Abdominal Hernia in Equine: Animal Level Risk Factors and Repair Using Polypropylene Mesh.
Authors: Moustafa Alaa, Elmetwally Mohammed, El-Khodery Sabry, Hamed Mohamed, Gomaa Naglaa, Rizk Mohamed Abdo
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Abdominal Hernia Management Across Equine Species Abdominal hernias represent a significant surgical challenge in equine practice, yet limited data exists on their prevalence, aetiological factors, and optimal repair techniques—particularly in donkeys and mules. Researchers evaluated 48 horses, donkeys, and mules with confirmed abdominal hernias (via clinical examination and ultrasonography), collating risk factor data through structured questionnaires before performing hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh. Foals accounted for the majority of cases (n=25), followed by adult horses (15), donkeys (6), and mules (2), with horses and donkeys showing peak incidence between 3–5 years; notably, females represented 70.8% of affected animals across all species. Polypropylene mesh repair proved effective in 75% of cases (36/48) with uncomplicated recovery; the remaining animals experienced mild postoperative complications including suture abscess, wound infection, and fluid accumulation (10 cases), whilst only two cases showed recurrence—a favourable outcome supporting mesh hernioplasty as a viable surgical option. Understanding breed and age-related predispositions, alongside the critical importance of prompt surgical intervention (earlier repair significantly reduced complications), enables equine professionals to establish targeted preventive strategies and counsel clients on prognosis with realistic expectations for different species.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Polypropylene mesh is a viable surgical option for treating abdominal hernias in horses, donkeys, and mules, with successful outcomes in most cases
- •Early surgical intervention is critical—delayed repair significantly increases postoperative complications
- •Be alert to abdominal hernias in foals and animals aged 3-5 years, and monitor female animals more closely as they show higher prevalence
Key Findings
- •Abdominal hernia was most prevalent in foals (25/48 cases), followed by adult horses (15/48), donkeys (6/48), and mules (2/48)
- •Females were significantly more affected than males (70.8% vs 29.2%)
- •Ages 3-5 years showed highest prevalence in horses (31.3%), donkeys (12.5%), and mules (4.2%)
- •Polypropylene mesh hernioplasty resulted in successful recovery in 75% of cases (36/48), with complications in 10 cases and recurrence in 2 cases