Abdominal Hernia Repair

[Art Geckos]

Yesterday we had a hatchling pop out with an abdominal hernia. He hatched 11 days after his sibling (on day 53) at 2/3 the normal size. We had a physician examine this little critter and determine if nothing was done the hatchling would likely get gangrenous and die.

So, the animal was cleaned and held upside down under magnification; using a bit of Glycerin on a Cuetip the innards were carefully pushed back into the abdominal cavity - (50% of the way was the best we could manage) and sealed the wound with superglue.

The animal is now alert and hopefully will survive.

Does anyone know why abdominal hernias occur? Lack of humidity or perhaps genetics or ...?? Thanks

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Wow yesterday must be the day for abnormal babies as I had one pop out like that too and heard a couple other people say the same on FB. My assumption was that mine pulled the umbilical cord too hard/fast and caused it but it could have been something else as well since her tail is about half the length it should be too. I've seen umbilical hernias in puppies and kittens quite a few times when I worked as a vet tech. The usual advice the vet gave was to keep it clean and keep and eye on it and most tended to heal on their own in a few weeks. Best of luck with your guy. Mine looked super stressed this morning when I found him hatched and I decided to wait to try anything until tomorrow morning. I hope its not too late then :/

 

[acpart]

I've had 2 with abdominal hernias in the past 8 years or so. I've heard that the results can be good if the viscera can be put back inside and closed with superglue. I've found that mine have been too small, and the hernia too big to allow this to happen and they have not survived, but I've heard of other people having good results. Good luck.

Aliza

 

[Art Geckos]

Thanks for your concern Lisa and Aliza; the little guy is Alert and moving around after a few days; How is your twiggy doing Lisa? Perhaps Ill post a pic of the post-op results if he does well. Cheers