Ubilical Hernia
Aproximate Cost:
$600 - $800
What It Is
An umbilical hernia occurs when abdominal contents, such as fat or small loops of intestine, protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall at the site of the umbilicus (belly button). Surgical repair involves returning the herniated tissue to the abdomen and suturing the defect closed to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Why It’s Performed
This procedure is performed to prevent complications such as bowel entrapment, strangulation, or infection. Small hernias are often found in puppies and may close on their own, but larger or persistent hernias require surgical correction. Many are repaired at the time of spay or neuter for convenience and safety.
Risks Involved
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, swelling, or recurrence of the hernia if the site does not heal properly. These complications are uncommon, especially when repaired during routine sterilization.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets recover within 10–14 days. Activity should be restricted during this period to allow the abdominal wall to heal fully. A safety cone is used to prevent licking or chewing at the incision. Once healed, recurrence is rare and pets can return to normal activity.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform umbilical hernia repairs with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality surgical care accessible and affordable for local pet owners, and we provide clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of treatment.
*If added to spay or neuter procedure only $150.
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.