HERNIAS
Hernias are not unusual in dogs. They are protrusions of parts of internal organs (usually intestines) through a rip or break in the abdominal wall. There is also a hernia of the diaphragm in which the upper visceral organs are pushed upward through a tear in the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic hernias are often the result of a dog's being struck in the middle of the body by a car. Umbilical hernias, in which the intestines push through the naval, are often seen in puppies.
The symptoms of a hernia are soft, springy swellings that vary in size from time to time. These swellings may disappear when pressed with the fingers or when the dog sits or lies down. They usually reappear when the dog shifts his position or rises. Hernias require veterinary surgery.
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