Does Pet Insurance Cover Umbilical Hernias?

Wait, pets can have Hernias too?

Yes, dogs and cats can have hernias too. While they are uncommon in cats, they are fairly common in dogs. They can be umbilical, inguinal, diaphragmatic, hiatal, or peritoneopericardial. They can be very painful. Depending on the size and type, some can even be life-threatening. The good thing is that most pet insurance plans can help cover the treatment cost for an umbilical hernia. 

Before we dive into the terms of conditions of pet insurance plans, let us understand what these hernias are, what are the treatment options and their cost. 

For this article, we’ll focus on only one type - umbilical hernia. 

Does Pet Insurance cover the cost of an Umbilical Hernia Surgery? 

Yes, pet insurance can help cover the cost of an umbilical hernia surgery, but not if it is a pre-existing condition. The policy’s waiting period also needs to be over before the condition develops. 

With Spot Pet Insurance, you can get reimbursed on the cost of surgery, as well as other eligible costs related to it including post-surgery care like prescription diets, follow-up visits, etc. 

What is Umbilical Hernia in Pets? 

A hernia is basically when a part of your insides bulges through an opening or weakness in the muscle or tissue that contains it. Most of them are found in the abdomen, where one of the organs pushes through the walls of the abdominal cavity. 

An umbilical hernia is an outward bulging of either the abdominal lining, abdominal fat or the abdominal organs pushing through the area around the belly button. You’ll find the belly button in dogs and cats located on their underside just below the ribcage. These hernias can be as small as 1cm or as big as 2.5 cm or even more at times. ⁽²⁾

There are 2 types of umbilical hernias in pets – 

How is Umbilical Hernia caused in Pets?

An umbilical hernia is usually caused due to genetics. About 90% of all hernias in dogs are genetic. ⁽⁴⁾ The umbilical blood vessels pass through an opening in the abdominal muscles called the umbilical ring before birth to provide the necessary nourishment to the fetus. When this ring doesn’t close properly after birth, it leads to an umbilical hernia. 

If a dog or a cat has been affected with a hernia during their life, there is a high chance that their offspring will also get affected by it. 

Umbilical hernias can also be caused due to trauma, disease or ageing. An accident like being hit by a car or any kind of serious blow to the body wall can tear the abdominal wall or the diaphragm, allowing space for the organs to bulge out or herniate.  

What are the signs of Hernia in Pets?

The signs of hernias in pets can vary depending on the location and severity of the case. A small, uncomplicated hernia will most likely go unnoticed or feel like a small blob in the belly button or groin area. In more serious cases, where vital organs are complicated, you may see the following signs – ⁽¹⁾

How are Umbilical Hernias Diagnosed in Pets?

Umbilical hernias are usually diagnosed during a physical exam that includes palpation. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasound may be further needed to confirm the exact position and content of the hernia. 

How Serious are Hernias in Pets? 

Small hernias are not usually a concern as they do not create problems inside the body. Large hernias, however, can be dangerous. The tissue can become trapped and cut off from blood flow. This is called strangulation and requires immediate surgery. The hernia can also be strangulated, causing blood flow restriction to the intestines. These can be life-threatening. ⁽³⁾

How is an Umbilical Hernia treated in Pets? 

In case the hernia doesn’t get resolved by itself by the time the pup is of a spaying/neutering age, surgery is the only solution. Since a hernia is basically a hole in the body wall, the surgery involves pushing the contents back into the abdomen and closing the abdominal wall. 

In the case of small hernias, where it’s only the fat protruding, the vet may recommend operating on it at the time of spay or neutering as treating them is not very urgent.  

How much does treating Umbilical Hernia in Pets cost?

An umbilical hernia surgery in dogs can cost around $150-$700⁽⁴⁾ depending on the complexity of the case, your location and the type of facility you choose. The cost usually includes pre-surgery testing, post-operative care, overnight stay, X-rays or other imaging if needed, anesthesia and pain medication, etc. The cost may be higher in the case of larger dogs because of a bigger dose of anesthesia needed. ⁽⁴⁾

There can be some costs after the surgery as well, like pain medication, follow-up visits and the X-rays taken during the follow-up visits.   

Can you Prevent Umbilical Hernia in Pets?

Unfortunately, umbilical hernias cannot be prevented in pets, as most of them are hereditary. The only way to prevent them is by not breeding them and hence, saving the offspring from hernias. 

You can prevent the type of hernias caused by trauma and accidents by limiting your pet’s exposure to risky environments and keeping an eye on them all the time.

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Talking about grooming, there is another thing that requires your attention when it comes to owning a Schnauzer – their health. These dogs are prone to certain medical conditions during their lifetime. These include – ⁽³⁾

All of these may not be severe, but some can even be fatal. Hence, it is important to ensure regular vet visits to detect the onset of any condition in its early stage. The treatment cost, however, can put a big dent in your savings at times. Pet health insurance can help you save up to 90% of it. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save costs related to surgery, prescription diets, alternate therapies, and much more.

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!