190 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



the rupture continues to grow and increase in size until the 

 fourth to the sixth month of the colt's age, and then 

 gradually and progressively disappears altogether. If, 

 however, it should not at the end of that time diminish 

 in size and volume, a tolerably stout and tight collar or 

 bandage may be placed around the body, covering the 

 rupture. This band should be kept in place by a broad 

 collar or cloth attached to each side of the body bandage, 

 and passing in front of the breast, with another round the 

 back parts of the hips — thus preventing a backward or 

 forward movement of the body bandage. 



If rupture should occur in a few days after the birth of 

 the colt, it should, to all intents and purposes, be classed as 

 congenital rupture, and be treated accordingly. 



Congenital rupture is the same as what is called by 

 some writers umbilical rupture, which is correct as far as 

 it goes ; but congenital rupture includes not only the navel, 

 but the scrotal also. The navel variety can be most suc- 

 cessfully treated by letting it alone ; or, in some cases, by 

 the application of a bandage. When, however, in the 

 scrotum, castration is the only cure, and a bandage in this 

 case would not only be useless, but hurtful to the colt. 



(4.) Ventral Rupture. — This is when the bowel pro- 

 trudes through any part of the belly, excepting at the 

 umbilicus or navel, or any natural opening, and is generally 

 the result of injury or accident, as from a hook from the 

 horn of a cow, or the kick of a horse. The common place 

 where this kind of rupture is usually seen, is on the lower 

 portion of the belly, between the ribs and at the flanks. 



Symptoms. A large, puffy swelling which can be lessened 

 in size and forced into the cavity of the belly again, by 

 merely pressing against it. The skin will be loose Avheu 

 the bowel is thus pushed in ; and when the pressure has 



