Hernias ?

[Butterbean]

My horse (who is a good candidate for unluckiest horse in the world

) has developed a swelling just in front of his sheath on his tummy. Its soft, about 3" x 2", and he doesn't mind you poking it (except when he thinks you might be going too near his sheath! - he is not keen on his bits being cleaned). Could it be an umbilical hernia? - have done quick Google but main references are to such hernias in foals whereas B is 8 this year. If a hernia what are the implications? - do they need treatment or get worse over time etc?

 

[only_me]

nope, i have found that hernias generally shrink over time. You just have to keep an eye on it in case it gets bigger.

Merlin has one and hasnt hindered him in the slightest, in fact his has shrunk since last year! you wouldnt even notice it now

 

[Abbeygale]

My mare that I sold last year had a hernia - it never caused a problem for her. It would become a bit more apparent if madam got a bit podgy, but when she was in work it would shrink entirely, and woud be hardly noticeable.

I believe that there are different types of hernias - but I am sure someone more wise than me on here can tell you about them!

The type of hernia that my mare had was one that could be left, and wouldn't cause a problem for normal riding etc. I think the only thing with my girl was that the vets advised to have it removed if I wanted to put her in foal - but I think that is the only treatment for them.

If you are worried, then get your vet to check it out - always better safe than sorry xx

 

[annaellie]

Hernias can be a problem I lost a mare through one. Generally they are not an issue, though there is a risk of it turning into a strangulated hernia thats how I lost my mare. I would always advise a vet to give it a check over, my mare was 7 when we found out she had a hernia which had strangulated and had 8ft of intestine removed came out of op poorly but looked hopeful, We had to have her pts at 8 due to complications.