Abstract:

Use of Elastrator? rings to repair umbilical hernias in young swine

Paolo Pollicino, DVM, PhD; Marco Gandini, DVM; Giovanni Perona, DVM, PhD; Mario Mattoni, DVM; Anna M. Farca, DVM

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of using Elastrator rings (Elastrator; Heiniger International, Switzerland) to repair umbilical hernias in swine. Ten 2- to 3-month-old gilts (Large White × Italian Landrace) with umbilical hernias were heavily sedated and placed in dorsal recumbency. After manual reduction of the hernia in each animal, two Elastrator rings were applied on the hernial sac, close to the abdominal wall. Animals showed no signs of post-treatment pain. In eight animals, the hernial sac separated at 21 to 28 days post treatment. These animals were marketed at a mean age of 220.5 ± 8.25 days and an average weight of 171 ± 7 kg. Repair was unsuccessful in two animals.

The use of Elastrator rings to repair recently diagnosed umbilical hernias appears to be an effective method in commercial swine. The technique is simple and inexpensive, and animals need no special care.

Keywords: umbilical hernia, Elastrator

Cite as: Pollicino P, Gandini M, Perona G, et al. Use of Elastrator? rings to repair umbilical hernias in young swine. J Swine Health Prod 2007;15(2):92-95.

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