Hernia in Dogs & Cats
Hernia in Dogs & Cats
At Amber Vet, we understand how concerning it can be to find a lump or swelling on your pet. Hernias can cause discomfort, affect daily activities, and in some cases, lead to serious health risks if not treated early. We offer thorough diagnostics and surgical treatment options for hernias in dogs and cats, with a focus on safety, comfort, and long-term well-being — so your pet can return to a happy, active life.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia happens when tissue or an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle wall that shouldn’t be there. It may show up as a soft bulge or cause deeper internal issues, depending on the type and location.
Some hernias are present from birth, while others develop later due to strain, trauma, or certain health conditions. Thankfully, most hernias can be treated safely with surgery and our team is here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
Types of Hernias in Dogs
There are several types of hernias, and some are more common in certain breeds or age groups. Here’s a brief overview:
Umbilical Hernia
Seen near the belly button, especially in puppies or kittens.
Inguinal Hernia
Appears in the groin area, more commonly in female pets. It can be more serious if it traps organs like the bladder or intestines.
Perineal Hernia
Occurs near the anus due to weakened pelvic muscles, often in older, unneutered male dogs. It can make passing stool or urine difficult.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
A serious condition where organs from the abdomen slip into the chest through a tear in the diaphragm — this can affect breathing and needs urgent care.
Hiatal Hernia
Part of the stomach moves into the chest area through the diaphragm. It can lead to vomiting, regurgitation, or breathing problems.
Scrotal Hernia
A rare type of hernia where abdominal contents enter the scrotum. It can cause swelling and needs prompt attention.
What Causes Hernias in Dogs & Cats?
Hernias can happen for a few reasons, such as:
- Being born with a weak muscle wall (congenital)
- Injuries or trauma, like a fall or car accident
- Obesity, which adds strain to the body
- Pregnancy or giving birth
- Straining when trying to urinate, defecate, or even cough
We understand how hard it can be to spot these issues early, especially if your pet isn’t showing obvious signs. That’s why gentle observation and regular check-ups are so important.
Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia in Dogs & Cats
If your pet has a hernia, you might notice:
- A soft lump or swelling that wasn’t there before
- Signs of discomfort when touched
- Vomiting or signs of nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty passing stool or urine
- Breathing difficulties (in some types like diaphragmatic hernia)
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to call and ask. We’re happy to help you figure out if a vet visit is needed.
Is a Hernia in My Pet Dangerous?
Some hernias may seem minor, especially if your pet isn’t in pain. But others can become urgent if they trap part of an organ — this is called a strangulated hernia, and it can quickly become life-threatening.
Even small hernias can worsen over time, which is why a gentle check by your vet can give you peace of mind and help you act early if needed.
How Is a Hernia Diagnosed?
At Amber Vet, we’ll start with a gentle physical exam. If needed, we may recommend:
- X-rays to see inside the affected area
- Ultrasound to look at soft tissue structures
- Blood tests to make sure your pet is safe for surgery
We’ll always explain each step and answer any questions you have along the way.
Does My Dog or Cat Need Surgery for a Hernia?
In most cases, surgery is the best way to treat a hernia and prevent future complications.
While the idea of your pet going through surgery can be daunting, we’re here to guide you through it — from helping you decide on the right timing to explaining what to expect before and after.
Even small hernias can become problematic later, so early repair is often the safest choice.
Hernia Surgery: What to Expect
Surgery involves gently placing any displaced tissue back where it belongs, and repairing the muscle wall to prevent the hernia from returning.
Before Surgery
- We’ll do pre-anaesthetic blood tests
- Give fasting instructions
- Explain the procedure in full
After Surgery
- Most pets go home the same day or the next
- Your pet will receive pain medication and home care guidance
- Rest and restricted activity for 10–14 days is usually needed
Our team will check in with you and your pet during recovery, and we’re always just a phone call away if you need support.
When to See a Vet
Please bring your pet in for a check-up if you notice:
- A new or growing lump
- Sudden pain or distress
- Vomiting, especially with a visible bulge
- Trouble urinating or passing stool
- Weakness or collapse
The sooner we catch and treat a hernia, the better the outcome for your pet.
Why Choose Amber Vet for Your Pet’s Care?
A Dedicated Area For Dogs & Cat
Our clinic offers dedicated separate areas for dogs and cats, located adjacent to each other but fully separated to ensure comfort for all animals and their owners. This setup provides a peaceful, stress-free environment where pets can receive the care they need without the presence of other animals.
Care for All Pets
We provide expert care for all pets, from cats and dogs to pocket animals. Our compassionate team is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of your feline, canine, or companion with specialized care tailored to their unique needs.
Modern Equipment
Our clinic is equipped with advanced technology that allows us to offer a broader range of diagnostic and treatment options, ensuring we can provide the most accurate care for your pet’s needs.
A Vet Clinic Near You - Located in the East Coast
Caring for Pets, Loved by Owners

Dr Loon was my attending vet, and despite my pet's many ailments, under Dr Loon's meticulous care, he lived to a very good age of 17. Milou's final moments was also at Amber, and I would personally like to thank Dr Suria, Melissa, and the other nurses who went out of their way to make him comfortable at the end. Everything was handled with so much sensitivity and love and I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the whole team.
I recently brought my new kitten there for vaccinations, and he was handled by Dr Sharon. She is very detailed and careful, and even for a routine procedure like kitten vax, they will send a follow up message the next day to check in on the pet's condition.
I will always recommend Amber Vet for anyone looking for a trusted and compassionate veterinary clinic.
To me, what sets Dr. Loon apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Despite Honey having seen several different vets throughout her puppyhood, it was only Dr. Loon who detected her heart murmur. His ability to catch what others missed speaks volumes about his expertise.
I truly believe Dr. Loon is one of Singapore's premier practitioners, armed with more than a decade of experience and a perfectionistic tendency - trust that your furry family member will be in good hands at Amber.
Honey says thanks for helping her live her happiest, healthiest life!
Throughout the years, Amber Vet has provided consistent, high-quality care —from routine checkups and preventive treatments to moments of urgent need. Their compassion, professionalism, and dedication have never wavered.
Over the past two years Casper was diagnosed with nasal cancer, a journey that has been emotionally and medically challenging. Throughout this time, Dr. Loon and Dr. Elise have shown exceptional medical expertise, thoughtful treatment planning, and compassion. They have walked closely with me every step of the way—patiently explaining options, adjusting care as needed.
The support staff is equally impressive —friendly, organised and always ready to lend a hand.
What stands out most about Amber Vet is not just their clinical excellence, but the genuine kindness and empathy shown by everyone on their team.
More importantly, I know that Casper receives care that is both medically sound and emotionally attuned.
I am deeply grateful for the years of care Amber Vet has provided and continue to provide. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking outstanding veterinary support from professionals who truly care.
We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Elise for the exceptional care and expertise she has given to our cat, Tigi. Since she was 6 months old, Tigi had been suffering from recurring bacterial and yeast infections in her ears. She was constantly scratching, which led to torn skin and the need to wear a cone for extended periods. Over time, her condition worsened—she developed crusty eyes and experienced increasing discomfort. Despite seeing multiple vets over seven months and making various dietary changes, we were unable to find the root cause of her issues.
That changed when we came across Dr. Elise, a feline specialist who visits Singapore quarterly. From the start, Dr. Elise took a thorough and compassionate approach. She performed an endoscopy and was the first to diagnose Tigi with Proliferative and Necrotizing Otitis Externa (PNOE)—a rare, immune-mediated skin disease affecting the ears, linked to an overactive immune response.
For the past year and a half, Dr. Elise has overseen Tigi’s care, monitoring her progress closely. Even when she's abroad, she stays in touch through regular updates from Amber Vet. Under her guidance, Tigi has made remarkable improvement, and her medication has now been successfully tapered down to alternate days.
Dr. Elise's deep knowledge, dedication, and compassion have truly transformed Tigi’s life. We are so thankful for everything she has done. She is a truly remarkable and rare kind of veterinarian.
The keyhole spay was a total game changer — the recovery was so much quicker and she was so active and normal immediately lost-surgery. Best of all, there’s no visible scar at all once the tiny wounds healed!
We also did a dental procedure at the same time so she wouldn’t need to be under anaesthesia again later. I was really impressed that they use dental x-rays just like at a human dentist. They were able to identify a tooth that looked completely normal on the outside but was actually starting to crack under the gumline causing her discomfort — something we’d never have known without the x-ray.
Huge thanks to Dr. Loon and the team for their excellent care and expertise. Highly recommend!
I didn’t specify any doctor but was so lucky to be assigned to Dr. Sharon Choy and team — Dr Choy was incredibly gentle, patient, and unbelievably sweet with Salmon. You could just feel how much she cared.
The entire team of receptionist and vet techs were absolute angels too — kind, thoughtful, genuinely sweet, and really went beyond to make Salmon feel safe and loved. They even came out after the appointment just to say goodbye and give her cuddles! It completely melted my heart.
Everything from the diagnosis to the communication was clear and professional. They even followed up post-visit to check in on how Salmon was recovering, which I found so thoughtful and rare these days.
As for pricing, it’s hard to compare exact market rates, but I was pleasantly surprised. The charges all itemized, transparent, and fair considering the number of tests and services included. Honestly, it’s worth every cent for the level of care they provide.
I’m just really, really grateful to have stumbled upon this clinic. They turned what could be a stressful visit into something genuinely heartwarming. Everything felt thorough, yet comforting.
Would absolutely recommend Amber Vet to anyone looking for compassionate, professional Vet care.
Thank you to the whole team for making Salmon’s first vet experience such a positive and loving one. You’ve definitely gained a loyal client.
For paw-rents unsure of putting your fur babies under general anaesthetic for dental or ear work, my experience has been positive and I can highly recommend Dr Loon and Amber Vet for this!
Meng
May 2025
Dr Sharon and the team are always super friendly and the 2 pups are always excited to see them and have little concerns for the nail clippings (which has always been an issue for these sensitive souls)
It’s the only clinic where my furkid actually feels at ease. He never gets anxious here, which says a lot! The staff are incredibly friendly, kind, and meticulous. Special shoutout to Dr Sharon and her amaaazing team, especially Melissa, Naomi and Hao Yang, who are always warm, bubbly, and so passionate about what they do. They consistently go the extra mile, sending thoughtful follow-ups and detailed notes that really help put me at ease.
The team is also super responsive, proactive and easy to communicate with.
If you’ve been searching for a vet clinic that truly cares, this is the one. Can’t recommend Amber Vet enough. Thank you for the love and care you show to your patients 💕
From our first visit a couple of weeks ago, we were genuinely impressed by the thorough and comprehensive health check the team conducted. We had requested a full assessment for our senior dog, and what we received went far beyond our expectations. The level of detail and the range of investigations performed gave us peace of mind and helped us avoid potential health complications down the line — because truly, prevention is better (and more affordable) than cure.
As a family that has adopted and fostered many dogs over the years, we’ve been to numerous vets — but none have matched Amber Vet’s advanced medical setup. It’s almost like a mini hospital for pets, which means we don’t have to travel between different clinics for diagnostics or procedures. It’s all available in-house, which is incredibly convenient and reassuring.
During the initial check-up, our dog presented with a heart murmur, and we were promptly scheduled for a heart ultrasound right there at the clinic. After assessment, medication was prescribed to manage the heart condition — all explained clearly and with such care.
Today, our dog underwent teeth extraction, dental cleaning, and a lump removal under general anaesthesia. The team kept us updated throughout the day with calls and WhatsApp messages, which we truly appreciated — it helped ease our anxiety and showed how much they care.
The clinic is also immaculately clean, and we love that there’s a separate unit for cats, which helps reduce stress for both feline and canine patients. We also learned so much about preventive care and the latest in pet healthcare — insights we hadn’t come across in our visits to other clinics.
Another thoughtful touch: invoices are sent via email, along with detailed notes from the vet summarising the visit and sharing helpful tips discussed during the consultation — a fantastic way to keep track of care plans and advice.
Thank you again to Dr. Brian Loon and the entire Amber Vet team for your professionalism, kindness, and dedication. We feel lucky to have found you!
The support team are always helpful and detailed in their handling and explanation of the processes and procedures.
From the moment I made a cold call to Amber Vet, I knew I was finally in the right hands. The staff asked thoughtful, critical questions, and despite it being the very end of the day, they kindly slotted us in for a last-minute appointment. That level of care and responsiveness already set them apart.
Dr. Suria was exceptional. She listened attentively to everything I shared, clearly explained each test she was performing and the reasons behind them, and most importantly she was precise and focused in her approach. Unlike other clinics that kept recommending endless tests, she was deliberate and confident in her diagnosis. For the first time, I felt like someone truly understood what was happening with my dog, and that brought me real peace of mind.
Ms. Aarin, an outstanding nurse who was there throughout the consultation. She was so gentle with my dog, and her calm presence helped me stay grounded and fully focused on explaining everything that had been going wrong.
Amber Vet is a rare gem. Every staff member we interacted with showed not just professionalism, but genuine care. The team is an apt embodiment of duty of care towards your pet. It’s only been two days since the visit, and I’m already seeing a significant improvement in my dog’s condition.
I’m truly grateful to have found this clinic—and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone who wants real expertise and heartfelt care for their pet.
Dr. Loon and his team are truly amazing—professional, compassionate, and incredibly skilled. From the moment we walk in, Dolly is treated like family, and it’s clear that her well-being is their top priority. Dr. Loon’s expertise put us at ease, and his genuine kindness made every visit a pleasure. The entire team goes above and beyond, providing top-notch care with a personal touch that’s hard to find.
If you’re looking for a vet who combines brilliance with heart, Amber Vet is the place to go. Dolly gives them two enthusiastic paws up, and so do we!
The nursing staff are not only welcoming and caring but they are highly efficient and capable. Communicating with Naomi and Melissa and the team is easy via phone or WhatsApp. Making requests and discussing care is straightforward and conclusive. You can ask a question and get a response on the same day. The nurses all remember our dog, and I can tell he is less fearful coming here. He can pick up on the vibe that the staff are genuinely happy to see him.
We travel to go to Amber Vet, having not found satisfaction with the (multiple) vets in our more local area. Our dog has a complex, rare illness for which there is almost no expertise in Singapore, meaning we must work closely with our dog's vet here in Singapore and a vet in the USA to ensure we are doing the right thing for him.
The volume of diagnostic information, research and hospital visits that has gone into treating our dog is monumental. We found that trying to share this information with vets and get them up to speed was virtually impossible. They simply didn't have the capacity nor the willingness to invest that level of time and commitment into understanding our dog's very specific needs.
Coming to Amber Vet was the best decision. Dr Loon looked through the information, took the time to fully understand our situation, and even had a phone call with the other vet in the USA. It is a special sort of professional who proactively works with with others, rather than insisting they know everything. We are so grateful that he took the time to do this. I can tell when we go to see him that he is taking his time listening to our dog's heart and lungs and checking him over, and he has added significant clinical and advisory value to the ongoing care of our dog, making tailored and specific recommendations to keep him whole body healthy, rather than just focusing on this illness.
Amber Vet has worked with us to take samples of blood and ship them for specialised testing elsewhere, meaning they have to work with couriers and data from 3rd party laboratory services, and, despite this being unusual and outside their norms, they work with us for the good of our dog.
The exceptional level of tailored, considerate, pragmatic, patient-centred care is just what we need to help us through an emotionally traumatic time. We feel like we have a team in our corner. The result is that we trust and appreciate the care from all the team at Amber Vet and would not want to go anywhere else. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
I brought my rabbit to AmberVet due to a loss of appetite and had a great experience. Booking an appointment was smooth, and the process was very efficient. The vet was knowledgeable and thorough in her check-up, ensuring there was nothing serious. She explained that the recent weather changes might be affecting my rabbit’s appetite and provided helpful supplements. She also advised me on keeping my rabbit’s environment cool and comfortable. Overall, she was very accommodating and made sure my rabbit got the best care. Highly recommended!
Like to specially thanks Dr Loon for doing a great job for performing the operation and making sure my cat is safe during the procedure. 👍🏻
Also thanks to Safder who has been consistently following up during the pre and post surgery, appreciated that.
Thanks to the rest of the team whom I came across, for your assistant and help.
Amber Vet provides a peace in mind for me and thanks once again. 👍🏻
Do consider for a consult if you want a potential alternative to extractions.
When we first visited Amber Vet, we could see that our dogs are more comfortable with the place as compared to other clinics. That really speaks something which is why we didn't really mind travelling all the way from Bishan to Siglap for all the appointments or replenishment of medication over the years. The last few years were not easy for Boy boy & Girl girl but you guys really made it much easier for us.
Now that Boy boy & Girl girl are on the other side of the rainbow bridge, we just want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Amber Vet especially Dr Loon, Dr Emma and Melissa for your great service and attentive care all the time!
We wish you guys the best and will definitely recommend Amber Vet and Dr Loon to others. Thank you so much!
Derrick & Emily
We've had so many problems with Jenny's diet and with the new cat food food, new ideas of feeding and entertainment, we're really seeing a difference.
I can't recommend Amber Cat Vet more, especially for nervous cats! 🙂
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