Inguinal hernias are a soft tissue condition that we occasionally observe in female dogs (bitches), particularly after they have delivered one or more litters naturally. While not as commonly discussed as patellas or heart murmurs, inguinal hernias appear frequently enough—especially in toy breeds—to warrant attention from breeders and veterinarians alike. What Is an Inguinal Hernia? An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents, such as fat or intestinal loops, protrude