or neutered. Unfortunately for us, we took Millie to a spay/neuter clinic. And while this clinic is reputable, and very good at their specialty, they do not perform any other procedures. If only we had known Millie had a hernia at the time she was spayed.
While hernias can spontaneously close in young animals under about six months, Millie wasn’t as fortunate. Our vet recommended we close Millie’s hernia (rather than let it “run its course”) so that means Millie will be having umbilical hernia surgery to repair it. During the procedure, the vet will make a small incision below the hernia and then push back the protruding tissue into its normal position.
I’ve been told that umbilical hernia surgery is fairly routine (“fairly” doesn’t calm my nerves though). There are risks, of course, with the surgery that are true of any procedure, infection and anesthesia complications being the main two. Also, after surgery, be on the lookout for potential problems such as redness, swelling or discharge, and go back to your vet if these occur.
EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS OF INTESTINAL STRANGULATION
If your dog has a hernia and any of the following occur, call your vet ASAP:
Hernia is warm to the touch
Zero appetite
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Vomiting
Hernia has grown in size
Depression
Fever
Lethargy
IF UNTREATED, INTESTINAL STRANGULATION CAN RESULT IN DEATH IN AS LITTLE AS 24-48 HOURS.
I worry about putting Millie through something that may not be necessary, but the risk of intestinal strangulation scare me half to death. I hope that I have made the right decision in choosing to treat her hernia.
Paws crossed that all will be fine for Millie. I know how rough it can be on owners when their pets are going under the knife.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes (went) well. Heal soon, Millie!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing the right thing; you'd never forgive yourself if something happened and the dangers of anesthesia are overstated.
ReplyDeleteHope all went well!
Thanks so much for the support and well wishes! Millie is doing well (though she is in a little pain, which is to be expected). She had a tough night of tossing and turning, but I think it will be uphill from here! We can't thank you all enough for keeping our little Millie in your thoughts!
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