Will a kitten hernia go away on its own?
Small (less than ¼” or 1cm) hernias may close spontaneously (without treatment) by age 3 to 4 months. Umbilical hernias that do not close may require surgery, especially if a portion of an intestinal organ protrudes through it. Umbilical hernias are usually painless. The exact incidence and cause are unknown.
Do umbilical hernias hurt kittens?
The majority of umbilical hernias will not cause any harmful effects to the infant and will go away on their own when the feline reaches six months. Unfortunately, other umbilical hernias can trap part of the intestine and the hernia soon becomes a medical emergency.
How much does it cost to fix a kitten hernia?
That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 – $1100 to have your cat’s hernia surgically repaired.
What does a hernia feel like in a kitten?
Located near the belly button, this type of hernia can feel like a soft swelling, bulge or squishy protrusion under the skin. You may notice it when your cat is crying, straining, meowing or standing.
How do I take care of my kitten after hernia surgery?
Your cat will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them licking or biting the incision or sutures. Pain killers will be administered to your cat post-surgery and cage rest prescribed. Usually postoperative care is straightforward and your pet will not require long term hospitalization after surgery.
Is umbilical hernia covered by insurance?
Does insurance cover this? Well, the good news is when it comes to an Umbilical Hernia Repair, insurance will usually deem this a medically necessary procedure. If performed in conjunction with a Tummy Tuck, that portion will have to be paid for out of pocket, since it is considered an aesthetic or cosmetic procedure.
How do I know if my hernia is strangulated?
Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:
- Nausea, vomiting or both.
- Fever.
- Sudden pain that quickly intensifies.
- A hernia bulge that turns red, purple or dark.
- Inability to move your bowels or pass gas.
What to do if your kitten has an umbilical hernia?
After birth, check the abdominal area of the kittens. An umbilical hernia will be a bulging area of tissue around the belly button. This hernia will feel soft. If you push it in, it will pop back out immediately. If an umbilical hernia gurgles when you press on it, take your kitten to the vet immediately.
What happens if a cat has a hernia?
Cats with hernias typically have a good prognosis, but sometimes the intestines can get trapped in the muscle wall and lose blood flow. This can be a life-threatening situation since the intestinal tissue will start to die and release toxins that are harmful to your cat.
How old does a kitten have to be to have a hernia?
This rare type of hernia is typically the result of a congenital condition and usually appears before a kitten is a year old. However, it may also be caused by a traumatic injury. In some cases, the symptoms of the hernia may come and go, which is referred to as a sliding hernia.
Can a cat have surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia?
Surgical repair of diaphragmatic hernias is usually an emergency situation. In addition, they may be complicated by other injuries if the hernia is due to an accident, such as getting hit by a car. Your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to care for your cat after surgery. This can include:
When to get surgery for umbilical hernia in kittens?
This will typically occur by the time your pet is about 3 or 4 months old, or it might take until the kitten is around 6 months of age. On the other hand, if the umbilical hernia doesn’t close on its own, or if it is a bigger hernia that comes with a risk of complications, your vet may recommend surgery.
When to check a kitten for a hernia?
Wait until the kitten is desexed for uncomplicated hernias. Uncomplicated umbilical hernias often heal on their own by the time the kitten is six months old. The vet will check the kitten when it is taken to be desexed.
What should I give my Cat for a hernia?
The vet may prescribe medication for your cat. Your cat may need medicine to help aid the digestive process. The vet may also give the cat medicine to help strengthen the sphincter, which will help with digestion. If the cat has pneumonia or a bacterial infection, they will be given antibiotics.
Surgical repair of diaphragmatic hernias is usually an emergency situation. In addition, they may be complicated by other injuries if the hernia is due to an accident, such as getting hit by a car. Your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to care for your cat after surgery. This can include:
