Umbilical Hernia in a Ram and Its Successful Surgical Repair

This case demonstrates the successful application of a cruciate suture pattern using silk suture for umbilical hernia repair in a ram. A one-year-old local breed ram was presented to the Professor Feseha Gebreab Memorial Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, with a progressively enlarging umbilical swelling. Clinical examination revealed a non-painful, large umbilical hernia, for which the ram was admitted for surgical repair. Herniorrhaphy was conducted after circular infiltration of 2% lidocaine. The hernial sac was opened through a longitudinal incision cranial to the prepuce, and the herniated omentum and intestine were reduced. The hernial ring was closed using a cruciate suture pattern with size 2 silk. Postoperatively, Penicillin-streptomycin and meloxicam were administered for three consecutive days. Recovery was uneventful, with complete healing. The outcome suggests this technique is a viable and effective suture pattern for hernias of similar size, in addition to timely diagnosis, accurate surgical execution, and diligent postoperative care.