Umbilical hernia in Quarter Horse foals: a retrospective study of 14 cases

Abstract

Umbilical hernias are common in equines, particularly in foals, and represent a clinically significant condition in veterinary medicine. In this study, we describe the management and surgical treatment of 14 Quarter Horse foals with umbilical hernias, aged between 4 and 36 months. The hernias ranged from 4 to 8 cm in diameter and were all reducible. All foals underwent clinical examination followed by closed herniorrhaphy, with one case necessitating the use of a polypropylene mesh to reinforce the hernial ring. Post-operative management included treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotic therapy, and tetanus prophylaxis. Complications, including transient peritoneal drainage and incisional line infection, were observed in three animals, which were managed with extended antibi-otic therapy and additional wound care. No recurrence was reported in any of the cases during the follow-up period. Closed herniorrhaphy proved to be an effective technique, even under field conditions, yielding satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. Our study highlights the importance of early diagnosis, proper management, and rigorous postoperative care, contributing to the understanding of clinical and surgical approaches to umbilical hernias in equines. The absence of recurrences and the low complication rate (21%) demonstrate the feasibility of the applied technique, emphasizing its potential in resource-limited settings.