My dog has a growing, painless lump. Is it an umbilical hernia or just muscle/fat?

Question

I think my dog has a umbilical hernia that has gotten bigger overtime. However, he has not had any changes in behavior or mood or in activity. He still eats normally, doesn’t vomit. Doesn’t have a fever. Allows me to touch the site, it doesn’t seem to bother him at all. It is now 1.5in in width. He has a vet appointment to diagnose. Is it possible that only muscle or fat and no intestines or organs have slipped through the opening? He is a ship tzu/bulldog and is 6yrs old. Neutered. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 23 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

When internal organs slip through an umbilical hernia, the swelling tends to become larger very quickly and is very painful. That does not seem to be the case with Charlie which is good. Umbilical hernias are normally present at birth and should not develop later in life. This swelling also looks like it is a little higher than his umbilicus, so it may not be an umbilical hernia. Depending on what your vet thinks, they may perform a fine needle aspirate to collect a few cells and decide what it is and if anything needs to be done about it. If it is a benign mass, they may not recommend any treatment. If they think it may be a hernia or if they see any concerning cells, they may recommend surgery. Hopefully your vet appointment will put your mind at ease. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My dog has a growing, painless lump. Is it an umbilical hernia or just muscle/fat?

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