504 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



there is difficulty in swallowing and salivation. In thin hogs if 

 the object is lodged in the pharynx, it may be felt by pressing the 

 pharynx with the fingers. If the foreign body is lodged in this re- 

 gion, instead of grunting, the hog will make a shrill sound. 



Treatment. When the foreign body is lodged in the pharynx, 

 it may be pushed forward by pressing below it with the fingers, or 

 a blunt flexible stick can be used in dislodging it. Mucilaginous 

 drenches should be given, but drenches must be given carefully, 

 as there is some danger of their getting into the air passages. Un- 

 less relieved soon after the accident has occurred, it is best to slaugh- 

 ter the animal. (Ind. B. 100.) 



HERNIA, OR RUPTURE. 



Causes. Hernia is a condition in which a portion of the in- 

 testines or omentum have passed through the walls of the abdomen 

 and lie just beneath the skin. Hernia in pigs is due to congenital 

 defects, as an open umbilicus and a w r ide inguinal canal, and to in- 

 creased pressure on the walls of the abdomen by the intestines caused 

 by the pigs piling up and lying on each other, and to crawling 

 through a small opening in the pen or fence. Congenital hernia 

 makes its appearance soon after birth. (Ind. B. 100.) 



UMBILICAL HERNIA. 



Symptoms. Umbilical hernia is recognized by the presence 

 of a swelling or tumor below the navel opening. The swelling is 

 soft and free from inflammation, is larger at one time than at an- 

 other, and by laying the pig on its back and pressing downwards on 

 the swelling, it may disappear. Pigs with umbilical hernias do not 

 thrive as they should and sometimes become stunted. 



Treatment. The treatment of umbilical hernia is not diffi- 

 cult, and is usually followed by good results. The method of operat- 

 ing is as follows: The pig is placed on its back and held there by 

 an assistant, and with the finger the size and the position of the 

 umbilical opening is determined. If the intestines do not pass back 

 into the abdominal cavity of their own accord, they should be pressed 

 back with the fingers. The hernial sack is then held by the assist- 

 ant and a strong cord tied around its base close up to the abdominal 

 wall. The ligature should be tied tight enough to cut off the circu- 

 lation in the sack and cause it to slough off. The swelling caused 

 by the ligature is sufficient to close the opening, and in a few weeks 

 it will become obliterated. The simple ligature will answer for a 

 small rupture, but if large, a multiple ligature must be used. The 

 seat of the operation is first washed with an antiseptic wash. A 

 slightly curved needle carrying a heavy linen thread that has been 

 lying in an antiseptic solution is then passed through the base of 

 the sack close up to the abdomen, the thread divided and each half 

 tied separately, or one half can be tied and the needle carrying the 

 other half again passed through and tied. The operation is repeated 

 until the necessary stitches have been taken. In case of adhesions 

 between the walls of the sack and its contents, the hernia cannot 

 be reduced and it will be necessary to cut into the sack and break 

 them down with the fingers, then close the opening by stitching 



