Perineal hernia in a dog: causes, complications, therapy

veterinarian Petstory

A hernia in a dog in the general sense is a protrusion of an organ or part of it under the skin between muscles, internal organs or bone structures through openings in anatomical formations. In other words, this is a local violation of the integrity of the body, manifested in a displacement of the normal anatomical location of organs relative to each other.

Most often, hernias occur in dogs; there is no gender predisposition. There are breed characteristics: for example, dachshunds suffer from intervertebral hernias more often than other dogs.

Reasons for appearance

Hernias can be congenital (usually umbilical) or acquired.

Congenital occurs due to: hereditary predisposition (for example, wide inguinal, underdeveloped and umbilical canals), many believe that the defect can appear if care is provided incorrectly to puppies at birth.

Dogs that have been diagnosed with this pathology are not allowed to be bred, since this pathology is inherited.

During life, pathology can develop:

• as a result of injury;
• as a consequence of other diseases that contribute to an increase in internal pressure (this includes heart disease, vascular disease, as well as frequent constipation, etc.);
• obesity;
• too much physical activity;
• hormonal imbalance (mainly with perineal hernias);
• difficult birth.

In rare cases, a hernia in a dog can occur as a complication after surgery (mainly after sterilization and intestinal surgery).

Rehabilitation and care after surgery

After hernia surgery, the regeneration process in dogs takes 7-10 days. During this time, it is recommended to wear an Elizabethan collar and bandage to prevent damage to the seams.

To avoid complications, the owner needs to keep the wound dry and clean, and if the suture material comes apart, bleeding or pus appears, immediately consult a doctor.

In addition to antiseptic treatment, the following may be prescribed for patient care :

• analgesics that alleviate pain;
• antibiotics that protect against secondary infection;
• immunomodulators that increase the immune response.

During the first few days, your pet will recover from anesthesia. Due to dizziness, nausea and poor coordination, he may refuse to eat and even walk under himself. This is absolutely normal, so do not force feed him, protect him from injury and provide him with a comfortable and safe place right on the floor.

Before the sutures are removed, you should avoid your usual activities. Stop running and jumping. It is better to carry small dogs in your arms, preventing them from going up and down the stairs on their own. When walking, be sure to use a leash to control your pet's movements.

Types of hernia, their characteristics, symptoms and treatment

Umbilical hernia

It looks like a spherical protrusion in the abdomen, in the navel area. Through a weakened umbilical ring, part of an organ falls out under the skin - a loop of intestine, bladder or uterus.

Most often, this pathology occurs in newborn puppies, but this does not mean that the disease will not 100% overtake an adult.

In the case of children, it is quite possible that everything is not so scary. If the bulge is soft when you feel it, it can be moved inward, and the puppy does not experience pain, then you can do without surgical intervention. Medication, bandage, and in some cases massage are recommended. However, if your pet has the following symptoms, surgery is necessary:

• vomiting, nausea
• diarrhea or constipation
• general weakness
• abdominal wall pain
• formation hardens
• there is a lot of swelling around

These symptoms indicate that the hernial ring has compressed the organ, no blood flows to it, and it does not perform its function. Without urgent surgical intervention, necrosis begins. Then death.

There is also a false hernia, when a protrusion is visible on the dog’s stomach, but it can be easily straightened with your fingers, since it is filled with fat. Unlike a real hernia, which can range in size from “grape” to “orange,” a false hernia does not reach large sizes.

Inguinal hernia

Formed as a result of weakening of the inguinal ring. The following can enter the hernial sac: intestines, bladder, uterus or mesentery. The “bulge” is localized in the lower abdomen on one or both sides. The main symptoms depend on the conditions of the pathology.

With pinching (prolapsed organs are compressed by the abdominal wall).

1. Strong pain.
2. Edema.
3. The function of the affected organ is not performed (if the bladder is anuria, if the intestines are obstructed).
4. The hernial sac is hard.

The initial stage is reducible. At first the animal does not even feel any discomfort

1. The hernial sac is soft.
2. When pressed, it is reduced.
3. Doesn't feel pain.
4. It increases over time.
5. If the bladder has prolapsed, then when the hernia is palpated, involuntary urination occurs.
6. With intestinal prolapse, there is a constant urge to go to the toilet.
7. Temperature increase.
8. Rapid breathing.

Irreducible - when the contents of the sac have fused with its walls, i.e. adhesions formed.

1. Obvious discomfort.
2. Doesn't reset when pressed.
3. Constant pain.
4. Refusal to eat.
5. Severe anxiety, behavior changes.
6. When the bladder prolapses, the amount of urine produced decreases significantly.

For an inguinal hernia, the only treatment is surgery. Even with a reducible form.

Perineal hernia

It is a prolapse of the intestine, both straight and small, the bladder and other nearby organs into the subcutaneous tissue of the perineum. The perineum consists of the anal and genitourinary sections. It is essentially localized under the butt. The cause is weakening of the pelvic muscles.

It occurs mainly in older, uncastrated individuals, more often in males. There is also a predisposition for breeds with short tails. Externally, a perineal hernia looks more like a very large swelling in the anus than a spherical formation. It can be unilateral (usually on the right) or bilateral. Symptoms:

1. Constipation or complete cessation of bowel movements.
2. Uncontrolled defecation.
3. Formation of soft swelling in the perineal area.
4. Unusual body position.
5. Impurities of blood in stool.

The only treatment is surgery!

Diaphragmatic hernia

This is when the abdominal organs end up in the chest due to damage to the diaphragm. It can also be congenital and acquired.

Most often, the liver, small intestine, stomach, or spleen can be found in the chest cavity. The function of these organs suffers due to being in an unnatural environment and compression, and necrosis may begin. The lungs also suffer due to pressure on them from other organs. The severity of the disease and mortality depend on the number of organs trapped in the chest area. Externally, no bulges or swelling are noticeable. Symptoms:

1. Dyspnea! Main symptom.
2. Refusal to eat, loses weight.
3. Exercise intolerance.

Intervertebral hernia

Protrusion of the intervertebral disc into the cavity of the intervertebral canal. The breeds most prone to this pathology are called chondrodystrophic. These include the dachshund, French bulldog and Pekingese. Welsh, Corgi and Beagle breeds are also prone to this. This does not mean that the disease occurs only in these dogs!

Unlike other forms of hernia, intervertebral hernia is very rarely caused by injury; most often it has a genetic cause, associated with the anatomical structure of the body or with abnormal development, both in the womb and during puppyhood (if the puppy often jumps from heights). Symptoms:

1. Pain in the back (the dog may yelp).
2. Unnatural position. Arches his back.
3. Difficulty with bowel movements and urination.
4. If the cervical spine is affected, it is difficult for a dog to eat. Sometimes complete paralysis is possible.

First of all, you should limit your pet’s movements. They will also prescribe medication - anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord, painkillers, etc.

Surgery is prescribed if the condition worsens despite drug treatment. The operation is very dangerous, as any mistake can lead to paralysis.

Hiatal hernia

This is a displacement of the stomach up the esophagus, so that part of it ends up in the chest cavity. Symptoms:

1. Regurgitation, vomiting.
2. Weight loss.
3. Rapid breathing.
4. Soreness.

To begin with, diet therapy and drug treatment are prescribed; if these methods are ineffective, surgical intervention is prescribed.

What is this?

A hernia is a disease in which there is protrusion (protrusion) of internal organs. This is a common surgical problem in dogs and may be congenital or acquired. Without timely seeking professional veterinary help, this disease can be fatal.

The most common causes of hernia:

• abdominal injuries,
• postoperative hernias (for example, due to suture dehiscence),
• difficult childbirth,
• chronic diseases that provoke a sharp increase in pressure in the abdominal area (for example, frequent constipation, pancreatitis, gastritis),
• excessive physical activity, etc.

The following dog breeds often face the problem of internal organs protruding from the abdominal cavity: spaniels, German shepherds, poodles, dachshunds and bull terriers. In more than 60% of cases, this disease is diagnosed in older animals, since cartilage joints, bones and muscle tissue weaken with age.

Postoperative care

As prescribed by the doctor, antiseptic treatment of the wound should be carried out; if there was no such prescription, do not touch the seam.

The most important thing is to limit your pet’s movements as much as possible! Otherwise, a relapse is possible.

A special diet is prescribed to improve the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, laxatives are prescribed.

Sometimes you may see a dog develop a hernia after surgery (often spaying). This is possible if an error was made when closing the wound or applying a suture. You should not immediately sound the alarm; often after spaying a female dog, you may observe a spherical formation in the area of ​​the suture; this could be a seroma.

Seroma is an accumulation of serous fluid in the surgical cavity. It is not dangerous and will resolve itself over time. It can be distinguished from a hernia by palpation. When you feel the seroma, you will feel a transfusion of fluid and will not feel any lumps. The hernial sac is soft to the touch and its contents can be felt.

If a dog’s hernia turns red, this indicates inflammation, which means urgent veterinary intervention is necessary before complications begin.

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia (Herniae umbilicalis) - occurs most often in newborn puppies and young dogs. An umbilical hernia can occur in dogs of any breed.

Cause. The reason for the appearance of an umbilical hernia in puppies and dogs is a non-closure of the umbilical opening, increased intra-abdominal pressure due to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, intoxication, congenital anatomical predisposition, multiple pregnancies, an insufficiently balanced diet for feeding mother and puppy, and other endogenous and exogenous factors.

Symptoms It is not difficult for a dog owner to notice an umbilical hernia. Upon visual examination, a limited, painless, reducible, and prolapsed swelling appears in the navel area. In puppies, this swelling is several millimeters in diameter; in older dogs, the swelling can reach sizes from the size of a hazelnut (hazelnut) to a large walnut, and sometimes a chicken egg or more. In puppies, the hernial contents are mostly prolapsed omentum; at a later date, intestinal loops also prolapse. In addition to the above symptoms, owners note in such a dog general depression, partial or complete loss of appetite, and with inflammation in the area of ​​the hernia, pain on palpation.

Veterinary specialists make a diagnosis of an umbilical hernia based on a clinical examination (symptoms characteristic of an umbilical hernia).

Treatment is surgical, since conservative methods require long-term treatment and are often ineffective.

The operation (genitomy) is performed by veterinary specialists under local anesthesia, while most veterinary specialists prefer potentized local anesthesia - intramuscularly 2.5% solution of Rometar, ketamine or 2.5% solution of aminazine 1 ml/kg, 1% solution of atropine - 0.5 ml and a 2% solution of diphenhydramine (lytic mixture) with infiltration of the incision site and around the hernial ring with a 0.5% solution of novocaine.

Having prepared the surgical field, the veterinarian pushes the hernial contents into the abdominal cavity. For irreducible hernias, its end above the hernial sac (peritoneum) is grabbed with hemostatic forceps and cut off with curved scissors. The peritoneum is dissected from the skin to the umbilical ring with your fingers, preferably wearing rubber surgical gloves or using a gauze pad or swab. Using a tenatom (a curved blunt-tipped scalpel) or a surgical needle, the umbilical ring is scarified several times (4-6 cuts), and in case of a strangulated, irreducible hernia, it is dissected, expanding the hernial opening. After this, after examining the hernial contents, they are inserted into the abdominal cavity. A loop-shaped, knotted cross-shaped or combined (one-and-a-half) suture is applied to the hernial ring using aseptic, synthetic, absorbable threads (Dexon, Maxon, Polysorb, etc.). The skin is sewn up with the same threads or silk. Propolis paste is applied to the wound - glue, polyurethane film or self-adhesive bandage. The sutures are removed on the 7-9th day.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Hernias can be congenital - due to improper development of the fetus, or more often hereditary, and acquired - after injury or surgery.
2. There are umbilical, inguinal, perineal, diaphragmatic, intervertebral and hiatal hernias, which mainly differ from each other in their location.
3. Most often, the only effective treatment is surgery.
4. Hernias are diagnosed not only visually, but using special research methods - radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, etc.
5. After surgery, it is important to limit the dog’s movements and provide a special diet.

Preventing the development of a hernia in a pet

Hernial neoplasms are not so common; pathology can be easily avoided if you monitor the pet’s condition, examine its body, respond to changes in mood, and periodically show it to the veterinarian. To prevent the appearance of a muscle tear, it is enough to follow the rules:

1. It is necessary to promptly treat problems of the digestive system and other disorders in the functioning of the body, normalize nutrition, and monitor the process of bowel movements;
2. It is better to sterilize females not intended for bearing and giving birth to offspring (the same applies to males);
3. After injuries or falls, it is important to have the animal examined in a clinic;
4. The main condition for keeping a dog is the required amount of physical activity, proper training, regular walking (to avoid obesity or excessive strain on the muscles);
5. To operate on a pet (for any reason), select a trusted clinic, and during the recovery period you need to strictly follow the veterinarian’s instructions and take care of the sutures;
6. Elderly animals are fed special foods with a high calcium content;
7. Dogs are purchased only from trusted breeders. It is important to first get acquainted with the puppy’s parents and find out about their chronic diseases.

To avoid the appearance of a hernia in puppies, a specialist obstetrician is invited during childbirth to help the female without injuring the offspring.

Any hernial neoplasm needs to be examined by a doctor. Therefore, if a lump (reducible or hard) appears, it is necessary to contact your local veterinarian and undergo examination, and then rehabilitation.

4 / 5 ( 3 voices)

Treatment of the disease

If you find a hernia in your dog or suspect that it exists, contact your veterinary clinic immediately. The sooner you do this, the faster your pet will return to a healthy life. The first stage of treatment is diagnosis. In most cases, a visual examination and palpation of the abdominal area is sufficient; if necessary, an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is prescribed.

The second stage of treatment is drawing up a plan. Depending on the location of the hernia, the stage of its development and the general condition of the dog, the most optimal treatment method is selected. It can be operative (surgical intervention) or conservative (non-surgical treatment), and an integrated approach is a prerequisite.

Surgical treatment of hernia

Surgery to remove a hernia is prescribed if conservative treatment does not give the desired result. The dog is operated on under anesthesia in a supine position. The specialist cuts the skin, separates the hernial sac from the soft tissues, straightens the internal organ, and, if necessary, removes dead areas.

In some cases, the internal formation is filled with pus, which causes tissue decomposition processes. In this case, the veterinary surgeon completely removes the hernial sac. Then sutures are applied and final antiseptic treatment is carried out. The duration of the rehabilitation period varies from several weeks to several months, depending on the condition of the dog.

After the operation, it is necessary to monitor the pet and the condition of the sutures. Follow all veterinarian recommendations, including taking medications or treating the intervention area with antiseptics. If the approach is incorrect, a hernia occurs precisely in the area where the suture placed after the operation is located.

Conservative treatment of hernia

Despite the fact that surgical treatment can completely remove the hernia, most often veterinarians resort to a conservative method. Firstly, it is absolutely not dangerous for the pet, and secondly, it does not require a rehabilitation period. Moreover, there are a number of contraindications to surgical intervention due to the use of anesthesia.

Conservative treatment includes:

• taking medications (for example, laxatives),
• wearing bandages to support the abdominal area,
• therapeutic massages to strengthen muscles,
• acupuncture (acupuncture),
• taking vitamin and mineral complexes to generally strengthen the body and restore the dog’s strength.

The veterinarian will create an individual hernia treatment plan for your pet, guided by the data obtained during the diagnosis. The main thing is to strictly follow the recommendations and not miss taking medication or visiting a massage therapist in order to get rid of a hernia in the abdominal area without dangerous consequences.

Hernia in the spine

As a result of stress on the spine, intervertebral discs become displaced. In this situation, it is important how much the spinal cord is affected. You can recognize the presence of a spinal hernia by the dog’s behavior. Slow movements, tension in the back muscles, and difficulty bending the head indicate the presence of pathology.

This type of hernia is the most dangerous, as it can lead to paralysis. If you suspect a vertebral hernia, you should contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct a full examination and take an x-ray of the spine. Based on the data obtained, the veterinarian prescribes therapeutic therapy. For mild cases of intervertebral disc displacement, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. With an advanced form of hernia, urgent surgical intervention is necessary.

Hernia in the diaphragm

The pathology occurs due to the displacement of the abdominal organs into the chest. Most often, the intestines, spleen, and liver fall out. The diaphragm ruptures at its weakest point.

Diaphragmatic hernia in dogs can be congenital (non-traumatic) or acquired (traumatic).

• The causes of congenital formations are defects of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The most common type of non-traumatic hernia is pathology of the food opening of the diaphragm. When the abdominal part of the esophagus and stomach moves into the chest cavity.
• The cause of a traumatic nature is any injury to the abdomen and an increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to an accident, falls from a height, or injuries. The abdominal organs located in the chest contribute to the occurrence of the inflammatory process. The respiratory process deteriorates due to food intake, nausea and vomiting occur.

To confirm this diagnosis, it is necessary to take an x-ray of the abdominal and thoracic organs, and an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, surgical correction is performed. After the operation, the abdominal organs are returned to their place, and the diaphragm is sutured.

Hernia in the perineal area

A perineal hernia occurs in dogs due to weakening of the pelvic muscles. Outwardly it looks like a rounded protrusion under the tail on the side of the anus. The cause of perineal pathology can be straining of the abdominal muscles due to defecation, trauma, or congenital pathologies of the genital organs. Most often, this species is found in dogs, mainly small short-tailed breeds.

Symptoms manifest themselves as a deterioration in the dog’s condition, with lethargy, apathy, frequent constipation and urination. At the initial stage, a perineal hernia is soft and painless, does not cause discomfort and is treated with medication. Due to the progression of the disease, the swelling in the perineal area increases in size and becomes painful.

To eliminate the pathology at this stage, surgical actions are performed. After surgery, patients are prescribed a course of antibiotics, special food and diet. During the first month after surgery, loads and sudden movements are contraindicated. The pet needs peace and careful care.

Diet and nutrition

Follow the prescribed diet and do not feed your dog dry food. Take care of quickly digested light food so that your pet’s body spends energy only on recovery.

Don't force him to eat, don't push him. The baby will soon ask for food himself. Keep fresh water available. If the pet does not drink on its own, help the dog by periodically pouring water into the mouth with a pipette or syringe. If this is not possible, the veterinarian will put in a drip that will save the body from dehydration.

Hernia in the groin area

Inguinal hernia in dogs is a very common type. Females are the most susceptible to this disease. The main factor in the formation is the physiological structure of the groin area and increased intrauterine pressure. The uterus, bladder, and intestines may prolapse into the groin. During pregnancy, such a hernia increases in size. If there is urine in the inguinal sac, the dog will have a frequent urge to urinate.

Inguinal formation affects the general well-being of the animal, food refusal occurs, body temperature rises, and pain appears when pressure is applied. The presence of this hernia is detected visually during examination by a veterinarian.

Elimination occurs only surgically. Operations are performed under general anesthesia, and the doctor sutures the enlarged inguinal ring; if there is a pregnant uterus there, the fetus is removed. After the anesthesia wears off, the dog is taken home. At home, a quiet, warm and secluded place is required for a speedy recovery. Every day, the seams must be treated with an antiseptic. You need to feed your dog light liquid food (soups, cereals, broths).