How Much Does Dog Hernia Surgery Cost?
Do you know that dogs can have hernias similar to hernias in people? Hernias are common in dogs, and while they can be serious, treatment is typically straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Hernias are common in dogs and any breed can be affected.
- Most hernias can easily be treated.
- Some hernias require emergency surgery, so reach out to your vet as soon as you notice any signs.
- Pet insurance can help cover the costs if enrolled before the hernia arises, and you can use Pawlicy Advisor to find coverage that fits your budget.
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In this article, we’ll explain dog hernias, what hernia surgery entails, how much it costs, and more.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
What is a dog hernia?
If you notice a lump on your dog’s abdomen or groin or under their tail, they may have a hernia. Like hernias in people, dog hernias develop when an organ or tissue protrudes through a tear or hole in the wall of a body cavity. For example, puppies sometimes develop an umbilical hernia, which is a hole in the lining of the abdominal cavity where the umbilical cord was. If this hole fails to close, abdominal fat can protrude through, causing a lump. If the hole is large enough, a length of the intestine can protrude through and potentially twist, which is a medical emergency.
Hernias in dogs can be inherited, congenital (present at birth), or caused by traumatic injuries or medical conditions, such as pregnancy or obesity. This means any pup has the potential to develop a hernia.
Types of dog hernias
There are five types of hernias in dogs:
Diaphragmatic Hernias: When a tear or hole appears in the diaphragm (a sheet of muscle separating the heart and lungs from the abdominal organs), abdominal organs like the stomach can press up into the chest cavity. You won’t see any bulges or lumps on the outside of the dog’s body.
American Cocker and English Cocker spaniels are commonly affected.
Hiatal Hernias: This type of hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the natural opening where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. This type of hernia also does not cause a visible bulge on the outside of your dog’s body.
English Bulldogs, Chinese Shar-Pei, and French Bulldogs are the most commonly affected.
Inguinal Hernias: An inguinal hernia develops when abdominal organs protrude through the inguinal canal, which is a small opening in the groin muscles. This type of hernia causes a visible bulge in the groin area near where a dog’s hind leg meets their belly.
Unspayed, middle-aged, and older female toy-breed dogs have a higher risk of developing an inguinal hernia because their inguinal canals are shorter and wider. Young, male, small-breed dogs are also primarily affected.
Commonly affected breeds include:
Perineal Hernias: This type of hernia occurs when abdominal organs, such as the prostate or bladder, protrude through a weakened area in the muscles surrounding the anus. A perineal hernia causes a swelling under the tail.
This type of hernia is most common in middle-aged and older, non-neutered male dogs. Breeds with an increased incidence include:
- Welsh Corgis
- Boston Terriers
- Dachshunds
- Boxer
Umbilical Hernias: Umbilical hernias occur when abdominal fat or part of an abdominal organ pushes through a dog’s belly button or umbilicus. This type of hernia appears as a lump in the center of a dog’s abdomen, just beneath the rib cage.
Affected breeds include:
- Basenji
- Pekingese
- Airedale Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Signs your dog may have a hernia
In addition to a visible bump caused by some hernias, other signs your dog may show include:
- Rapid, shallow breathing (diaphragmatic hernia)
- Difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and depression (inguinal hernia)
- Difficulty breathing and stomach issues, such as vomiting, regurgitation, and excessive drooling (hiatal hernia)
- Straining when trying to poop (perineal hernia)
- Lethargy, vomiting, and lack of appetite (umbilical hernia that has trapped a vital organ, cutting off the blood supply and requiring emergency surgery).
If you notice these symptoms, consult your vet immediately. They will perform a physical exam and may use imaging, such as X-rays, to diagnose the hernia.
What are the treatment options for dog hernias?
The treatment your pup receives depends on the hernia’s type and size. Your veterinarian will decide if surgical or non-surgical treatment is best based on your dog’s diagnosis.
For example, diaphragmatic hernias require surgery immediately as they are life-threatening, while hiatal hernias can often be treated with surgery or medication.
If surgery is required, your veterinarian will move the affected tissues or organs into a normal position and fix the tear or hole, often covering the area with mesh to strengthen it.
While a small umbilical hernia may not require surgery, your vet may perform a cosmetic procedure to eliminate the abdominal lump.
How much does hernia surgery cost and will pet insurance cover it?
The cost of hernia surgery will depend on the hernia’s location and size, as well as the dog’s size. Generally, the cost of hernia surgery in dogs can range from about $150 to $10,000 and varies widely by hernia type.
If you don’t have pet health insurance, you will have to pay the entire cost without reimbursement. Fortunately, many pet insurance plans do cover hernia surgery as long as the hernia is not a pre-existing condition.
It’s important to purchase pet insurance before your pup develops a hernia. However, even if your dog has a hernia, you can still enroll for coverage to help with any other medical issues that may arise in the future.
In addition to reimbursement for surgery-related costs, pet insurance can reimburse you for the cost of X-rays, other diagnostic tests, and any medications your dog needs to treat their hernia.
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Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.
