Pre-Surgical Instructions for Dogs Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair329

An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the abdominal contents protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles at the umbilicus, or belly button. This condition is most commonly seen in puppies, but it can also occur in adult dogs.

The treatment for an umbilical hernia is typically surgical repair. The surgery is relatively simple and has a high success rate. However, there are some important pre-surgical instructions that you should follow to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog.

Before Surgery
Fasting. Your dog should be fasted for 12 hours prior to surgery. This means that he or she should not be given any food or water after midnight the night before surgery.

Medications. If your dog is taking any medications, please be sure to inform your veterinarian. Some medications may need to be stopped or adjusted prior to surgery.

Bathing. Your dog should be given a bath the night before surgery. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria from the skin and reduce the risk of infection.

Leash and harness. Please bring a leash and harness for your dog to wear to and from surgery. This will help to keep him or her safe and secure.

Blanket or towel. Please bring a blanket or towel to keep your dog warm after surgery.

At Surgery

Your dog will be admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. The veterinary staff will go over the surgery with you and answer any questions you may have. Your dog will then be taken to the operating room to be anesthetized.

The surgery will typically take about 30 minutes to an hour. During the surgery, the veterinarian will make an incision near the umbilicus and gently push the protruding abdominal contents back into the abdomen. The veterinarian will then close the incision with sutures.

After Surgery
Recovery. Your dog will be kept in the hospital for observation after surgery. He or she will be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Activity restriction. Your dog will need to be restricted from activity for 1-2 weeks after surgery. This means that he or she should not be allowed to run, jump, or play. Leash walks are okay, but you should keep them short and frequent.

Bathing. Your dog should not be bathed for 1 week after surgery. This will help to keep the incision clean and dry.

Feeding. Your dog should be fed a bland diet for 1 week after surgery. This will help to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Follow-up appointment. You will need to bring your dog back for a follow-up appointment 1 week after surgery. The veterinarian will check the incision and make sure that it is healing properly.

Potential Complications

As with any surgery, there are some potential complications associated with umbilical hernia repair. These complications include:
Infection. This is the most common complication of umbilical hernia repair. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Recurrence. The hernia may recur if the incision does not heal properly. This is a rare complication.

Bleeding. Bleeding can occur during or after surgery. This is a rare complication.

Evisceration. This is a serious complication in which the abdominal contents protrude through the incision. This is a rare complication.

If you have any concerns about your dog's umbilical hernia repair, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

2024-11-11

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