Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a hole in the muscle wall at the umbilicus (belly button).

The hernia permits the contents of the abdomen to pass through the opening.

Umbilical hernias can be complicated or uncomplicated.

A complicated hernia is one in which abdominal cavity contents, such as a loop of the intestine, have gone through the opening and gotten trapped.

An uncomplicated umbilical hernia is characterized by a soft swelling in the umbilical region.

This swelling may be varied in size and may appear and disappear.

Otherwise, the cat will look to be in good health.

A complicated umbilical hernia might have symptoms such as pain and warmth at the umbilical swelling, vomiting and depression.

The majority of cat umbilical hernias are hereditary, though trauma can also be a factor.

During the medical examination, umbilical hernias are usually identified by locating the swelling caused by the hernia.

Contrast radiography (x-rays) or abdominal ultrasound are occasionally required to detect which abdominal contents, if any, are trapped.

An umbilical hernia is treated surgically, with the opening closed and abdominal contents replaced if necessary.

On the other hand, some umbilical hernias will close spontaneously, usually by 6 months of age.

Small umbilical hernias may not require surgery, but larger hernias should be fixed to avoid complications.