The principle of why either scrotal or umbilical hernias occur is the same: The muscles are weaker at the site of the rupture, this can cause the contents of the abdominal cavity sag or bulge out between the muscles and become visible.
Trying to reduce the risk of hernias occurring on farm can be achieved by the following:
Improve creep
temperature: This will prevent piglets
lying on top of each other when huddling. Lying on top of each other can have
two effects 1) They can irritate and pull on the umbilical cord causing
inflammation and 2) One piglet lying on another increases the pressure in the
abdominal cavity and any weak spotwill be aggravated which may result in a
hernia.
Reduce risk of
Navel Ill: Infection can cause
umbilical hernias so never cut or pull the umbilical cord. Leave them to dry
naturally, iodine spray is a sensible measure to reduce
infections.
Trained Staff in the
Farrowing House: Only allow experienced
staff to assist during farrowing, do not pull the piglets out with great force
especially during a contraction.
Always pick piglets up by
the back leg and support under the rib cage