I have got such wonderful luck. Now my colt has a hernia. Can they appear just all of a sudden? I noticed it yesterday and the vets coming out this morning to preg check my mare, change the bandage on the filly and now to check the colt. Cant wait to get my bill as it is and now more will be added to it. I think its my unlucky year.

weclome to my world! If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have none at all!

As for hernia's... I think they can appear suddenly, depending on the cause, and location. Bluejay or 7cedars, or T-J will be the best to answer this...

My coming 2 yr old gelding has one, but our vet advised us to leave it as it was an umbilical hernia, and quite small.

On a lucky occaision with a umbilical hernia... if they know it is NOT intestine, they can put a sheep/cow docking ring on it to remove the fatty tissue. If its intestine... surgery is really your only way. I know our boys is fatty tissue, because the hole is so tiny you cannot push things back up through it. (tis what my vet told us anyways). I have limited experience with hernia's... and Im not complaining! LOL

Simple surgery that can be done at the same time as gelding with a purse string stitch to pull the hole closed.

I found out its not a hernia. But he does have an infection so he's on antibiotics.

Around the umbilical cord? Be very careful with that.. It can cause some serious problems. Keep a close eye on that.

I have seen them come and go.. What you are looking for is a hole in the abdomin that you can get your finger in. Some are so big you can put a few fingers in.. Take good care of that infection.. That can lead to big time trouble.

I have one right now that looks like it's a hurnia and just skin flap. And, true, the best time to take care of them is when you geld them.. Been there twice..