Inguinal and umbilical hernias require separate kinds of treatments. Inguinal hernias are found at the exit and entrance of the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are caused by increased abdominal pressure, due to an enlarged inguinal ring or stress during birth. Typically, these are caused when an abscess forms on your horse’s umbilical cord or the abdominal wall becomes weakened, causing a hernia. Umbilical hernias in horses are a common congenital condition that occurs at birth. This can sometimes develop into an emergency situation, causing immediate surgery. Horses with inguinal hernias often develop colic along with swelling around the intestinal blockage. It’s not uncommon for horses to experience scrotal or inguinal hernias after strenuous exercise, like racing and other equine sports. Inguinal hernias can occur in mature stallions, as well as foals.

As the hernia develops, the swelling will become more severe. With an inguinal hernia, you will notice that your horse’s inguinal area, near the groin in females and scrotum in males, will appear swollen. In male horses, these hernias are often referred to as “scrotal hernias,” as they occur around the horse’s scrotum. Inguinal hernias occur when the inguinal ring becomes enlarged or weakened. At Chaparral Animal Hospital, we will be able to diagnose and treat your horse’s umbilical hernia, as soon as you notice the symptoms. The main symptom of an umbilical hernia is that you will notice a round swelling appearance in your horse’s abdominal area, and feel a ring underneath its skin. Umbilical hernias typically appear in young horses during the first six weeks after birth. Types of Hernias in HorsesĪs we mentioned earlier, there are two main types of hernias that commonly afflict horses - umbilical hernias and inguinal hernias. Oftentimes, this swelling is caused from the intestine falling through the opening in the abdominal wall. Hernias are typically accompanied with swelling on your horse’s abdomen. A hernia is an abnormal opening in the abdomen, which causes a protrusion of organ tissues through the opening.

Hernias affect most animal, including humans and horses. Your horse’s hernia treatment will depend on the type of hernia. Both types of hernias will need to be treated as quickly as possible to avoid causing the horse further health problems. Each type of hernia will present a different set of symptoms for your horse. One type of hernia affects the inguinal canal, while the other type of hernia affects the umbilical area. Both types of hernias are defects in the abdominal wall. There are two main types of hernias that commonly affect foals. Oftentimes, hernias go unnoticed in foals (a young horse), until they have grown. Hernias are common conditions occurring in horses during birth. Have you noticed your an abnormal bulge in your horse’s abdomen? Your horse could have a hernia.

Baby horae