I think my lad has a ventral abdominal rupture?

[mik]

Just got him in and it's a largish one. I dont think its a fly sting it´s loose not hot and swollen, it seems to contain fluid. I dont think it is an abcess.
He doesn't have colic.
He is really relaxed, eating, and normal, breathing temp etc.
He has had slightly loose dung for a couple of days but not bad.
There is no sign of pain at all even when I had a good feel of it.
He was wormed 2 or 3 weeks ago. No sign of any worms.

I don't think he is pregnant!
I have e mailed my vet but he is away for the weekend, shall I keep it under observation and (providing there is no change?) call him Monday or do I have an emergency call to make?
Any friendly vets out there who don't mind giving free advice??

 

[lhotse]

I have no experience of this, but if it was my horse, I would be getting the vet out now.

 

[Llwyncwn]

Hello Mik

Where exactly is the swelling? Im not a vet but have had similar concerns about one of my old lads in the past. Has he been static for a while? Is the swelling along each side of the underbelly, some people call them 'milk glands' (yes, I know he's a gelding) ?

 

[JanetGeorge]

Ventral abdominal rupture MAY occur in geldings - but I've never heard of it. The fact there is no pain or other symptoms would appear to rule it out as a cause of your gelding's swelling. (See this article for pics and symptoms: http://www.pycock.co.uk/PreFoalingProblems.htm )

It may be a haematoma, possibly from a kick, or lying on a rock (or his hoof) in the field. This sort of haematoma often doesn't cause pain because there is plenty of skin to accomodate swelling/fluid. I would keep an eye on it and - as long as there are no other symptoms - speaak to your vet on Monday (although I expect by then it will be subsiding.) If it IS a haematoma, cold hosing accompanied by gently 'bouncing' the swelling with your hand (while the hose is on it) will help disperse the swelling.