18/11/2025
- Feline Hernia Umbilicalis -
An umbilical hernia is a condition in which abdominal tissues—commonly fat, omentum, or in larger defects, a segment of intestine—protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall at the site of the umbilicus.
👉Clinical Classification
1. Reducible Hernia
Herniated tissue can be pushed back into the abdomen easily. Typically contains fat or omentum. Usually not painful and has minimal systemic impact.
2. Non-Reducible / Incarcerated Hernia
Protruded tissue is trapped and cannot be returned into the abdomen. Higher risk of progression to strangulation.
3. Strangulated Hernia (Emergency)
Blood supply to the trapped tissue is compromised → ischemia and necrosis. Clinical signs include vomiting, severe pain, abdominal tenderness, lethargy, and anorexia.
Requires immediate surgical intervention.
🐈 Common Clinical Signs :
-Soft swelling or bulge at the umbilical area.
-No pain in reducible cases.
-In large or complicated hernias: abdominal discomfort, malaise, or mobility issues.
🧪 Diagnosis :
-Physical Examination (Palpation to assess size, reducibility, contents, and presence of pain)
-Abdominal Ultrasound (Highly useful to identify whether fat, omentum, or intestine is involved)
-Radiography (Helpful when gastrointestinal obstruction or strangulation is suspected. Assessment for Concurrent Conditions Especially gastrointestinal parasites, malnutrition, or other congenital abnormalities)
👉Surgical steps:
-Exploration of hernia contents.
-Reduction of abdominal organs.
-Removal of hernia sac if needed.
-Closure of the umbilical ring with strong imbricating sutures.
