Possible Hernia?

[MadMumInKent]

Think Pumpkin may have a hernia, right in the centre of his belly, around where I'd presume his belly button to be. Noticed a lump there today, but had not noticed previously, so it must have been a fairly sudden appearance. Is there anything else it could be? If it still looks the same in the morning, I'll get the vet out to have a look. Other possible causes (gawd what did we do before Google was invented?!) could be maybe swelling, where fluid has collected in a little pool as a result of possibly standing still too much (he's been mostly stabled for 3 days running - today was his first turnout since Thurs). Or perhaps a fly bite that's irritated. Any opinions from anyone else?

In other news, Pumpkin and I have returned to our old yard today. We missed it sooooo much. The new yard was nice, people were lovely, and I loved being on DIY, but we felt so at ease on our old yard and the facilities were really good, so I decided to return. Pumpkin loaded beautifully and is stood in his stable looking like he's never been away :)

Any opinions on the other thing would be much appreciated. Cheers m'dears :)

[cazrider]

Not sure about the lump.. Like you I'd get the vet out, but i usually err on the side of caution!

However, great to hear how things are going. Will you be able to have DIY on your old yard?

[MadMumInKent]

Hi Caz, No, they don't do DIY, but we've come to an arrangement so I can do a kind of part livery/part helping out for a few hours a week so that I'm still hands on, which is great. Doing one month on DIY has done wonders for me and Plumps, our confidence has really come on, and I feel like I know him inside out now :) Hacking alone? Who'd have thought it ;) Cantering out on solo hacks? Wow, even I couldn't have foreseen that one!! :D

[cazrider]

That's great MMIK.:D BTW, can't get your photo link to work.

[Wings]

Could the lump just be a fly bite? Misty has MASSIVE (some 5 to 10 cm big!) lumps on her belly from fly bites as well.

[MadMumInKent]

I deleted the picture file by accident. I'll repair it tomorrow. Anyway, it must be about time I took my camera down the yard with me, so may update picture link with something new :)

[MadMumInKent]

I don't know Wings... I really hope its a fly bite to be honest, and not something nastier. When you run your hand over it, it goes in. No pain or anything, he seems happy as anything.

[lisae]

My one mare is plagued by flies that settle on her udder and midline (she is very thin skinned there). She then kicks at them with her hinds and between the fly bites and hemotomas from kicking incessantly she raises quite a lumpy area. I have to stay on top of it and put alot of bug repellant on it (a paste) so it doesn't happen!

[newnovice]

I just started working at my barn (which is not DIY at all) for a few hours on Sunday mornings and I love it. My family and friends make fun of me because I can earn in one hour at my regular job (I'm a nurse) what I make in the whole morning at the barn, but it's been great for learning more about taking care of horses and making me more comfortable. It also defrays the cost of my board, as I take it off my board every month instead of having them pay me - and it's tax free!

[jenren!!]

What on earth is a hernia?!

Jenny xx

[NoviceNic]

Hernia is a lump in the area of his little man isnt it??? Could it just be a fatty/protein lump?

When you went on DIY did you feel lonely? What made you decide to go back to your other yard??

[MadMumInKent]

No Nic, I didn't feel lonely, it was a hugely busy yard and the other liveries and the owners were lovely. Its just that the woman that runs my first yard has become a really good friend and I missed our horsey outings/hacks/natters more than I thought I would, and I decided that the way I feel so at ease on her yard was worth the travelling every day :) I don't regret trying the other yard out though, as I said, I learned loads!

[Baunilha]

You can see yourself if it is a hernia. put your fingers on the lump and very gently pus it up if it goes up and you can fiel a hole under the skin it is a hernia if it does'nt go up and stays put is is probly an insect byet don't worrie, but if you have any doubts get your vet. how old is your horse.

[eventerbabe]

does it swell when he's eaten? can you push the lump back through the hole the intestines are dropping out of? definately get the vet to take a look. My horse had a hernia and we were advised to get it operated on asap because if they become strangulated (when the gut that's fallen throught the hole twists) it's life threatening.

[VickiGG]

could be a tick bite - if the ticks stay on for too long they can get pretty inflamed

[VickiGG]

MadMum - did you find out what it was?