Hernia repairs

SEA Exec Director of Veterinary and Welfare for Saudi Arabia and WVS Int Project Director (Large Animal) Hernias can affect horses of all breeds, ages and sex, but the aetiology differs.

Umbilical hernias are commonly found in foals, affecting approximately 2% of any newborn stock. These rarely require treatment, unless still present after the age of 4 months and with a diameter wider than 5 cm. Treatment is elective aside from rare cases, when the hernial contents are strangulated. These can be done standing or recumbent, depending on the severity and type of procedure opted for.

Incisional and or traumatic hernias can affect horses of any age and are not uncommon amongst working horses as a result of collisions or post abdominal surgery, particularly when the correct postoperative regime is not observed. As per umbilical ones, these hernias are also treated as an elective procedure, allowing the surgeon to carefully plan the treatment method to be used. Depending on the originating cause, a period of systemic antibiotics may be required ahead of performing any repair, unless there is a severe dehiscence and or rupture of the abdominal body wall, in which case an emergency repair is performed.

Lastly, scrotal or inguinal hernias differ as they are usually strangulating and require immediate intervention. The prolapse of small intestine within the scrotum can affect the blood flow of either the entrapped intestine or the testicle, or both. Such hernias are accompanied by severe signs of pain and are easily discernible from other types of hernias.

While hernias may initially appear tricky to assess and treat, they usually heal well and allow horses to return to a full athletic and or working career.

During this talk we will look at some treatment methods and handy pre and post operative measures to enhance your success rate.

Francesca Compostella, DVM, MRCVS, MSc
Veterinary & Welfare International Director WVS

Dr. Francesca Compostella has worked in the development sector since completing a surgical residency in 2012. Having grown up in Mozambique she has always been passionate about the human animal bond, and the incredible role animals hold in supporting communities. Her focus is on promoting education at all levels, where she applies a One Health approach to maximize the limited resources faced in some parts of the world. She is currently designing, implementing, and leading International projects on behalf of WVS.