horse with hernia. any experiences?

[lisa_lou]

My 3 yr old horse has just been diagnosed with a hernia. About the size of a cherry, maybe slightly bigger just in front of sheath. How successful is an op to put right? How much does the surgery cost? Will this effect his ridden work in later life? how long is recovery? Are insurance companies likely to pay out for hernias? Many thanks

 

[Kallibear]

Cherry sized sounds tiny. Mine has one the size and shape of half a plum. Vet looked at it and said not to bother doing anything as the hole in his abdominal wall is only just big enough to squeeze a finger through and it's only got a little bit of fat in it. He said it's really only cosmetic but I could get it fixed. Cost was a little under £1000.

He did say it's hereditary though so shouldn't be used for breeding.