Abstract

Abstract
Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a significant concern in livestock, particularly in pregnant females, due to their potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality. The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnosis, surgical correction, and post-operative management of a right ventrolateral abdominal wall hernia in a full-term gravid ewe. A 2-year-old gravid Uda ewe presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Jos, Nigeria, with a large swelling on the right abdomen resulting from a bull horn gore which occurred a day prior to presentation. A thorough clinical examination revealed a large reduceable protrusion at the right ventrolateral abdominal wall with a palpable hernia ring of about 3cm. A gravid uterus was identified through left abdominal palpation; however, fetal viability was uncertain as no fetal motility or heartbeat was detectable via palpation and auscultation. A right ventrolateral traumatic abdominal wall hernia was arrived at following the chief complaint, history and clinical findings. Following sedation with intravenous injection of 2mg xylazine and local anesthesia via an inverted 'L' pattern infiltration of 10mg lidocaine, a caesarean section was performed and a moribund fetus was delivered. The hernia ring was then closed with size 2 polyglactin 910 using simple continuous sutures pattern. Post-operative antibiotics and analgesic were administered to prevent secondary bacterial infection and pain. The ewe made a full recovery after 15 days. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition, appropriate surgical technique, and post-operative care in managing traumatic abdominal hernias in livestock. The findings of this case report can inform and improve current practices, ultimately enhancing animal welfare and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry.
Keywords: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia; Gore injury; Gravid ewe

Key words: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia; Gore injury; Gravid ewe