Complications of umbilical hernias in horses: 13 cases (1972-1986)

Of 147 horses treated for umbilical hernias over a 13.5-year period, 13 horses (8.8%) developed complications in association with umbilical defects. Six horses had intestinal incarceration; the incarceration was reduced manually in 3 horses before admission, resolved without treatment in 2 others, and was surgically reduced in one. Herniorrhaphy was performed on 4 of the 5 horses in which the incarceration did not require surgical reduction, and the fifth was managed conservatively. A horse with a parietal hernia and a horse with intestinal stragulation were treated surgically; in the latter, the involved intestine was resected. These 8 horses recovered. Three horses developed an umbilical abscess and 2 developed an enterocutaneous fistula through their umbilical hernias. Four of these horses responded well to surgery, but one horse with an enterocutaneous fistula died from electrolyte imbalances and peritonitis after an unsuccessful attempt at simple closure. The results of this study confirmed that complications of umbilical hernias are rare in horses; however, when they do develop, they may be one of various forms, some of which are insidious in onset.