Hernia Repair Surgery for Dogs and Cats

At TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, we provide surgical solutions to help pets live healthier, more comfortable lives. Hernia repair surgery is a common procedure used to correct umbilical or inguinal hernias in dogs and cats. These hernias occur when abdominal contents push through weakened areas in the body wall, often requiring surgical correction to prevent complications.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall that allows tissue or organs—such as fat, intestines, or bladder—to protrude into an abnormal location. This can cause a bump under the skin that may come and go as abdominal contents shift in and out of the defect.  This bump can sometimes be mistaken for a mass or tumor. In pets, the most common types we treat are:
- Umbilical hernias: occur near the belly button (navel)
- Inguinal hernias: occur in the groin area, where the inner thigh meets the abdominal wall

Causes and Risk Factors

Hernias can be:
- Congenital (present at birth, due to incomplete closure of the body wall)
- Acquired (due to trauma, pregnancy, or strain)
- More common in certain breeds or in pets with a genetic predisposition
- Occasionally associated with pregnancy, obesity, or previous surgical sites

When Is Hernia Repair Surgery Recommended?

Small, reducible hernias may not be an emergency, but surgery is usually recommended to prevent potential risks such as:
- Intestinal entrapment or strangulation
- Pain or inflammation
- Organ dysfunction or compromised blood flow
- Growth of the hernia over time

In some cases, hernia repair is performed during spay/neuter surgery for convenience and to reduce anesthesia risk.

Larger hernias are considered more urgent, as organ entrapment and impeded blood flow (strangulation) is more of a concern.  If a hernia suddenly becomes hard or painful, this may indicate entrapment and/or strangulation of the herniated tissue.  This is considered a surgery emergency and your pet should be seen immediately. 

What to Expect 

During Surgery

- The herniated tissue is gently returned to the abdomen
- The abdominal wall is repaired using sutures 
- The skin is closed and your pet is closely monitored during recovery

After Surgery

- Pain medications will be prescribed
- An e-collar is typically recommended
- Activity should be restricted during healing (14 days)
- Follow-up exams to ensure proper recovery

Why Choose TLC Animal Hospital?

TLC Animal Hospital combines advanced surgical care with a compassionate, personalized approach. When you choose us for hernia repair, you receive:
- Veterinarians skilled in soft tissue surgery
- Modern anesthesia and monitoring technology
- Gentle, fear-free patient handling
- Clear communication and post-op support every step of the way

Schedule a Surgical Consultation Today

If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with a hernia or you’ve noticed a lump near the abdomen or groin, contact TLC Animal Hospital to schedule an exam. We’ll evaluate the hernia and determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.