Umbilical hernia in dogs

Content by Dr Emma Chandley BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS

An umbilical hernia occurs when the umbilical ring in the abdominal wall doesn’t close completely after birth. Abdominal tissue – such as fat or omentum – can then protrude through this opening, creating a soft swelling around your dog’s belly button. In larger hernias, a loop of intestine or other abdominal tissue can also become involved.

Most umbilical hernias are present from birth and are usually painless. Some are small and may close as your puppy grows, while others remain and may eventually require surgical repair. Although complications are relatively rare, tissue can occasionally become trapped within the hernia and lose its blood supply – making prompt veterinary treatment important.

• Umbilical hernias are usually present from birth.
• They appear as a swelling around the belly button.
• Small hernias may close naturally during puppyhood.
• Most are painless and do not cause problems.
• Rarely, abdominal tissue can become trapped and require emergency surgery.

An umbilical hernia develops when the umbilical ring does not close fully after birth. The exact reason this happens in individual puppies is not always known. A genetic component is suspected, as umbilical hernias are more common in certain breeds and family lines. However, the precise inheritance pattern has not been fully established.

Problems affecting the umbilical area during or shortly after birth may also contribute in some cases.

Any dog can develop an umbilical hernia, but some breeds appear to be affected more frequently. Breeds such as Weimaraners, Airedale Terriers, Pekingese and Basenjis are often overrepresented.

A suspected hereditary component means that a history of umbilical hernias within a family may also be relevant. However, having an umbilical hernia does not mean that every puppy from the same family will develop one.

The most obvious sign is usually a soft lump or swelling around the dog’s belly button. It may be more noticeable when a puppy is standing, barking, crying or straining. Some hernias are reducible, meaning that the contents can move back into the abdomen through the opening. 

Others are non-reducible because their contents cannot be returned easily to the abdomen, which may occur because the tissues have become attached or trapped within the hernia. Most uncomplicated umbilical hernias do not cause pain or other obvious signs. However, an affected dog should be assessed by a vet, particularly if the swelling changes suddenly.

Signs that may indicate a complication include:

• A hernia becoming suddenly larger, firm or painful
• Warmth or redness around the swelling
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Signs of abdominal pain

These signs can occur if abdominal tissue, particularly intestine, becomes trapped and its blood supply is compromised. This is an emergency requiring veterinary assessment.

Most umbilical hernias can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Your vet will examine the swelling and assess its size, location and whether it is reducible. Further imaging is not always necessary.

However, abdominal ultrasound or X-rays may be recommended if the contents of the hernia are unclear or there is concern that tissue has become trapped. The age of the dog and the size and characteristics of the hernia will all be considered when deciding whether monitoring or surgical treatment is appropriate.

Treatment depends on the individual hernia. Small umbilical hernias in young puppies may close naturally as the abdominal wall develops. This can occur during the first few months of life. If the hernia persists, your vet may recommend surgical repair depending on its size, contents and whether it is reducible. Surgical repair involves returning any herniated tissue to the abdomen and closing the opening in the abdominal wall.

If your dog is already undergoing a general anaesthetic for another procedure, such as neutering, an uncomplicated umbilical hernia may sometimes be repaired during the same anaesthetic. The timing should be decided by your vet based on the individual dog and hernia.

An incarcerated or strangulated hernia is a different situation. If intestinal or other tissue becomes trapped and its blood supply is compromised, emergency surgery is usually required.

The prognosis for uncomplicated umbilical hernias is generally very good. Some small hernias close naturally during puppyhood, and surgical correction is usually successful when it is required. Recurrence following surgical repair is uncommon.

The outlook is more serious if the intestine or other abdominal tissue becomes trapped and loses its blood supply. Prompt treatment is important in these cases.

“Cushing’s is one of those conditions that can creep up gradually, so owners don’t always notice how much their dog has changed. Increased drinking, more frequent urination, a bigger appetite, and heavier panting can initially seem relatively minor, particularly in an older dog.

“Umbilical hernias are something I see fairly regularly in puppies, and in most cases they’re much less worrying than they initially look to an owner. A small, soft swelling around the belly button is often painless and may even disappear as the puppy grows.

“I would always still recommend having any suspected hernia checked by a vet rather than assuming it’s harmless. We can assess the size of the opening, whether it is reducible and what is likely to be sitting within it.

“Most importantly, owners should keep an eye on any changes. A swelling that suddenly becomes larger, firm or painful – particularly if the puppy is also vomiting, off their food or unusually quiet – needs veterinary attention quickly.”

Emma Chandley – BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS 

If you’re thinking about buying a Petgevity Lifetime Plus policy, we’ll consider all pre-existing conditions when offering cover for your dog* – including an umbilical hernia. 

When you apply for dog insurance, you need to let us know: 

• Which medical conditions they’ve had in the last two years 
• Their health status now

Find out more about Petgevity’s dog insurance for pre-existing conditions.