There are two types of cat hernias; one is umbilical hernia, where the internal organs in the abdominal cavity are protruded through the umbilical hole and subcutaneously under the umbilicus, which is called umbilical hernia. It manifests as local spherical swelling without any redness or swelling. The second is inguinal hernia. The internal organs in the abdominal cavity prolapse through the inguinal ring, which is called inguinal hernia. It manifests as a mass in the groin area and can be recovered after lying down. Cats with hernia will lie on their sides, have their abdomens on the ground, and have abnormal defecation.

Symptoms of cat hernia 1. Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia in cats refers to the local bulge formed by the internal organs in the abdominal cavity being exposed from the umbilical hole to the subcutaneous area. The contents of umbilical hernia are usually omentum, falciform ligament or small intestine. It's more common in kittens.

The occurrence of umbilical hernia is mainly related to genetics. Mainly due to congenital umbilical development defects, incomplete closure of the umbilical hole after birth, causing the organs in the abdominal cavity to deviate from their supposed distribution positions, is the main reason for the mysterious occurrence of umbilical hernia. In addition, if the mother cat bites the umbilical cord forcefully during delivery, the kitten's umbilical cord will be too short, and excessive licking of the kitten's navel after delivery will cause the umbilical hole to fail to close properly and lead to umbilical hernia.

Umbilical hernia will appear as round protrusions of varying sizes appearing in the umbilicus, which will feel soft when touched. The cat will feel no pain, and the protrusions will have no heat. The hernia hole can be felt by slight pressure. Umbilical hernia is more likely to result from the liver and spleen entering the hernia sac. Cats with umbilical hernia will not show other clinical symptoms, and their spirits, diet, and defecation will be normal.

Surgical treatment of umbilical hernia in cats

If the umbilical hernia is very small, no treatment is needed until the cat heals on its own. If the umbilical hernia is large or located in the small intestine, surgery must be performed as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening injuries.

Surgical treatment: First, the cat is placed under general anesthesia and then fixed in a supine position, and the surgical site is treated aseptic. A fusiform incision is made in the hernia sac to open the hernia sac and expose the hernia contents. Carefully return the contents to the abdominal cavity through the hernia hole. If the hernia ring is too small, it can be expanded and then returned. If there is adhesion or necrosis in the hernia contents, the necrotic part will be removed after dissection, the contents will be anastomosed and then restored, the hernia ring will be corrected and closed, and finally the abdominal wall will be sutured.

Symptoms of cat hernia 2. Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias in cats are more common in female cats, while inguinal hernias in male cats are rare. Inguinal hernia is caused by the protrusion of abdominal organs through the inguinal ring to form a localized bulge in the groin. The contents of inguinal hernias in cats are mostly the omentum or small intestine.

Inguinal hernia in male cats is mainly manifested by the content of the hernia descending along the inguinal canal into the scrotal vaginal cavity. Generally, there will be localized oval swellings of varying sizes on the inner side of the groin, and the contents of the herniaThe base is the omentum or a section of the small intestine, and the size of this bulge is 2-3 cm. If the content of the hernia is based on a pregnant uterus or bladder bulge, the hernia bulge can reach 10-15 cm.

If the contents of the hernia adhere to the sheath or are trapped by the internal inguinal ring, local swelling will occur. Skin tension, severe pain, and systemic reactions such as loss of appetite and sharp increase in body temperature occur in the animal. If intestinal necrosis is not repaired in time, the cat will die from toxic shock.

Treatment of inguinal hernia in cats

After a cat is diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, it is best to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.

Surgical treatment: The cat is fixed under general anesthesia, and the bottom of the abdomen and groin are treated aseptic. The incision is located in the midline of the posterior abdomen, advances toward the anterior edge of the pubic bone, and stops after crossing the hernia sac. When incising the skin, pull the skin over the hernia sac toward the center of the abdomen. Bluntly dissect the subcutaneous tissue, expose the hernia sac and external inguinal ring, open the hernia sac, and store the contents. After retraction, the hernia sac is tightened, and the excess hernia sac below is ligated and removed.