My kitten has a complicated hernia. Is surgery risky, or can he live?

Unfortunately fixing a chronic diaphragmatic hernia can also have some potential complications since scar tissue can form in the lungs and edema can develop following surgery. If the hernia is still present however anesthesia could be risky. I would recommend rechecking with your vet and having x-rays repeated. If the hernia is still present you can discuss surgery. I would think that a spay at the same time would be reasonable as long as anesthesia is going well since a hernia is fixed through an abdominal incision as well.

Poor Nali! It could be that the hernia opened up more, and there is more fat, tissue, and or organs in it causing it be to larger. Without seeing it in person, I can't say for sure it's a life or death situation, but there is the potential for it to be one if there are intestines in the hernia. Those could become strangled, cutting off blood supply, and killing off intestinal tissues. That situation is life or death. Because she seems like she is in pain, I think getting her checked out now to be safe is the best idea. She may not need surgery right away if it's just fat in the hernia, but if it is intestines, then she will need surgery.

As long as Coco is at least two pounds in weight, she can be spayed now, and while the vet is doing her spay, the hernia can be fixed as well. You can call your vet tomorrow to make an appointment for her. Don't worry, you aren't hurting her when you pick her up and when she sleeps on you. I hope this helps!

Poor Kitten!! Without examining your kitten and seeing the results of any diagnostic tests, it is hard to determine the prognosis. I am assuming he has a diaphragmatic hernia that needs to be repaired. I have treated cats that have survived that surgery but your vet is probably the best person to give you advice on the prognosis. You could always take the kitten to a board certified veterinary surgeon and get a second opinion. Whoever kicked your kitten should be charged with animal abuse. That is really sad that someone would do that to an innocent kitten.

It sounds like Mili has a diaphragmatic hernia, and yes she does need the surgery. Already, she is having trouble breathing, and she can't eat or drink a lot because her stomach can't expand normally. There is an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. https://www.redrover.org The other options are to start a GoFund me page, or ask family and friends for help with the bill.

I agree with your veterinarian. It’s one thing if a pet has a condition that does not affect the quality of life. It is a completely different story when a pet has a condition that can be corrected and it makes their quality of life worse. You are already seeing the effects of this condition in her inability to eat normally and her weight loss. I gently remind you that veterinarians are not after money. We are entrusted to look out for the best interests of pets because they do not have a voice. Veterinarians have brutally honest conversations with clients every day. If your veterinarian had any misgivings about going to surgery, they would voice them. I do recommend to discuss potential complications however so that everyone is on the same page. Best of luck.

A hernia is essentially a loop of intestine (variable in size) which protrudes through a defect in the abdominal wall. A spay is done by opening the abdomen (aka, belly) by cutting between muscle layers beneath the skin. If the layers do not meet when the incision is closed, intestine can protrude. Depending on the size of the hernia and if the tissue can be pushed back into the abdomen, surgery may or may not be required to correct the defect. I recommend keeping a close eye on Kurisu to make sure she does not lose her appetite, develop diarrhea or begin vomiting; as these may be a sign of intestinal constriction. I recommend keeping her diet constant, and avoiding giving any human food which may upset her stomach. I hope this helps and that all is well!