Changes

The hernia may be palpable in the inguinal region and over the scrotum of male dogs.  The hernia may be externally reducible, especially if the animal is in dorsal recumbency and the hind limbs and caudal abdomen are elevated.

The hernia may be palpable in the inguinal region and over the scrotum of male dogs.  The hernia may be externally reducible, especially if the animal is in dorsal recumbency and the hind limbs and caudal abdomen are elevated.

In horses, entrapment of the small intestine in the hernia may cause obstruction and/or strangulation.  Affected horses show signs of severe colic, including rolling, flank watching, belly kicking, flehmus, bruxism and scraping.  Rectal palpation will reveal the presence of multiple loops of distended small intestine (which feel similar to bicycle inner tubes) and intestine may be palpable within the scrotum.  See [[Surgical Colic in the Horse|here]] for more details.

In horses, entrapment of the small intestine in the hernia may cause obstruction and/or strangulation.  Affected horses show signs of severe colic, including rolling, flank watching, belly kicking, flehmus, bruxism and scraping.  Rectal palpation will reveal the presence of multiple loops of distended small intestine (which feel similar to bicycle inner tubes) and intestine may be palpable within the scrotum.  See [[Colic Diagnosis - Rectal Examination|here]] for more details.

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

'''Plain radiographs of the abdomen''' show that the normally distinct border of the caudal ventral abdomen is disrupted by the presence of structures within the inguinal canal.  If the hernia contains small intestine, gas lucencies may be evident within the canal.

'''Plain radiographs of the abdomen''' show that the normally distinct border of the caudal ventral abdomen is disrupted by the presence of structures within the inguinal canal.  If the hernia contains small intestine, gas lucencies may be evident within the canal.

'''Ultrasonography''' may be used to identify the contents of the inguinal canals.  It is important that both canals are scanned and palpated as the contralateral side may be subclinically affected.  This modality is also useful in cases of suspected scrotal herniation to assess testicular blood flow and to ascertain whether the spermatic cord is torsed.  

'''Ultrasonography''' may be used to identify the contents of the inguinal canals.  It is important that both canals are scanned and palpated as the contralateral side may be subclinically affected.  This modality is also useful in cases of suspected scrotal herniation to assess testicular blood flow and to ascertain whether the spermatic cord is torsed.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==