Pets are susceptible to more than just injuries and infectious diseases. They may develop lesions associated with various pathologies, including congenital ones. One of the most common problems is calf hernias, which can cause dangerous complications if treated incorrectly or completely untreated. They are not considered infections, so they do not threaten the entire herd, but they can kill the calf.
What kind of pathology is this
A hernia is a protrusion of internal organs, most often the intestines, through an opening formed in the connective tissues. If the problem is not dealt with in a timely manner, the hernia may begin to increase in size due to further protrusion of intestinal loops and organs.
This can cause strangulation, poor circulation and the formation of intestinal obstruction. Such conditions not only cause severe pain and discomfort to the animal, but in a neglected state can cause the death of young animals.
Causes of the disease
A hernia can be of the following types:
- Congenital. It occurs due to a hereditary tendency to muscle weakness and low tissue elasticity. Also, the cause of this type of hernia is the expansion of the umbilical ring.
- Acquired. This pathology develops due to trauma, for example, a blow to the stomach, a severe bruise from a fall, and also due to the entry of pathogens into an open wound formed during umbilical cord cutting.
If the abdominal wall is weak, protrusion of organs and parts of the intestine will continue due to internal pressure, so this pathology absolutely cannot be ignored.
Symptoms of the disease
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, its signs may not be noticeable, since at this time the animal still feels well and does not suffer from pain. But a hernia in calves can be noticeable to the naked eye, so veterinarians and owners need to carefully examine the litter immediately after birth, and then regularly during the first weeks and months of the animal's life.
In the initial stages, it can be reduced with light finger pressure, but with the slightest effort or movement of the calf, the hernia comes out again. If the problem is in an advanced stage, part of the intestine, and sometimes other organs, gets into the umbilical opening. This leads to the following symptoms:
- Pain, especially when moving or touching the affected area.
- Slight increase in temperature.
- Loss of appetite.
- Disorders of excretory function.
- Anxiety, restlessness, or lethargy in the calf.
Such signs cannot be ignored, because at any moment the hernia can be strangulated, and this poses an immediate threat to life.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis is carried out visually and by palpation, the diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of characteristic signs. Upon examination, the veterinarian discovers a specific protrusion in the navel area, which can be mobile and painful. The presence of a hernia is confirmed by an increase in temperature by several degrees, disturbances in appetite and bowel movements, and changes in the behavior of the animal.
How to properly treat an umbilical hernia in calves
If the hernia is small in size (up to 30 millimeters in diameter), it is considered non-life threatening. The animal must be monitored. Most often, nothing will have to be done, since within a year of the young animal’s life the hernia can disappear on its own due to the strengthening of the muscle corset and the closure of the umbilical opening.
In all other cases, mandatory treatment will be required, which is performed in various ways.
Conservative treatment
If a hernia in calves is detected in a timely manner, when it is still minor, there is no strangulation, inflammation or adhesions, the babies can be helped by reduction.
To do this, the veterinarian gently massages the hernia area, stimulating relaxation of the muscle ring. Then he delicately, without extra effort, pushes the tissues that have come out into the hole. To prevent repeated protrusion outward, the hernia site is sealed with a thick plaster and additionally secured with a special bandage. In order for such treatment to proceed without complications and bring relief, the calf needs to be rested for about a week.
In the future, the injured animal must be protected from physical stress, shock and injury.
Surgical intervention
If the calf's hernia is inflamed, there is suppuration, a loop of intestine or other tissue has entered the hole, there is strangulation, adhesions that threaten necrosis, urgent surgical intervention will be required.
The operation is performed by a veterinarian under local anesthesia. The navel area is cleaned of fur, disinfected and anesthetized. An incision in the abdominal wall is made 20 millimeters from the edge of the hernia. The resulting sac is removed, if necessary, the inflamed tissue is cleaned, the protruding organs are carefully adjusted, and the hole is sutured. To prevent the recurrence of a hernia in calves, fixing staples are applied to the operation site.
Postoperative period
After the intervention, the animal is provided with rest, covered with clean straw, given light, easily digestible food and constant access to clean drinking water. The calf is given antibiotics if necessary, as well as painkillers if necessary. On the fifth or tenth day after the operation, the sutures are removed, but the condition of the calf continues to be monitored.If his temperature rises, discharge or pus appears, the stitches come apart, it is necessary to take immediate action and call a veterinarian, as dangerous complications are possible.
Consequences of lack of treatment
Umbilical hernia in calves is a life-threatening pathology that requires careful attention, especially if it is strangulated. Trying to cope with this condition on your own is extremely dangerous, since adhesions may form if pinched. If you try to straighten the intestine with force, this can lead to ruptures and spillage of contents into the abdominal cavity. This threatens with an extremely serious consequence - the development of peritonitis, in which there is a high risk of losing the calf.
If hernias in calves are not treated promptly, this can cause the following complications:
- Incarceration leading to the development of necrosis and tissue rupture.
- The formation of adhesions precluding the possibility of non-surgical reduction of a hernia in a calf.
- Inflammatory process (phlegmon) of the hernial sac. It can spread to the abdominal wall and move to the affected part of the organs, accompanied by an increase in temperature and a sharp deterioration in the general well-being of the animal. The condition threatens the rapid spread of infection, damage to vital organs, general intoxication and the development of sepsis (blood poisoning).
It is impossible to assume that any hernia in calves will go away on its own. If it is detected, the animal must be under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Prevention
If the formation of an umbilical hernia in offspring is associated with heredity, it is impossible to prevent it, but there is a chance to cope with it in the early stages.In other situations, you can protect the animal from the formation of a hernial sac by keeping the calf in comfortable conditions, avoiding injury, blows, and falls.
Scientists from the USA believe that a risk factor is an infection that gets into the umbilical wound, so frequent treatment with available antiseptics, for example, tincture of iodine, can be a method of prevention. This will help speed up healing and reduce the risk.
Another preventative method is the use of plastic clamps to prevent the expansion of the umbilical ring and the formation of a hernia in calves.
This condition is common in newborns and toddlers, but requires a competent approach to avoid painful and risky consequences. If you do not pay attention to the presence of a hernia, this will cause the gradual development of a hernia and inflammation, which can lead to sudden complications and death of the young animal.
