Indirect inguinal herniation of the urinary bladder in a Shetland pony foal.

A six-week-old male Shetland pony is presented with pollakiuria and a scrotal mass. The diagnostic procedures conducted included a thorough clinical examination, external palpation, a scrotal ultrasonographic exam and urinary catheterization. These revealed an indirect herniation of the urinary bladder into the tunica vaginalis. Subsequently, the case was managed surgically by performing a partial cystectomy through an inguinal approach. Bilateral castration was performed with the affected side an additional closure of the superficial inguinal ring. Five months post-surgery, a routine telephone questionnaire highlighted no post-operative concerns. Gross examination of the inguinal region revealed no abnormalities and the foal was maturing as expected.