Umbilical Hernia

Congenital persistence of the umbilical aperture may allow herniation of abdominal contents – usually fat or omentum. Occasionally, the umbilical ring will scar down around herniated omentum or fat, resulting in a nonreducible button of tissue at the umbilicus. Animals with umbilical hernias are usually asymptomatic, except for a small, soft, nonpainful swelling. Rarely, intestines or other structures may herniate. In most animals, however, umbilical hernias are clinically insignificant, and repair is performed for cosmetic reasons. Surgery is performed through a ventral midline incision. Once the hernia has been located and the contents reduced or removed, the hernia edges are usually apposed directly with slowly absorbable monofilament suture.