Hernia in cats is usually not serious as long as they are found early and surgery is done to fix them. In this blog, we talk about the different kinds of hernias and what to expect from hernia surgery on a cat.
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What Are Hernias?
Even though cats rarely get hernias, when they do, they are usually present from birth. Hernias can also be caused by trauma, injury, internal damage, muscles that don’t work right, or weak muscle walls that make it easy for organs and tissue to pass through.
A hernia is basically when parts of the intestine, fat, and maybe even other organs from inside the body come out of the abdominal cavity. A hernia can also happen if the wrong type of suture material is used or if the suture lines are not closed properly after a spay.
What Are The Different Types Of Hernias In Cats?
The three different types of hernias in cats are based on where they are in the body. Among them are:
Hiatus Hernia
A hiatal hernia is one of the rarest kinds of hernias. It is a type of diaphragmatic hernia that can happen when the organs in the abdomen push through the diaphragm. This “sliding hernia” can come and go if it is caused by a birth defect.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are one of the less common types of hernias in cats. They usually happen in pregnant females. An inguinal hernia can happen in your cat’s groin area if the intestines stick out through the inguinal canal.
Even though this kind of hernia in cats can usually be pushed back in, if the intestines get stuck in the muscle wall, it can become a serious condition. In this case, your cat could die from an inguinal hernia if the blood flow to the tissue is cut off.
Umbilical Hernia
If your cat has an umbilical hernia, it may feel like there is a soft bump, bulge, or squishy protrusion below the skin. It is right under the ribcage, near the belly button, on the underside of a cat. It may show up when your cat meows, cries, strains, or stands.
This kind of hernia is caused by a hole in the muscle wall. It can happen if the umbilical ring does not close properly after birth. The organs can move through the area near the belly button.
An umbilical hernia doesn’t hurt and doesn’t pose any health risks. It usually only happens in kittens. It will probably close on its own by the time your kitten is 3 or 4 months old if nothing is done.
Read More: Heatstroke in Cats: Symptoms & Treatments
What Can I Expect After My Cat Has Had Hernia Surgery?
Before and after your cat’s hernia surgery, antibiotics may be given to treat or stop an infection. During the healing process, your cat will also need to wear a collar to keep it from licking or biting the wounds or sutures. As needed, painkillers and time in the cage will be given.
Most cats who have surgery for a hernia won’t need to stay in the hospital for a long time because the procedure is usually simple. Also, problems during surgery are rare, and the hernia may be fixed for good.
When caught early and treated, hernias in cats don’t usually cause a lot of problems and don’t usually come back. To keep your cat healthy, you need to treat it quickly and effectively.
What Should I Do If I Think My Cat May Have A Hernia?
If you think your cat might have a hernia, call your vet right away to make an appointment so the problem can be checked out and treated.
