Hernia, Inguinal

Hernia, Inguinal



Basic Information image



Definition




• Protrusion of an organ or tissue through the inguinal ring into the inguinal canal


• Indirect hernia is the most common form of inguinal hernia in equines. The small intestine passes through the vaginal ring into the inguinal canal and can extend into the scrotum. It is a congenital condition in foals and an acquired condition in adults.


• Direct hernia is less common and involves the small intestine and occasionally the testicle passing through a rent in the peritoneum adjacent to the vaginal ring into the inguinal region and scrotum, exterior to the vaginal tunic.



Synonyms




• Scrotal hernia (although by definition, the organ or tissue has passed through the inguinal canal into the scrotum)


• Caudal abdominal hernias



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex




• Young colts


• Stallions


• Congenital inguinal or scrotal hernia: Seen shortly after birth


• Acquired inguinal hernia: Intact male older than 1 year; may occur in geldings but very uncommon



Genetics and Breed Predisposition




• Congenital: Standardbreds and heavier breeds (eg, Shires) may be more frequently affected.


• Acquired: Standardbreds, Tennessee Walking Horses, and American Saddlebreds are most commonly affected.



Risk Factors




• Intact males


• Straining in the foal


• Breeding and strenuous exercise


• Enlarged internal inguinal ring



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Foals


• Congenital inguinal hernias

• Seen in young colt foals

• Often bilateral

image Often indirect (contents pass through vaginal ring into vaginal tunic)

image May involve rupture of the common vaginal tunic so contents escape subcutaneously

image Rarely direct (contents pass through a weakness that creates a defect in the body wall

• Adults


• Acquired hernias

• Seen in mature stallions


History, Chief Complaint




• Indirect congenital hernias in foals present with scrotal enlargement shortly after birth. Signs of colic are not common.


• Direct inguinal hernias usually present within the first 24 to 48 hours of parturition because of an increased abdominal pressure and are commonly accompanied with signs of abdominal discomfort.


• Acquired inguinal hernias in adult horses present with clinical signs consistent with moderate to severe colic.


• Swelling is present on the axial thigh if the hernia is direct or the common vaginal tunic is ruptured.


• Associated edema and skin excoriations may be caused by a subcutaneous position of the bowel.



Physical Exam Findings




• Inguinal hernias in foals are most commonly nonstrangulating and can be reduced, but inguinal hernias in adults are most commonly strangulating and cannot be reduced; physical examination findings reflect the systemic status.


• Congenital


image Foals with indirect hernias usually present with normal physical findings.

image Enlarged normothermic scrotum; scrotal herniation is usually reducible

image Foals with direct hernias may present for signs of abdominal discomfort and scrotal enlargement. The scrotal enlargement is nonreducible and is confined to more of the subcutaneous space as well as the scrotum.

• Acquired


image Moderate to severe abdominal pain

image Tachycardia

image Tachypnea

image Normothermic
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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Hernia, Inguinal

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