HERNIA OR RUPTURE 323 



As an acquired disease it is most frequently seen in aged stallions, 

 when as a result of progressive relaxation and enlargement of the internal 

 abdominal ring and the inguinal canal the entrance of the bowel into the 

 scrotum is facilitated. 



It is in this latter form of disease that trouble is to be feared, much 

 more so than where the malady occurs early in life and exists as a chronic 

 congenital disorder. 



Symptoms. — The presence of scrotal hernia is marked by an increase 

 in the size of the scrotum on the affected side, but inasmuch as the volume 

 of this sac may be augmented by other causes than that of hernia, a careful 

 manipulation of the part and nice discrimination will be required in order 

 to arrive at a correct diagnosis. The presence of a portion of bowel in the 

 purse will be indicated (i) if the enlargement varies in size from time 

 to time, or wholly disappears and returns again; (ii) if the swelling is 

 springy and elastic to the touch, like confined air, or if it is soft and pits to 

 pressure of the finger, or if these conditions are alternately present at 

 different times; (iii) if pressure applied to the scrotum produces a gurgling 

 sound, and at the same time a reduction in the size of the scrotum; (iv) if 

 when the patient is made to cough by compressing the throat the enlarge- 

 ment increases. 



Any opinion formed from external manipulation must be confirmed by" 

 passing the hand into the rectum and examining the internal abdominal 

 ring as directed for inguinal hernia. 



Treatment. — In some cases of this disease the hernia will in part 

 or altogether disappear, and especially after a roll or a long period of 

 fasting, but only to return again. If the escaped gut becomes inordinately 

 distended with food compression and strangulation may result, where 

 symptoms indicative of suffering, such as were described in speaking of 

 inguinal hernia, will be manifested. 



Here again in the matter of treatment taxis must precede surgical 

 interference. An attempt must be made to relieve the bowel through 

 the medium of the rectum and by manipulation of the hernia as advised - 

 in the preceding article. For this purpose the horse is cast, chloroformed, 

 and placed on his back, and underpacked in the manner described for 

 inguinal hernia. 



Should this fail, then it will be necessary to liberate the gut by dividing 

 the point of constriction. This having been done the animal must be 

 castrated by the covered operation, and after free irrigation of the parts 

 with antiseptic dressing he is allowed to rise. If symptoms of acute pain 

 follow the operation, a bold dose of opium may be administered and hot 

 cloths applied to the region of the scrotum. 



