538 CHAPTER 71. 



1071. Hernia. (Omitted in its proper place.) 



Hernia (rupture) is the protruding of any organ from its natural 

 cavity. Such ruptures most often occur (1) in the wall of the abdomen ; 

 and (2) between the hind legs, viz. ventral or scrotal. 



The former generally results from accidental violence, such as the 

 prod of a cow's horn. The latter is congenital. 



As regards the first a truss would be the obvious remedy, but is not 

 available in horses. A horse, however, with abdominal rupture may do 

 slow steady work for years. But strangulation of the protruded gut is 

 liable to occur at any moment from any sudden or severe effort, and the 

 result will probably be fatal. 



As regards the second the treatment is essentially surgical, and can 

 only be attempted by a veterinary surgeon. 



