Ruminants of all types requiring umbilical surgery can be affected by a number of different conditions. However, the practitioner should be able to correct any of these conditions surgically, especially in young animals, as a field procedure if appropriate restraint and environment are available. Like other aspects of veterinary practice, the individual must decide what services he or she wishes to offer clients in their practice and which ones will be referred. The objective of this article is to equip veterinarians who wish to treat umbilical masses surgically with the information they need.