A hernia is the protrusion of tissue or organs through a defect in the wall that normally contains them. In dogs the body wall hernias seen most often are umbilical hernias in puppies, inguinal hernias in middle-aged bitches, scrotal hernias in young males, traumatic tears of the abdominal wall, and perineal hernias in older intact males. Most are not emergencies, but a hernia that traps and strangulates intestine or the bladder can kill a dog quickly, and recognizing that moment is the core skill. Hiatal, diaphragmatic and peritoneopericardial hernias are covered in the hiatal, paraesophageal and bowel hernia guide.
Key facts
Hernia (umbilical, inguinal, scrotal, perineal, traumatic body wall) at a glance- Species and system: dog; body wall and pelvic diaphragm (musculoskeletal), with digestive and urinary consequences.
- True hernia: a hernial ring (the defect), a sac (peritoneum) and contents.
- Typical patients: umbilical in puppies; inguinal in middle-aged small-breed bitches; scrotal in young males; perineal in middle-aged to older intact males; traumatic after bite wounds or road accidents.
- Classic presentation: a soft, painless, often reducible swelling; pain, firmness, vomiting or inability to urinate means trapped organs.
- Not zoonotic or reportable. Umbilical and inguinal hernias are suspected to be hereditary.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
Read the full study guide
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