Umbilical Hernia in Dogs

Category: Digestive
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 6

Overview

An opening in the belly wall at the belly button can allow fat or, sometimes, a loop of intestine to push outward. The resulting bulge is called an umbilical hernia. Some small swellings contain only fat and cause little trouble. A larger opening can trap bowel tightly enough to cut off its blood supply, which requires urgent surgery.

Signs to watch for

A bulge at the belly button
No obvious discomfort with some small, closed hernias
Sudden, severe belly pain if bowel becomes trapped

Usually noticed in puppies; some problems become apparent as the puppy grows more active.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog develops sudden severe belly pain.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet examines the swelling at the belly button and feels the area to assess the opening. Ultrasound may help identify what is inside the hernia, and X-rays are sometimes used. These findings help the vet assess the defect and decide whether surgical closure is needed.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
4 Medium

BulldogMedium · Non-Sporting Group
NorrbottenspetsSmall · Miscellaneous Class
Lapponian HerderMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Portuguese SheepdogMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Swedish Elkhound (jämthund)Medium · FCI Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.