Dog Community

Umbilical hernia

Posted : 1/24/2007 1:23:24 PM

...I

osted this in Kitty Central as well, but figured I'd try here too...

Our cat, Kleio, has had an umbilical hernia since we first adopted her at 8 weeks. She was supposed to have this repaired when she went in for her spay (this was through a spay/neuter program through the shelter we adopted her at, so we didn't have to pay for the procedure). Well, the veterinarian did not repair her hernia, and when I inquired as to why, I was told that the vet didn't think it posed a problem, and didn't see it necessary to repair.

It is a rather small hernia. It protrudes about 3/4" on her belly, and is about 3/4" in diameter. It has not grown at all since she's reached maturity, and it doesn't seem to bother her at all.

We asked our regular vet about it at Kleio's last appointment (this same vet has seen her since she was a kitten and has been aware of the hernia), and she told us that although the chances are very slim, that Kleio could develop complications later in life as a result of the hernia (possible intestinal blockage due to hernia growth). The vet told us that we would be wise to have this repaired eventually, just in case.

What do you all recommend?? Have any of you dealt with this in any or your cats, and if so, what was your course of action? We certainly don't mind having the surgery done if it is necessary, but I'd really rather not put Kleio through an unnecessary surgery if at all possible. Thanks!!

rwbeagles

Posted : 1/24/2007 2:00:23 PM

How old is she?

One thing to note about hernias (you learn about them when you whelp pups lol!)...is that severe ones are a self limiting problem. IF a loop of intestine or bowel can protrude thru...it will eventually at some course become strangulated or pinched. This will in no way sneak up on you...the animal will be GRAVELY ILL. You will then seek treatment and it will be fixed then.

Now...delayed closures are a lot more common than true umbilical hernias...that being when the wall never does close. Delayed closure is when there IS a hole right at birth...thru trauma or genetics...and it closes....getting smaller and smaller as the animal ages into puppyhood/kitenhood. Again bear in mind that IF this slow closing results in the pinched or strangulated innard...the animal will sicken quickly, fail to thrive, and die if not gotten help. What usually will happen is an unimportant bit of fat...or tiny bit of something the animal can live with.....gets "stuck" in the closure and it seals up around and behind, this mass. It's important to know if you have a delayed closure with entrapment of fat/tissue....or a TRUE hernia.

How can you tell? Well...is the hernia reduceable...meaning can you push it BACK in from whence it came...and it slowly will goosh back out again. That is not going to close once the animal is past 1-2 years old, I'd say. That is a hernia....and the potential for entrapment of bowel or instestine is present, because the hole still 'goes somewhere'...now if you push on the mass and it squishes around some but doesn't go UP and INTO someplace...that's a delayed closure that is likely already sealed....IMO the animal with one of these is in no danger, tho the look may be unsightly to some.

Now...there are things you can do in YOUNG animals to address hernias...putting a penny onto the spot after reducing it then securing with Ace bandages for part of the day...but these only work in young animals still with their mothers. Once they are up walking and running...gravity tends to slow the closing.

SO! Now that I've babbled on....you can look and let us know what you think, on your girls issue...hernia...delayed closure? hernia....I might fix it just so the possibility is completely removed....delayed closure...surgery would be cosmetic and I might not.

rwbeagles

Posted : 1/24/2007 2:06:33 PM

Oh.....wanted to add we had a mix breed dog when I was a kid...that had a reduceable hernia...I used to push it in and be generally fascinated with it lmao...hey I was a kid!

She was I think....close to her teens when it was fixed because that was when she was finally spayed (nope never had a litter, parents just never did til then)...she never had trouble from hers...and it was at least 1/2" across if not larger. But she was overall larger than a cat...about 35lbs total. Just some good ole anecdotal stuff to add! [

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MissMandy

Posted : 1/24/2007 3:06:18 PM

Wow...Gina, thanks for all the info! That was really interesting to read! I never knew any of that.

Kleio is just about 1 1/2 years old (approx.14 months). I will have to go home and do some poking and prodding to be sure, but I'm pretty positive that this protrusion does not recede back when we push on it. It's pretty much as you described it - kind of smushy but firm at the same time. We can move it a little bit, but I don't think we can move it back "into" her stomach, so to say. I will do some investigating when I get home (I'm sure she'll be thrilled...lol) and let you know for sure this evening.

Thanks again!

MissMandy

Posted : 1/24/2007 10:39:24 PM

Okay, so I double-checked Kleio's tummy this evening. It definitely does not recede when I push it. It does move, but the actual mass doesn't move - it's more her overall stomach moving with my push...make sense? Sorry - it's difficult to describe, but I'm hoping you know what I mean! [

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So if I understood you correcty earlier, chances are that a "wall" has already been created in the intestines, which means that this is most likely a delayed closure, and really doesn't pose a threat, right?

Thank you so much for your advice, Gina! I really appreciate it!

rwbeagles

Posted : 1/24/2007 11:15:21 PM

Yes MissMandy... you can always have a vet check to be sure...ask them if it feels like a reduceable hernia...or a delayed closure sealed around fatty tissue. They will be impressed you know such terms [

] I would not worry about it personally.

MissMandy

Posted : 1/25/2007 8:55:34 AM

Thanks again! [

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