Inguinal hernia in dogs is a fairly common pathology. It proceeds in different forms, there are two types. The danger of this disease lies in the development of peritonitis or necrosis, which can lead to the death of the animal. An effective treatment method is only one - surgical intervention.
Hernia - what is it?
If the animal has a convex formation in the abdomen, then this may be an inguinal hernia. It occurs due to damage to the tissues of the abdominal cavity, more precisely, their rupture. Because of this, the internal organs cannot be held inside and protrude through the hole formed, called the hernia gate. The bag can be filled with the bladder, intestines, mesentery, uterus. An inguinal hernia is formed in the dog on both sides or only on one side. Depending on the origin, it is divided into types: acquired and congenital.
Congenital hernia
The cause of congenital hernia is a violation of the development of the fetus in the womb. The puppy will already have a pathology after birth. Veterinarians believe that a hereditary predisposition plays a large role.
Acquired hernia
Acquired inguinal hernia in dogs of small and large breeds is formed due to a trauma. The latter include the collision of a car or another vehicle, strong blows, mechanical damage sustained in skirmishes with other animals. A hole in the abdominal cavity occurs due to a sharp increase in pressure in this area. Such diseases as frequent constipation, problems of the cardiovascular system and kidneys can provoke it. Inguinal hernia can also appear after a difficult birth.
Due to surgery
An inguinal hernia in a dog is rarely formed after surgery. It can be caused by improper conditions of the pet after surgery. At risk are those animals that have undergone sterilization (only females), intestinal surgery, removal of lesions in the urinary canal. It is possible that a hernia complication may also occur after other surgical interventions.
Dog inguinal hernia: causes
Let's highlight the main causes that can lead to the formation of inguinal hernia. If it is innate, then everything is extremely clear. And a large number of factors can provoke the occurrence of acquired. This pathology develops due to relaxation of the inguinal ring, as well as due to the insufficient strength of the walls of the pelvic region.
Each owner should know, after which an inguinal hernia may appear in dogs of small breeds and large. These factors include:
- Pregnancy.
- Pathology of the fusion of peritoneal tissues.
- Excessive physical exertion.
- Bladder overflow.
- Reduction of adipose tissue in the inguinal canal.
- The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
- Obesity.
- Weakening of muscle tone.
Classification
Inguinal hernia in dogs can be of three forms. They are classified as a bag:
- Restrained. The peculiarity of this form is that the organs have already fallen into the hernial sac, but the muscle tissue of the abdominal cavity remains dense. Accordingly, this leads to their compression. The danger lies in obstructing normal circulation. The animal feels severe pain, swelling may appear. After some time, the organs lose the ability to function properly, which can lead to death. With this form, treatment is prescribed immediately.
- Correctable. Differs in asymptomatic course. There are no painful cramps. The abdominal tissue stretches while remaining elastic. The contents of the hernial sac move unhindered. Easy to adjust with pressure or while the animal is moving. To determine the density of the size of the bag and the shape, a special method of medical diagnosis called auscultation is used.
- Irreducible. This form has a characteristic feature - adhesive processes. The organs with which the bag is filled have already combined with its tissues. When you click on the education to fix it does not work. Fabrics lose elasticity. An inflammatory process can develop, which subsequently develops into fibrosis.
Symptomatology
Inguinal hernia in dogs has a vivid clinical picture. It is localized in the abdomen, in its lower part. Tends to increase. Symptoms will depend on the form in which the disease occurs. With correctable hernia, the animal does not feel painful spasms. At the initial stage, there is not even discomfort. It will appear as the hernial sac increases . Body temperature rises to 42 degrees. Sometimes it is higher. Also, the animal has rapid breathing and palpitations. Due to compression of the bladder, the amount of its contents is reduced. The dog constantly feels a false urge to empty the intestines. With an increase in hernia, she can refuse to eat and behave uneasily. It is important to know that with an irreducible form, all these symptoms are aggravated. The animal feels constant pain, does not allow touching a convex place, and may even bite its owner.
Diagnostics
Defining a hernia is visually simple. If it is large, it will be visible in any position of the dog. With a little things are more complicated. The owner, playing with the dog, turns it on its back, while examining the stomach. If it has a tubercle, then you must immediately make an appointment with a doctor. At the initial stage, fighting the disease is much easier.
The diagnosis is as follows:
- Record to the specialist. At the reception, the doctor examines the animal. Palpation of the inguinal and abdominal cavity. A swelling will indicate that a hernia has arisen. They can be round or elongated. The doctor determines the form of the disease, hernial gates. Also, by palpation, you can establish whether there is an infringement, whether the contents are adjusted.
- Survey The animal is assigned ultrasound diagnostics and radiography. In the first case, you can set the contents of the bag. But radiography allows you to determine whether there has been a displacement of other organs of the abdominal cavity.
With this disease, you do not need to rely on your strength. The danger lies in the fact that when infringement is necessary to urgently carry out the operation. Even a small delay can lead to undesirable consequences. Only a qualified doctor with an inguinal hernia in a dog will recognize a pyometer. This disease is dangerous for the animal, as pus accumulates in the uterus. The bulge on the abdomen of the female will constantly increase. Without treatment, it will lead to sepsis. And this is a direct threat to life.
Dog inguinal hernia treatment
Hernia is not treated medically. You also can not rely on traditional medicine, no matter how assured otherwise. In order to save your pet, you have to agree to an operation. This is the only way.
How is an inguinal hernia removed in a dog? The surgeon makes an incision to gain access to the abdominal cavity. Through it releases the contents of the bag, setting the organs inside. After it is removed, and the tissues of the abdominal cavity are sutured. The last stage is the imposition of external seams. The operation is simple, but it must be performed under sterile conditions. They can only be provided at a veterinary clinic. Also during the operation, complications can arise, so everything you need should be at hand.
Some clinics suggest performing hernia removal at home. However, this procedure is accompanied by high risks of complications. The fact is that the room must be treated with a quartz lamp. Also, during the operation, only sterile instruments and materials are used. It is rather difficult to create such conditions at home. Moreover, one should not forget that surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia, which can also cause complications. Not all dogs tolerate it well.
The owner does not need to leave his pet for a long time in the clinic. After the operation, as soon as the action of anesthesia passes, the dog can be taken home. Be sure to follow all the doctor’s instructions and come for examination after 8-12 days to remove the seams.
Postoperative period
If an inguinal hernia was operated on in a dog, then it is necessary to ensure proper care for it. It will depend on this how quickly the animal recovers. The first step is to equip him with a berth. The pet should be comfortable there. The owner will need to monitor the cleanliness of the litter. If it is wet, then change it to dry on time. It is also important to provide the dog with a comfortable temperature. It should not be very high or low. It is not allowed to equip a sleeping place in a draft.
After removal of the hernia, the animal cannot be loaded with physical exertion. He needs peace. The more the dog will sleep, the faster it will get stronger. The first few days of the pet cannot be taken outside, so you have to equip the toilet at home. To accustom an adult dog to him will, of course, be difficult, but will have to be patient.
In order to prevent licking of the seams, it is necessary to wear a special collar on the neck. This will minimize the risk of wound infection. The owner needs to regularly process postoperative sutures. To do this, use antiseptics prescribed by the veterinarian.
It is also worth reviewing the dog’s diet. After surgery, you must adhere to a diet. It is compiled depending on the anesthesia and the complexity of the surgical intervention. For dogs that ate dry food, it is recommended to choose a special brand. Before use, it must be soaked. Pets on natural feeding are fed dairy products into the diet. To give meat only in the form of forcemeat, mixing it with porridges. You can also drink low-fat broths. A bowl of water is placed next to the berth so that the animal has constant access to it.
Important: after the operation, the dog should not be fed for several hours. It is also not permitted to give her water. If the pet’s oral cavity is very dry, it is allowed to slightly lubricate the lips with a wet swab.
Conclusion
Do not delay treatment if an inguinal hernia is found in a dog. The danger lies in the fact that it affects not only the quality of life, but can also lead to death. The heaviest is considered a restrained form. With it, the organs are not saturated with blood, which prevents them from fully functioning. Also, without treatment, a hernia can lead to intestinal obstruction or purulent peritonitis.