Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Diaphragmatic herniation in the horse: 31 cases from 2001-2006
Alfredo E Romero1, Dwayne H Rodgerson
1Davidson Surgery Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY 40505, USA. romeroae@gmail.com
Abstract:
Diaphragmatic rent and visceral herniation in the horse is seldom diagnosed, but historically carries a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to document the presentation and surgical management of all diaphragmatic rents as presented to 2 referral institutions over a 5-year period. A review of 31 cases demonstrated that even with advances in surgical management of abdominal and thoracic conditions, little has been done to change the prognosis for this condition. Success rate was 23% for all horses presented for colic and were ultimately diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, and 46% for those cases for which surgical management was elected.
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