Umbilical hernias are common in foals, but when should they be treated, and is surgery always necessary? In this episode of Equine Vet Life, Dr. Jenna visits Buttigieg Training Centre to treat several foals with umbilical hernias using a banding procedure, a technique that can repair certain hernias without traditional surgery.
Dr. Jenna explains what an umbilical hernia is and why, although many are relatively harmless, some can become a serious, even life-threatening emergency if intestine becomes trapped within the hernia. She also explains how veterinarians assess a hernia to determine whether a foal is a good candidate for banding and what factors need to be considered before treatment.
During the procedure, Dr. Jenna demonstrates how specialized rubber bands can be placed around the hernia to cut off the tissue within the hernia sac. Over time, the treated tissue dries up and falls away, allowing the body wall to close and heal. She also discusses the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure and why, for appropriately selected foals, banding can offer a significantly faster recovery than traditional surgical repair.
Owners will also learn what to expect during the healing process, including swelling around the treated area and the eventual separation of the skin. Dr. Jenna explains how to care for the area while it heals and what signs owners should watch for during recovery.
Most importantly, the episode explores why it can be beneficial to address umbilical hernias earlier rather than simply waiting for a foal to get older. With proper veterinary assessment and treatment, many hernias can be managed effectively, potentially avoiding more invasive surgery later on.
This article is for education. Every horse is different, so talk to your own veterinarian before making treatment decisions.
