Inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the large colon in an adult Andalusian stallion: a case report

A 3-year-old Andalusian stallion was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to acute onset of colic pain. At admission, the horse presented a pronounced distension of the inguinal and scrotal region which was cold and painful on palpation. On rectal palpation no small intestine gas distention was noticed, and the left large colon was detected protruding into the left internal inguinal ring. The percutaneous scrotal sonogram showed an intestinal loop which had moved into the scrotal bag close to the left testicle. The horse was diagnosed with indirect acquired left inguinal hernia. The necropsy revealed an impacted and twisted pelvic flexure in the vaginal space. To the authors’ knowledge, this report is the first that describes a clinical case of inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the pelvic flexure into the inguinal canal in an adult stallion associated with an impaction of the ascending colon.