Horses with hernias - have you come across befire

[Vix1978]

I've been offered a horse to produce on, but this horse has a hernia about the size of a golf ball. Has anybody ever come across hernias in horses before and what problems have they caused?
Would having a hernia put you off buying a horse?

Thoughts appreciated

 

[amandathepanda]

I've had two horses with small umbilical hernias which haven't been a problem at all and have shrunk as the horse has grown but wiht one as big as a golf ball I think I would have a chat with a vet before taking it on.

 

[vennessa]

A friend had a horse with a hernia. ~It had a very simple op to put right. Was no problem.

 

[zigzag]

Yes, he died cos the hernia strangulated (wasn't my horse)

 

[cazza]

Mine had the operation and was on 10 weeks box rest after his operation, you would never know there was anything wrong with him now. One thing you must consider is the operation for mine cost £1200, so if you are buying something with a hernia then take the operation price into consideration. eg: £3000 horse is going to cost you £4,200 min. Ask yourself the question is the horse still worth it?

 

[thorwaldharry]

hi, my boy had a strangulated scrotal hernia and ended up having colic surgery- he fab now though! (fingers crossed touch wood)

 

[welshponies]

a welsh stallion at the yard i stable on has a hernia, he went down with bad colic and had to have alot of intestine removed, due to whatever reason he was left with a hernia not much smaller than a golf ball. it doesnt bther him, but he does get knocked a bit on it when doing any shows when they strip you down and run you out in hand. BUT technically they shouldnt as its cosmetic not confermational

 

[Storminateacup]

Our horse Tim had an umbilical hernia, but it never bothered him or us. Vet said it was not the type to be a problem.
I think it must depend on size and location as to whether it is an issue. An umbilical hernia is a small loop of intestine poking through a small split in the abdominal wall where the navel is.
I guess it could be a problem as it is a weakened area, and if it burst open for any reason, or got caught on something, perhaps the belly wall would tear open, and the intestines fall out.