umbilical hernia?

[Jesstickle]

I was bathing my 2 year old this afternoon and she has what looks suspicioulsy like a hernia to me. I bought her a couple of months ago and she was furry as hell so I didn't notice it at the time.

She was bred at the eqine fertility unit though so surely someone would have noticed by now if that's what it is!

Is there anything else which could look similar. I will go and poke a finger in it tomorrow and see if there is a hole. Didn't think she needed that today as she didn't like the bath much as it was.

If that's what it is does anyone have any experience of them. Do they all need fixing, it isn't huge, and what is the likely cost? I am now envisaging a huge vets bill to get it mended. Can anyone set my mind at rest?

 

[Jesstickle]

Bump

Because I did go and poke my finger in it and it definitely seems like there is a hole. Obviously the vet will have to come and look at it but googling doesn't seem to get me many answers about the likely outcome.

Anyone have any thoughts at all? How immediately does the vet need to come? Does it need to be an emergency appointment or can it wait so I can book it properly?

 

[foxy1]

Hi

How big is it?

I haven't had one with an umbilical hernia, but with a hernia where he was gelded (testicular?)

I did have to have it repaired as a bit of intestine could pop out of the hernia and cause colic.

The surgery was £1200 and 6 weeks box rest after.

As for if yours needs repairing, I guess that depends how big it is.

In puppies umbilical hernias can close themselves up, not sure if this happens with horses?

You definately need your vet to have a look but not as an emergency; it's been there 2 years so another day won't matter.

 

[Jesstickle]

It's really quite tiny. Looks more like an insect bite than anything else. The hole is probably about as big as the end of my finger ish? Hopefully she can survive a week or so then. That's good as I start a new job tomorrow and I really didn't want to arrive and then have to leave straight away

And £1200. Ouch. She only cost me £800. I guess that's the way with horses though isn't it?! Probably why she was such a bargain. More fool me. Hehe

 

[foxy1]

If it's that tiny I really can't see it causing a problem; might be worth talking to your vet on the phone before he comes out, he might tell you not to worry.

My geldings hernia was the size of a tennis ball!

 

[Jesstickle]

Vet (who lives on my yard) also agrees it is probably not life threatening, just unsightly. Phew. We are planning to tie it off so the skin holds it all neatly together.

Poor old pony. Not that she is bothered by me sticking my finger in it. I would. I hate my belly button being touched!