We Tied Up a Foal’s Hernia to Save His Intestines

Umbilical hernias are common in foals, but when should they be treated, and how can they be fixed without surgery?

In this episode, Dr. Jenna is at Buttigieg Training Centre treating several foals with umbilical hernias using a banding procedure. She explains what these hernias are, how they can become dangerous, and why treating them early can make a big difference.

Dr. Jenna walks through:
• What an umbilical hernia is
• Why a hernia can become a life-threatening emergency if intestine becomes trapped
• How vets determine whether a foal is a candidate for banding
• How rubber bands can close the hernia and allow the body wall to heal
• The risks and potential complications of the procedure
• Why banding can have a much faster recovery than surgical repair
• What owners should expect as the skin swells and eventually falls off
• How to care for the area while it heals
• Why it's generally better to address these hernias sooner rather than waiting until the foal is older