3 things to know about hernias

HERNIAS aren't uncommon in grazing species. They're normally only seen shortly after birth due to a genetic defect in the body wall, such as an umbilical hernia. Sometimes a very small hernia will repair itself as an animal grows.

GENETIC hernias aren't painful in the same way as a traumatic one like Katie's. However, there's a risk that if the intestine becomes trapped in the hole, it may strangulate, swell and cut off the blood supply. Animals can go into shock and die.

SCROTAL hernias are common in pigs, where intestines and fat follow the testicles as they descend into the scrotal sac.