Hernia in Dogs
An inguinal hernia is a condition in which the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canalor inguinal ring, an opening which occurs in the muscle wall in the groin area.
Inguinal hernia can occur in both dogs and cats.
Symptoms and Types
Inguinal hernias may be uncomplicated or complicated. A complicated hernia is one in which contents of the abdominal cavity have passed through the opening and become entrapped.
Symptoms seen with an uncomplicated inguinal hernia are:
A soft swelling in the groin area, which may occur on one or both sides of the body
Symptoms seen with a complicated inguinal hernia may include:
Swelling in the groin area
Vomiting
Pain
Frequent attempts to urinate
Bloody urine
Lack of appetite
Depression
Causes
In dogs, inguinal hernias may be acquired or congenital. Factors which predispose a dog to develop an inguinal hernia include trauma, obesity, and pregnancy.
Most inguinal hernias are uncomplicated and cause no symptoms other than a swelling in the groin area. However, if contents from the abdominal cavity (such as the bladder, a loop of intestines or the uterus) pass through the opening and become entrapped there, the situation can become life-threatening.
Diagnosis
Inguinal hernias can usually be diagnosed by finding the swelling caused by the hernia on a physical examination.
Treatment
Treatment is surgical correction of the opening and replacement of abdominal contents back into the abdomen.
Prevention
Because inguinal hernias can be hereditary, dogs with these hernias should not be bred.
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