Surgical management of bovine inguinal herniation

Inguinal herniation is not a rare occurrence in cattle, there are on average one to two cases per year in the authors’ experience, and surgical management is required if the goal is correction of the problem. Bovine inguinal hernias are classified as either congenital or acquired. Acquired hernias are further differentiated as direct or indirect depending on pathogenesis and whether or not there is damage to the tunic. Two surgical approaches are described below and can be successfully utilized for repair. Following surgery and recovery, bulls often return to breeding without incident.