Even in a happy dog’s life there can be a little niggle from time to time. Among other things, the hernia in the dog belong.
And this one definitely belongs to the really uncomfortable thingsthat your dog may be affected by.
In our guide you will now receive useful information and tips on this important topic.
Identify inguinal hernia in dogs – symptoms
The most important question first: How can a hernia in a dog be recognized at all?
As with all diseases, there is also a hernia symptoms. These can point to this, but do not necessarily have to.
So also with the so-called hernia. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from this, you can recognize this from several signs.
These include: Your dog squeezes feces, possibly with pain. Also, you may be able to bulge in the groin area touch. Both symptoms should be taken seriously.
If these have not improved after a few days and your dog can too stop urinating, it says: Off to the vet. Because this condition can be life-threatening for your four-legged friend.
Good to know:
It is a hernia not a classic break. In fact, it denotes the following circumstance: The exit of organs, usually the intestines, and tissues through an opening in the muscle layer.
This in turn is in the groin area. For males you can find them in the near the testicles.
Causes: How does a hernia occur in the first place?
How can a hernia occur in the first place? After all, a part of the dog’s intestines doesn’t just decide to exit the abdominal cavity. In fact there is multiple causesthat favor a hernia.
A reason can already anchored in the genes be. Is the Groin gap too widea hernia is more or less pre-programmed – but it doesn’t have to be!
Also apply some so-called blunt trauma as a trigger for a hernia. For example, if your dog has fallen or been hit or hit, this can also cause a hernia.
Good to know:
Above all younger dogs can be affected by a hernia. It has also been found that Bitches more prone to hernias are as males.
Can a hernia heal on its own?
The answer to this question is: Yes. A minor hernia can definitely heal on its own. But this is also due to the age of the dog.
The younger the fur nose and the smaller the hernia, the more likely it is that it will grow back and disappear on its own.
However, if the fracture is large, the only option is to take the dog to the vet and have it operated on. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a hernia in a puppy or a Hernia in old dogs acts.
How can I help my dog?
As mentioned, a trip to the vet is necessary unavoidable in many cases. And therein lies a help that you can give your furry friend – treatment by an expert.
Because, as you know from our guide, a hernia is not something to be taken lightly. The reason: The possible damage to vital organs and in the worst case the death of the dog.
Does a hernia in a dog have to be operated on?
Whether a hernia in a dog needs surgery depends on several factors. Because: everyone OP means always also a risk. If this can be avoided, all the better.
As mentioned, the age of the dog and the size of the hernia play an important role. If it is a small umbilical hernia, for example, an operation is usually not necessary.
Or the hernia can be repaired if, for example, the little furry friend is going to be neutered anyway.
is the dog already oldercan a OP makes sense be. However, the surgical risks also increase with age. Because the dog’s organism is no longer quite as resilient as in a young dog.
surgical costs
You should also not forget the surgical costs. Because these are usually quite high. One can make sense here dog insurance be. This can cover veterinary costs.
The surgical costs for one unilateral intervention amount to approx. 200 euros and a bilateral intervention to approx. 290 euros.
You should expect additional costs for anesthesia, follow-up examinations, painkillers, etc.
What do I have to consider after the operation?
Since an operation is a strenuous surgery there are a few postoperative things you should be aware of with your dog.
It is very important that he can first recover from this and the anesthetic. Because he will still be a bit unsteady on his feet for some time afterwards.
Furthermore, you have to make sure that your fur nose in the first 2 to 3 weeks not immediately spent and overworked again. This is the only way the wound can heal properly.
It is also important that the furry nose has a ruff carries. This can prevent your dog from licking up the wound again.
Experiences of dog owners with a hernia
Experiences of other dog owners may help you in your decision for or against OP help.
“(…) We had him operated on because she was (…) in pain from time to time. The surgery gave her relief and everything is the same as before.”
«Discuss the pros and cons with the vet, if necessary again with a second vet.»
Conclusion
A hernia in a dog can be serious. Especially if your dog is a bit older, surgery can be life-saving. It is important that you recognize possible symptoms in good time, observe them and act accordingly. Do you have any experience with a hernia in a dog? Then share them in our comments.