Kitten hernia??

[Misty]

I posted about the kittens that were born to the stray that my mother took in the other day. The kittens were born last Saturday, and as of yesterday mom noticed one of the places where the umbilical cord was looked funny. She called our vet and he told her that its very common for small kittens to get hernias and not to worry about it?? Says it will heal on its own?? Anyone heard of this? Thanks ahead of time!

[davet]

they often will heal on their own. if this is a female it can be repaired if needed at spaying time...just as a caution, if the kitten ever appears sluggish roll him/her over and look at the belly...if that hernia area is protrucing excessivly gently push it back in, if the area is red and inflammed get it checked but this is fairly common and usually presents no problem...there always are exceptions but very rare...

[jdf]

here's a link to info on umbilical hernias.....this should be watched carefully in my opinion cause contents of the abdomine can protrude through the opening in the abdominal wall and if large can cause a serious problem. The intestinal protrusion can become strangulated.

http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/57.html