Hernia Repair

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                      General Information



A hernia is the passage or protrusion of all or part of an

internal organ through an abnormal opening in the body wall or in

a dividing membrane that normally separates body compartments.

Examples include umbilical (navel) and inguinal (groin) hernias.



Small hernias usually are not a threat to your pet's health,

while large ones may cause severe problems and even death.  Large

hernias may contain loops of intestines, the uterus or the

urinary bladder.  These organs may become trapped (strangulated)

within the hernia.  Strangulation cuts off the blood supply to

the organ, causing tissue death, infection, peritonitis and

potentially fatal illness.  Older male dogs can develop hernias

alongside the rectum (perineal hernias) that contain loops of

bowel.



Hernias can be congenital (present at birth) or result from

weakness or injury to the body wall.



Treatment usually consists of surgical repair.  The hernia is

opened, the entrapped organ replaced to its original location,

and the opening repaired with sutures or other materials.  Some

hernias may recur due to muscle weakness.  In male dogs with

perineal hernias, castration helps prevent recurrence.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Activity:  Restrict exercise to on-leash walking for ____

    days.  Do not permit running, jumping or other rough play.



2.  Incision:



    ____Check the incision at least once daily.  Report any

    abnormalities to the doctor.



    ____Notify the doctor immediately if your pet irritates the

    incision by excessive licking or chewing.



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet removes the sutures.



    * The incision is red or swollen, or oozes pus or fluid.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat.



    * Your pet seems feverish or depressed.