DISEASES OF HORSES 131 



are to be mentioned the application of a pad over the tumor, the 

 pad being held in place by a broad tight bandage placed around 

 the animal's body. The chief objection to this is the difficulty in 

 keeping the pad in its place. Blisters are often applied over the 

 swelling, and, as the skin hardens and contracts by the formation 

 of scabs, an artificial bandage or pressure is produced that at times 

 is successful. Another treatment that has gained considerable 

 repute of late years consists in first clipping off the hair over the 

 swelling. Nitric acid is then applied by a small brush, using only 

 enough to moisten the skin. This sets up a deep-seated adhesive 

 inflammation, which, in very many cases, closes the opening in the 

 navel. 



Others, again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few 

 hours, cast and secure it upon its back ; the bowel is then carefully 

 returned into the abdomen. The skin over the opening is pinched 

 up and one or two skewers are run through the skin from side to 

 side as close as possible to the umbilical opening. These skewers 

 are kept in place by passing a cord around the skin between them 

 and the abdomen and securely tied. Great care must be taken not 

 to draw these cords too tight, as this rmild cause a speedy slough 

 of the skin, the intestines would extrude, and death result. If 

 properly applied, an adhesion is established between the skin and 

 the umbilicus which effectually closes the orifice. Special clamps 

 are provided for taking up the fold of the skin covering the hernia! 

 sac and holding it until the adhesion is formed. 



Diaphragmatic Hernia. This consists of the passage of any 

 of the abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm into the 

 cavity of the thorax. It is rather a rare accident and one often 

 impossible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompa- 

 nied by great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar position, so 

 often assumed (that of sitting upon the haunches) are somewhat 

 characteristic of this trouble, though these symptoms, as we have 

 already seen, may be present during diseases of the stomach or 

 anterior portion of the bowels. Even could we pronounce, with 

 certainty, this form of hernia, there is little or nothing that can 

 be done. Leading the horse up a very steep gangway or causing 

 him to rear up> may possibly cause the hernial portion to return to 

 its natural position. This is not enough, however; it must be kept 

 there. 



PERITONITIS. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous 

 membrane lining the cavity of and covering the viscera contained 

 within the abdomen. It is very rare to see a case of primary peri- 

 tonitis. It is, however, somewhat common as a secondary disease 

 from extension of the inflammatory action involving organs covered 

 by the peritoneum. Peritonitis is often caused 'by injuries, as punc- 

 tured wounds of the abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, as is still 

 more common, following the operation of castration. It follows 

 strangulated hernia, invagination, or rupture of the stomach, in- 

 testines, liver, or womb. 



