Umbilical Hernias in Horses

An umbilical hernia is an irregular mass of tissue projecting through the body wall around a foal's navel. These hernias are apparent shortly after birth and become more evident as the foal grows. Treatment options vary depending upon the condition's severity.

  1. Features

    • Umbilical hernias occur because of weaknesses in the body wall or because of ulcerated areas on the umbilical cord. Straining or pulling can worsen the condition; foals with diarrhea, for example, are at risk of developing a hernia. Breaking the umbilical cord rather than allowing it to break on its own can also cause umbilical herniation.

    Features

    • A large swelling forms around the navel. A horse owner or veterinarian can feel a ring-shaped formation beneath the surface of the skin when he presses on the foal's belly. According to Pet Place.com, the condition affects between 0.5 and 2 percent of all foals. Males and females experience umbilical hernias at equal rates.

    Treatment

    • Many umbilical hernias resolve on their own. Hernias that do not self-repair within four to six months may need medical treatment. Veterinarians treat small hernias with a hernia clamp, which is a clamp that pushes the two sides of the hernia together and encourages healing. Surgical intervention is necessary to treat hernias larger than two inches in size.