Chihuahua Hernias

When a pup is in the womb, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the abdominal wall. Usually, this closes soon after a pup is born. With an umbilical hernia, it does not close, either due to a congenital defect or due to how the umbilical cord is severed; it is most often seen when the dam bites the cord as opposed to the owner cutting it. In these instances, it leads to a portion of the abdominal lining, a portion of the intestines, and/or fatty tissue to protrude through the tear. 

There are two types: With a reducible hernia, the protrusion can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This is a sign that only fatty tissue is involved. With an irreducible hernia, it cannot be pushed back in; this is a red flag of the intestines being involved and is a serious issue that can threaten the blood supply to the area (known as a strangulated hernia or complicated hernia).

Signs: The main sign is a soft protrusion (bump) on the belly button (just below the ribcage). It may protrude more when a Chihuahua puppy is standing, barking, or having a bowel movement. The size of a hernia can range from very small (less than 1/4 inch) to large (more than an inch). Typically, there is a thickened ‘ring’ of skin around the protrusion. 

Diagnosis: X-rays and/or ultrasound. 

Treatment: If a Chihuahua has an umbilical hernia that does not involve the intestines, but rather just fatty tissue, it may resolve on their own. If so, this will usually be by the time a Chihuahua is 4 to 6-months old. Those that do not close or those that are larger or involve the intestines protruding require surgical correction. This involves stitches to close the tear or reinforce the strength of the muscle. If a puppy is due to be spayed or neutered, surgical repair of the hernia is performed at the same time so that anesthesia is only given once.

If a Chihuahua has an umbilical hernia that involves the intestines (which can threaten the blood supply to the area), this is considered an emergency and will require immediate surgery. 

If your puppy has an umbilical hernia and the veterinarian has recommended to wait and see if it resolves on its own or you are waiting for it to be repaired during the spay or neuter procedure, the vet may prescribe antacids and/or medication to help prevent straining during bowel movements, recommend dietary changes, and/or place a removable elasticized band on the area to secure it.  

This is a hernia located in the abdominal wall of the inguinal canal through which fatty tissue and/or intestines protrude through the tear. For both genders, the groin has a small opening, which is called the inguinal canal. With males, the inguinal canal contains blood vessels and the spermatic cord which leads to the testicles. With females, the inguinal canal contains a cord of fat that runs down. 

Inguinal hernias can appear just on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). In most cases, the inguinal canal is a small enough structure that only fatty tissue can protrude through a hernia. However, in some cases, intestines will spill through as well.   

There are two types: With a reducible hernia, the protrusion can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This is a sign that only fatty tissue is involved. With an irreducible hernia, it cannot be pushed back in; this is a red flag of the intestines being involved and is a serious issue that can threaten the blood supply to the area (known as a strangulated hernia or complicated hernia). 

Signs: With males, the most obvious sign is swelling of the scrotum (skin surrounding the testicles) and/or inner thigh area. With females, the most obvious sign is a soft protrusion in the groin area and/or inner thigh area. Moderate to severe cases are painful; other signs may include lack of appetite, bloody urine, frequent urination, and/or vomiting. 

Diagnosis: Contrast study and x-rays. 

Treatment: Small inguinal hernias that do not involve the intestines, but rather just fatty tissue, can resolve on their own. If so, this will usually be by the 4 to 6-month mark. Those that do not close or those that are larger or involve the intestines protruding require surgical correction. This involves stitches to close the tear or reinforce the strength of the muscle. If a puppy is due to be spayed or neutered, surgical repair of the hernia is performed at the same time so that anesthesia is only given once.

If a Chihuahua has an inguinal hernia that involves the intestines (which can threaten the blood supply to the area), this is considered an emergency and will require immediate surgery. 

If your puppy has an inguinal hernia and the veterinarian has recommended to wait and see if it resolves on its own or you are waiting for it to be repaired during the spay or neuter procedure, the vet may prescribe antacids and/or medication to help prevent straining during bowel movements, and/or recommend dietary changes. 

In mild cases, signs include slight breathing difficulties and/or gastrointestinal upset. With hernias due to injury, there are typical signs of trauma including bruising, shock (severe lethargy, hyperventilation, etc.), and/or abnormal heart rate. These types of hernias are corrected with surgery. 

This involves the muscles that surround and support the pelvis, which gives rectal support. A perineal hernia leads to abdominal contents (small intestine, rectum, prostate, bladder) and fatty tissue to spill into the perineum (region around the anus). Signs include swelling around the anus, straining to urinate and/or have bowel movements, carrying the tail in an odd way, and/or lethargy. This type of hernia is corrected with surgery.