Page 582 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Reproductive system: 2.2 The male reproductive tr act 557

VetBooks.ir Aetiology/pathophysiology ent as severe, acute colic due to incarceration of the
Acquired scrotal/inguinal hernias usually pres-
Inguinal hernias commonly occur congenitally in
newborn foals, or soon after birth, as a result of a
(Fig. 2.157). On transrectal examination, distended
large inguinal ring allowing intestine to enter the intestine, often accompanied by scrotal enlargement
vaginal sac. The condition may be hereditary and bowel can be felt entering the inguinal ring.
can be unilateral or bilateral (Fig. 2.156). Inguinal/
scrotal hernias in the adult stallion are generally Differential diagnosis
considered acquired. Affected stallions often have All other causes of scrotal enlargement should be
large inguinal rings palpable on rectal examination, considered including torsion of the spermatic cord,
which is thought to predispose to the condition. orchitis and trauma.
Standardbred, Saddlebred and Tennessee Walker
horses appear to be at greatest risk. Acquired hernia- Diagnosis
tion may be the result of increased abdominal pres- In any stallion presenting with acute signs of
sure during falls, trauma, breeding or exercise. colic, inguinal/scrotal hernia must be considered.
Ultrasound imaging confirms the diagnosis, as
Clinical presentation bowel is visualised within the scrotum.
Foals with congenital scrotal/inguinal hernias pres-
ent with unilateral or bilateral, soft, non-painful Management
inguinal or scrotal enlargement at or soon after Affected foals should be monitored for evidence of
birth. Palpation of the inguinal region or scrotum incarceration of herniated bowel. Some small her-
reveals crepitation consistent with gas in the her- nias will self-correct before 3–6 months of age.
niated intestine. Rarely, these hernias may become Manual reduction of the hernia with the foal in dor-
incarcerated and present with signs of pain. sal recumbency, and application of a support wrap

2.156 2.157

Fig. 2.156 Bilateral congenital inguinal/scrotal hernia Fig. 2.157 A 3-year-old Arab colt showing colic and
in a young Clydesdale colt. Scrotal palpation revealed an enlarged, painful right testicle (caudal view).
loops of bowel within the scrotal sac, which could be
manipulated temporarily back into the abdomen.