Surgical management of umbilical hernia in buffalo calves: A report of six cases

Abstract

Six calves of buffaloes and cattle, aged between 2–3 months, were presented with a history of swelling at the umbilical region since birth that had gradually increased in size over the past few days. Clinical examination revealed reducible umbilical swellings in four calves, while two calves exhibited non-reducible hernias. All calves were stabilized with supportive therapy prior to surgery. Herniorrhaphy was performed under sedation using xylazine @ 0.05 mg/kg body weight IM, along with local infiltration of 2% lignocaine at the incision site. Laparotomy confirmed umbilical hernias with either enterocoele or epiplocele at the hernial ring. Adhesions were carefully removed manually with gentle handling of surrounding tissues. The hernial sac was lavaged with normal saline and metronidazole solution. Herniorrhaphy was performed using 2-0 polyester (Dester®) in an overlapping pattern. Postoperative monitoring for one month revealed complete recovery in all calves, with only one case showing minor wound infection. All animals resumed normal feeding behavior.