Umbilical hernia in cats is manifested by a visible swelling in the navel area, caused by the penetration of abdominal tissues, fat or even some organs through a hole located around the navel. In cats, the belly button is located in the ventral part, on the midline of the abdomen, immediately below the ribs. This opening should close during the first few days of the cat's life, but sometimes it remains open, allowing internal tissues or organs to protrude.
We tell you from the beginning that this anomaly is not life-threatening for the cat and can be resolved with simple surgery.
Subject
What causes umbilical hernia in cats?
During the fetal period, umbilical blood vessels cross a muscular ring in the abdominal wall to nourish the developing fetus. As stated earlier, after birth, this ring should close completely. Umbilical hernia in cats occurs when closure is not complete, allowing internal tissues to protrude.
An umbilical hernia presents as a soft bulge, visible especially when the cat is standing, meowing, straining or crying. Umbilical hernias in cats can be of two types:
- Reducible umbilical hernias. They can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
- Irreducible umbilical hernias, when the contents of the hernia are trapped or adherent to the orifice, which may indicate a partial obstruction.
Size and evolution
The size of an umbilical hernia can vary from less than 1 cm to over 2.5 cm in diameter. Small hernias, less than 1 cm in diameter, are likely to close spontaneously by 3-4 months of age without requiring medical intervention. In contrast, hernias that do not close on their own require surgical repair, especially if part of the intestine or other abdominal tissues migrates through the hole. Generally, these hernias are not painful. Their exact cause remains unknown, but the increased incidence observed in certain family lines suggests a possible genetic predisposition.
Is umbilical hernia in cats dangerous?
As we said before, there is nothing to worry about if your cat has an umbilical hernia. As a rule, umbilical hernia does not pose a threat to the cat's health. However, in rare cases, a serious complication can occur if part of the intestine or other abdominal organs gets stuck in the hernia, causing strangulation. This cuts off blood flow to the tissues, leading to necrosis. Such a situation is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
How can umbilical hernia in cats be treated?
In cases where the hernia does not close on its own, the treatment consists of surgical correction. The procedure is simple and effective, and is often combined with the operation of spaying or neutering the cat. The surgeon will remove the scar tissue around the hernia and close the defect with sutures.
The prognosis for cats undergoing surgical repair of an umbilical hernia is excellent. Most cats recover quickly and relapses are extremely rare. The procedure presents a minimal risk of complications, giving the animal a healthy and unrestricted life.
Also read: Sterilization of Cats and Castration of Cats – Benefits and Risks
In conclusion …
Umbilical hernia is a common and mostly harmless condition, but it requires monitoring and sometimes surgical treatment. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your cat. With proper care, your little friend will have a long and happy life!
