Emergency Approach to the Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Hernias in Dogs

Brachycephalic dogs frequently require emergency interventions due to severe respiratory distress or episodes of aspiration pneumonia. The immediate identification of these conditions, combined with appropriate anesthetic and surgical protocols, is essential to mitigate complications and reduce the mortality rate. This study is a narrative review that compiles and analyzes evidence on emergency management and surgical interventions for hernias in veterinary medicine. The search, conducted in the PubMed database, revealed that respiratory dysfunction is the primary sign in diaphragmatic hernias, with motor vehicle accidents being the most common cause. Surgery performed within the first 48 hours after diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of death. For hiatal hernias, videofluoroscopic examination has proven to be more effective than conventional radiographs, especially in brachycephalic dogs, which have a higher incidence of respiratory complications. Regarding perineal hernias, prostatic abnormalities are frequently observed in intact males, highlighting the importance of orchiectomy in conjunction with herniorrh . The study emphasizes the need for veterinary professionals to stay up to date on the management of hernias, highlighting the importance of prompt interventions and advanced diagnostic techniques to improve clinical prognoses and the quality of life for affected patients.