Internal (intra‐abdominal) herniation in the horse

Internal abdominal hernias are an uncommon occurrence in the horse. Protrusion of an abdominal organ or viscus may occur through a normal or pathological aperture within the peritoneal cavity, and incarceration of bowel through such an opening may lead to a strangulating obstruction of the intestine, characterised by luminal blockage and concurrent vascular compromise. As such, entrapment of bowel in internal hernias can represent an important indication for colic surgery in the horse.