Inguinal Hernia

 

An inguinal hernia is a condition in which abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal ring. They occur in the inguinal area, which is located at the inner fold of the rear leg close to the body wall “groin area”. The hernia can be a variety of sizes from very small to very big.

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Symptoms:  The hernia appears as a soft mass in the dog’s groin area. If the opening is large enough, an intestinal loop, the urinary bladder, and/or the uterus can become trapped which can become a life-threatening problem.

Treatment Options:  Surgery

Known Mode of Inheritance:   Unknown, certain breeds believed to be predisposed

 Age of onset:  At birth, or acquired at any age

Breeds affected: 

• Cardigan: yes
• Pembroke: yes
• Other Breeds: yes

Incidence in Cardigans:  Unknown

Research/Studies: 

• Cardigans: no
• Other breeds: yes
• Active?: no

Registry:  no

 Tests Available:  Diagnosed via physical exam, and imaging

Published papers and Articles: 

• Retrospective study
• Concurrent bilateral and umbilical hernias in a bitch

 

Discussion Groups:  None found

 Websites: 

• Merck manual article
• Inguinal, umbilical, and diaphragmatic hernias
• Hernias in dogs