If one day you're scratching your belly and you notice a lump, it could be an umbilical hernia. We will explain, throughout this article, what umbilical hernia is in dogs and how it is treated.
Why umbilical hernia occurs in dogs
When the dogs are born, the umbilical cord is cut that has kept it attached to their mother and through which they have received all the necessary nutrients. In fact, it's usually the bitch herself who cuts the cord with her teeth.
With the passage of days, what remains of cord on the cord will heal, both on the outside and the place inside. However, if the healing process does not occur correctly, it can that fat out of that area or an organ or part of it is out of its natural place, causing this umbilical hernia in dogs.
How do I identify an umbilical hernia in dogs?
As we said, umbilical hernias are lumps in your dog's stomach, at the height of the belly button.
That lump may be larger or smaller in size, but to the touch it is smooth and soft.
Normally, if we press a little with our finger, that hernia is introduced, that is, it is reduced.
The problem with umbilical hernias in dogs is when the blood supply of the hernia is cut off. This can cause problems depending on what you are throttling.
The best thing is that if you identify that lump, you go to the vet, who with a palpation will corroborate that it is a hernia and could do an ultrasound for more information.
Causes of umbilical hernia in dogs
The causes of this problem are usually two:
One is the congenital cause, that is, they are from the moment of birth. The other may be a trauma or injury sustained in the first days of the dog's life.
What is the solution to an umbilical hernia in dogs?
Fortunately, umbilical hernia in dogs can be treated without risking the life of your hairy hair.
However, it is important that if you notice that lump in his belly, you go to a vet to confirm that it is a hernia. Depending on your pet's condition and age, treatment may be different:
When it is a puppy less than 6 months old whose hernia is small and is not affecting any organs, it will be expected to finish half a year of life with periodic checkups, as it can disappear on its own.
If the dog is already more than 6 months old and the hernia is a considerable size, while the health of the can is not at risk can be left, although watching it. It could be operated by prevention or by aesthetics, but if the veterinarian does not see it necessary, your dog can get rid of the operating room.
In the most dangerous cases, where the hernia is large and affects the health of the hairy hair, an operation will be necessary. In it, the professional will place inside what was causing the lump and close properly. In addition, it will observe whether organs were compromised and take the necessary measures.