is this a hernia?

[Karie]

I have a 8 month old filly and lately her belly button has some what cause me alarm. There is still some of the umbilical cord there. It does not hurt, there is no hole, its not swollen, the "thing" is not soft or squishy but not rock hard. The tip of it is calloused.
A friend of mine said it is a hernia, im having my vet come out but i was wondering if you guys could give me your opinions as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/wild_thing/IMG_2913.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/wild_thing/IMG_2909-1.jpg

Thanks
Karie

[sugarpuff]

Hi,

Yes it does look a like a hernia from the second pic.

[coyote]

yep looks like a hernia in the second pic.has your vet seen it yet??

[Karie]

My vet has seen this horse many times... makes me wonder why she did not notice the hernia... well, ill give her a call.
Do you guys know of any good sites that talk about umbilical hernias in foals??

Thanks for your time!
karie

[sugarpuff]

Hi,

Im not sure of any sites although im sure if you done some google searchs there should be some info. I would def speak to your vet and get her to look at it and to provide you some info hernias aswell as put you mind to rest.

Keep an eye on it as some times they can get bigger although looking at your girls i wouldnt think its anything to worry about. my girls hasnt caused her any problems.

I have heard not to bred from horses with hernias....although they can be operated on if you did want to.

Hope that helps a little

[eventerbabe]

A hernia should be corrected. If it's left as is then it can strangulate, the gut can end up damaged/tissue actually dies and that's bad news for the horse. My cob had a hernia, they stitched mesh over the hole in the muscles to stop the intesties dropping back through and he's been fine :)