A scrotal hernia
Keywords: equine, stallion, hernia, scrotum
Scrotal hernia of the small intestine in the right half of the scrotum in a stallion.
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This hernia was not obvious on casual observation or palpation but was easy to appreciate using trans-scrotal ultrasonography. The owner elected to have the horse euthanized and these pictures were taken shortly after euthanasia. The hernia opening was very tight, hardly permitting the insertion of a single finger, suggesting that loops of bowel can pass through very small inguinal openings indeed!
Occasionally these hernias are temporary and resolve spontaneously after a brief period of severe pain. In rare cases they can even be corrected via rectal palpation and traction. Ultimately however, loops of bowel become trapped in the tunica vaginalis and surgery is usually necessary.
