Hernia in foal - questions

[chubbydog811]

First I will say, I do not own this foal, I'm potentially going to be looking at him to purchase.
He is a Paint colt about 5 months old. I am looking for another foal project to bring along, and this little guy caught my eye (good looking, good blood, going to be the right size, and is black/white, right attitude.)

The owner mentioned he did have a hernia. About 2" right now. He thinks it won't be a problem and should close up on it's own. His vet didn't have much of an opinion other than make sure you mention it to potential buyers.

What do you guys think? I have never dealt with hernias before, and don't know what I should be asking/looking for when I go to look at him.
Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[goodhors]

What kind of hernia? By his navel, back by his scrotum, belly line?

Some hernia's will close by themselves as the colt ages. May or may not
be a strong closing. Something to consider. Other hernia's don't close,
so surgical attention is needed to fix the problem, or you chance losing him
when body tissue goes into the hernia hole.

A non-involved Vet check over, pre-purchase, should give you correct
information on status of the hernia, RIGHT NOW, to make a choice.

Cost of fixing the problem may cost more than you will ever make in
profit raising up the colt to resell. Kind of like buying a horse with a retained
testicle. Cost of surgery is EXPENSIVE, so you may have more invested,
than you could ever sell the horse for.

 

[PattySh]

If it's an umbilical hernia, a 2 inch area is rather large to close on it's own. (Either a 2 inch 'hole or 2 inches of protrusion) I had a foal a few years back (a draftX) whos hernia was thumb width and did close on it's own, you could see just a bit of a bump on her belly. I remember my vet saying anything larger than a tiny hole with minimal fat protrusion generally needs to be surgically repaired

 

[chubbydog811]

Thanks for the advice you two!
I think I will pass on this foal...There are so many healthy foals out there, that money wise I am probably better off just waiting for another one to come along.
I don't want to have to invest a large chunk of money into an animal that hasn't proven themselves yet, especially knowing the risk is there that he might not live long enough to make it back.

Thanks again!