While uncommon, our feline friends can experience hernias as a result of an underlying condition. Today, our Oceanside vets describe different types of hernias in cats and offer insight into what you can expect if your cat has hernia surgery.
What are cat hernias?
While we may not often see cats that are experiencing hernias, we usually find that the cat was born with the condition. Trauma, injury, internal damage, flawed muscles or weak muscle walls that allow organs and tissue to pass through can also cause hernias.
Essentially, a hernia is a collection of intestine, fat and sometimes other internal organs that escape the abdominal cavity. Excessive bloating, pregnancy, or constipation are other potential causes of hernias in cats. In addition, a hernia may occur if the wrong type of suture material is used or suture lines are improperly closed after a spay operation.
Cat hernias can also be caused by being too lenient after your cat has been spayed and not keeping them relaxed.
Are there different types of hernias in cats?
Hernias types are grouped in the location in the body where they can be found. They include:
Hiatal Hernia
This type of hernia is rarely seen in cats. A hiatal hernia is a type of diaphragmatic hernia, which can occur when the abdominal viscera pushes through the diaphragm. When caused by a birth defect, this “sliding hernia” may occur more than once in the cat's life.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are also fairly uncommon and are typically seen in cats that are expecting. If the intestines protrude through the inguinal canal, an inguinal hernia can affect the groin area of your cat.
Though this type of hernia in cats can usually be pushed back in, it may develop into a serious condition if the intestines become trapped in the muscle wall. In this case, an inguinal hernia can be life-threatening for your cat if blood flow to the tissue is severed.
Umbilical Hernia
If your cat has an umbilical hernia, this may feel like a soft swelling, bulge or squishy protrusion below the skin. It is located just under the ribcage on a cat’s underside, near the belly button, and may often appear when your cat is meowing, crying, straining or standing.
Caused by an opening in the muscle wall, this type of hernia can occur if the umbilical ring does not close properly following birth. The organs can push through the area surrounding the umbilicus.
Usually only seen in kittens, an umbilical hernia poses no health risks and is typically painless. By the time your cat is 3 to 4 months old, this hernia should have resolved itself without the need for surgical intervention.
Cat Hernia Surgery & Treatment
Before Scheduling Surgery
Your vet may first attempt to physically push the organs back through the opening which may allow it to heal on its own.
However, the risk that the hernia will recur is high, so your vet may recommend fixing the muscle wall as even small openings can potentially lead to complications such as strangulation.
If organs cannot easily be pushed back through the abdominal cavity, if the tear in the muscle wall does not close by itself or if complications such as blockage, infection or strangulation occur, your cat will require surgery to repair the hernia.
Once Surgery Is Scheduled
First, your vet will complete a blood chemistry test, complete blood count and urinalysis to determine your pet’s overall physical health.
Provided the hernia repair is not urgent, any conditions that are diagnosed can be addressed before surgery. Non-urgent hernias can typically be repaired when your cat is neutered or spayed to minimize the need for anesthesia.
The night before your cat's hernia surgery, you will need to restrict food and fluids. Your cat should have been fasting for the recommended amount of time before the surgery. Your vet will use intravenous anesthesia to put your cat into a deep sleep, then insert a tracheal tube to maintain the anesthesia with gas.
Before the surgery, your vet will shave and clean the area to be operated on, then use surgical drapes to help ensure the area remains sterile.
During the operation, the vet will push the abdominal organs back into the abdominal cavity. Any damaged organs and tissue will be surgically repaired before the gap in the muscle wall is closed.
The veterinarian may use either a synthetic surgical mesh (if the opening is too large or if the tissue needs to be eliminated because it has died) or existing muscle tissue to shut the gap in the muscle wall. To close the incision, sutures will be used.
What should I expect throughout my cat's recovery?
Antibiotics may be provided before and following your cat’s hernia surgery to treat or prevent infection. Your cat will also need to wear a collar during the recovery period to prevent him or her from licking or biting incision areas or sutures. Cage rest and pain medicines will be prescribed as required.
Cats that have had hernia surgery typically will not need to be hospitalized long-term after surgery, as the procedure is usually straightforward. In addition, surgical complications are rare and the hernia may be permanently resolved.
The risk of suture rupturing, infections or hemorrhaging can be minimized with careful monitoring by a veterinarian.
When detected and treated early, hernias in cats do not tend to cause many complications and are unlikely to recur. Early and effective treatment is necessary to ensure your cat stays healthy.
How much does cat hernia surgery cost?
Several factors will influence the cost of your cat's hernia surgery ranging from where you live, the fees charged by your specific vet, and the complexity of your cat's condition. Your vet will be able to provide you with a written estimate of how much your cat's hernia surgery will cost.
What should I do if I think my cat may have a hernia?
If you suspect your cat may have a hernia, contact your vet right away to book an appointment so the condition can be officially diagnosed and treated.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
