DISEASES OF SWINE 505 



across from muscle to muscle. Strict antiseptic precautions must be 

 observed in performing this operation. The after treatment consists 

 in keeping the pig by itself for a few days and in keeping the part 

 clean. (Ind. B. 100.) 



SCROTAL OR INGUINAL HERNIA. 



Symptoms. This form of hernia occurs only in the male. The 

 testicles lie toward the bottom of the bunch which may be so large 

 that it drags on the ground. Raising the hind parts of the pig will 

 cause the bunch to become smaller. Strangulation of the intestines 

 seldom occurs. When the hernia is large, the pig does not thrive 

 and will become stunted. 



Treatment. To relieve this condition it is necessary to cas- 

 trate the animal. The pig should be starved the day before being 

 operated on. The covered operation is the one to be preferred. To 

 remove the pressure from the scrotum, the pig can be hung up by 

 the hind legs or held in this position by an assistant. The scrotum 

 is then washed with an antiseptic wash and an incision made 

 through its walls. The operator must be careful and not cut the 

 covering (tunica vaginalis) of the testicles. The incision should 

 be large enough to allow the testicle and its coverings to be drawn 

 outside the scrotum, and permit the operator to break down with 

 his fingers any adhesions present. A needle carrying a thread is 

 then passed through the tunic and cord as high up as possible, the 

 thread cut close to the needle and the cord and tunic ligated. The 

 ligature should be drawn moderately tight and the cord and tunic 

 cut off about half an inch above it. The ligature should be of strong 

 material and when not in use, it should be kept in a vessel con- 

 taining an antiseptic solution. The open operation, reducing the 

 hernia, cutting through the coverings of the testicle, removing it 

 and closing the opening the same as in umbilical hernia, can be 

 used. It is best to keep the pig by itself for a few days following 

 the operation. (Ind. B. 100.) 



VENTRAL HERNIA. 



Scrotal and umbilical hernia are due to dilation of openings 

 already present; all others caused by a tear or break in the abdom- 

 inal wall, but not in the skin, are known as ventral hernia. 



Causes. Injuries are the cause of this form of hernia. Lying 

 on one another in the pen, as is the case when they pile up, kicks 

 and collisions with blunt objects are common causes. 



Symptoms. A favorite seat for ventral hernia in hogs is on 

 the inside of the flank, the mass of intestines extending backwards 

 between the hind legs. The size of the swelling varies and presents 

 the same appearance as in other forms of rupture. If caused by 

 a local injury, there is more or less inflammation in the part. This 

 symptom is not noticed in old cases. 



Treatment. Treatment is not as satisfactory as in the other 

 forms. After reducing the hernia an incision is made in the sack, 

 and the opening in the walls of the abdomen closed by sutures 

 the same as in umbilical hernia. (Ind. B. 100.) 



