HERNIAS

HERNIAS IN SHIH TZU , PEKINGESE & TOY POODLE PUPPIES, as well as other breeds
is very common, and is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern.
Please be informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your SHIH TZU or
PEKINGESE PUPPY.
The following information is copied from Bullwrinkle.com and is being offered as an
educational tool:
A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through
an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias,
each type named after its affected area.
A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias
which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated
hernia is pinched off, the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an
emergency situation and must be brought to the attention of your veterinarian
The most common types of hernias in Shih Tzu puppies are:
An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In case of
umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely
closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired.
The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is a result of the umbilical
cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias
are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six
months old, the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own.
An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through
the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin.
They can be bi-lateral, involving both sides or unilateral, involving only one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes.
As with umbilical hernias, most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the
puppy grows. Inguinal hernias can also occur in un-spayed, middle-aged female dogs.
This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy.