Why do baby colts get hernias What are the long term effects

If the cord is stretched abruptly or is too thick to separate easily, there can be stretching of the tissues that make up the muscular opening of the abdominal wall, resulting in a larger than normal hole in the wall. This is the origin of an umbilical hernia. The extra space allows the tissues that line the abdominal cavity to drop into the ring of the umbilicus, forming the typical "sac" of the hernia. When a mare is compelled to jump up prematurely after foaling, the umbilical ring easily can be damaged such as when another animal frightens her or humans walk up on her right after she has foaled. Typically if the mare is calm during delivery and has the chance to lay quiet after delivery the cord will break on it's own when the foal moves or the mare gets up, then there is a less chance of the hernia.

There aren't any long term effects if the hernia repairs itself or in some cases requires a vet repair the hernia either by applying a "hernia clamp" or by surgical repair. Both approaches require general anesthesia and surgical preparation. Left untreated there can be major problems with ignoring umbilical hernias is not a good idea. The opening can enlarge in response to any additional trauma to the abdomen. Also, the chances of obstruction of the intestine are a possibility and could prove to be disastrous.