What is a hernia?
In medicine, a hernia is a generic term that designates the displacement of all or part of an organ out of the cavity that normally contains it, by a natural passage.
There are different types of hernias, depending on the organ concerned.
Types of hernia in dogs
Herniated disc
A herniated disc consists of an extrusion of the pulpy nucleus of the intervertebral disc out of the spinal canal or a protrusion of the fibrous ring into the spinal canal.
By causing compression of the spinal cord, it is the cause of significant spinal pain and motor, sensory and sphincter disorders (the dog becomes incontinent).The preferential localization of herniated discs by extrusion is at the junction between the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Herniated discs are classified into different degrees, depending on their level of severity.
Many dogs are racially predisposed to herniated disc. This is the case of the Beagle, the Basset Hound, the French Bulldog, the M altese Bichon, the Bichon Frize, the American Cocker Spaniel, the German Shepherd, the Dobermann, the Pekingese, the Poodle, the Lhasa Apso, the Dachshund, the Shih Tzu, Jack Russel, Labrador, Rottweiler and Welsh Corgi Pembroke.
Obese animals are also more likely to suffer from a herniated disc because being overweight places additional mechanical stresses on the spine. Being overweight also complicates the possibilities of surgical intervention.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia consists of a displacement of part of the stomach through the diaphragm by the esophageal hiatus.Some of these hernias are congenital (present from the birth of the dog) or appear during the life of the animal, generally after chest trauma or when the dog has brachycephalic syndrome.
We describe 4 types of hiatal hernia in dogs. The most common hiatus hernia in dogs is type I (or sliding hiatus hernia) in which the abdominal portion of the esophagus and part of the stomach are displaced cranially through the esophageal hiatus. Brachycephalic breeds (breeds with a short, “flattened” muzzle) are predisposed to it, such as the Shar Pei, the Bulldog, the French Bulldog, the Chow Chow, the Boston Terrier or even the Pug.
In case of hiatal hernia, the two most common symptoms are vomiting and hypersalivation (ptyalism).
Inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernia refers to the protrusion (outflow) of abdominal organs (omentum, bladder, uterus, spleen) through the inguinal canal. This type of hernia can be congenital or acquired, most often following the dog's weight gain or pregnancy.
It is manifested by the appearance of a soft mass, sometimes painful, between the inner side of the thigh and the abdomen.
Dog breeds genetically predisposed to inguinal hernia are the Basenji, the Basset Hound, the Pekingese, the Chihuahua, the Cocker Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles, the Poodle, the Bichon M altese, the Cairn Terrier, the Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, Spitz and Westie.
Scrotal hernia
Scrotal hernia is a special case of inguinal hernia that can occur in male dogs when the abdominal organs, passed through the inguinal canal, engage the scrotum.
It is suspected in the event of the appearance of a soft mass in the region of the scrotum associated with edema (swelling), pain on palpation and depression of the animal.
Perineal hernia
The perineal hernia corresponds to a protrusion of tissues and organs, then forming a mass under the skin in the region of the perineum.Under hormonal dependence, this type of hernia most often occurs in older male dogs (around 9 years of age) and not neutered.
A perineal hernia can be a surgical emergency if the bladder passes through the perineum.
The hereditary nature of this type of hernia has been demonstrated in the Poodle. Other breeds of dog may also be predisposed to it, such as the Boston Terrier, the Pekingese, the German Shepherd, the Pug, the long-haired Collie, the Bulldog, the Bichon Frisé, the Bichon M altese, the French Bulldog or even the Pekingese.
The umbilical hernia
The umbilical hernia designates an exit of the abdominal viscera (usually part of the small intestine) from the abdomen. This type of hernia can be closed or open when the abdominal wall is not properly closed when the dog is born.
This type of hernia can occur as a result of surgery, illness or accident, although the most common cause is a fetal malformation of genetic and hereditary origin.Several breeds of dogs are also predisposed to it, such as the Airedale Terrier, the Pekingese, the Airedale Terrier, the Weimaraner, the Beagle, the Bull Terrier, the English Cocker Spaniel, the long-haired Collie, the Pekingese, the Lhasa Apso, English Pointer, Boston Terrier and Basenji.
Diaphragmatic hernia
The diaphragmatic hernia corresponds to a greater or lesser communication between the abdominal, thoracic and pericardial cavities.
This type of hernia most often follows an external trauma such as a traffic accident. Much more rarely, diaphragmatic hernia can be of congenital origin, of the peritoneo-pericardial or pleuro-peritoneal type.
What treatment for a hernia?
The treatment considered by the veterinarian obviously depends on the type of hernia your dog is facing, but also on its severity and any complications associated with it.
Depending on the type of hernia, it may consist of symptomatic medical treatment, the application of dietary measures (in the case of a hiatal hernia) or surgical treatment.