Umbilical Hernia
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents through
the abdominal wall at the umbilicus, that defect in the abdominal
wall being covered by skin and subcutaneous tissue. Hernias can be
present at birth or they can be acquired. If the umbilical ring is
weak and the hernia does not close or tighten on its own, it can be
repaired surgically. In some breeds, there appears to be an
inherited tendency to umbilical hernia and the Bichon is sometimes
listed as one breed prone to this congenital condition. The most
common cause of acquired umbilical hernia is from the cord being cut
too close to the body
Surgical repair is not a complicated procedure and is usually done
when the pup is several months old. If the hernia is small and not
protruding noticeably, it may close on its own or it may never cause
problems for the growing pup. However any hernia that is large and
significantly protruding becomes dangerous as the puppy grows,
especially if the maturing pup is overweight. There may be the
possibility of intestine protruding through the opening and this
would be a medical emergency. While this is rare, you can understand
the need for a complete evaluation by your veterinarian.
Herniation can also occur in the groin, called an inquinal hernia.
Surgical repair of a hernia would technically make a particular dog
ineligible for conformation competition since any surgical
alteration is not allowed by the American Kennel Club. However I do
not recall ever hearing of there being any dog withheld from
competition for that reason. The greater concern for the breeder is
to eliminate from breeding any dogs that are producing congenital
hernias since this can be passed along to future generations.
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