HERNIA. 



741 



In small animals, such as the sheep, goat, and pig, laparotomy 

 is more easily practicable, and can be performed either in the right 

 flank or towards the white line. The stages of operation are exactly 

 the same, but after operating near the white line it is extremely 

 important to use numerous and strong sutures, and afterwards to 

 apjDly a suspensory bandage around the abdomen, securing it above 

 the loins. 



HERNIA. 



The situation and nature of the hernia determine whether or not 

 a radical cure should be attempted. 



When a decision has been arrived at the seat of operation must first 

 of all be thoroughly cleansed 

 and disinfected. The animal 

 is cast in a convenient posi- 

 tion, and a general anaesthetic 

 is given or a subcutaneous in- 

 jection of 1 per cent, cocaine 

 solution administered. 



The operation comprises : — 



First stage. Incision through 

 the skin covering the hernial 

 sac, opposite the orifice of the 

 hernia. 



Second stage. Isolation of 

 the hernial sac. 



Third stage. Reduction of 

 the hernia and breaking down 

 of any adhesions that may 

 exist. 



Fourth stage. Resection of 

 the sac and obliteration of the 

 peritoneal orifice by suture and 

 ligature. 



Fifth stage. Suturing of 

 the muscles and skin, and application of a surgical dressing. 



In practice, the deep sutures should be of bichromatised catgut 

 or silk, and the skin sutures of catgut ligature or aseptic silk. 



INGUINAL HERNIA IN YOUNG PIGS. 



One of the most frequent forms of hernia which the practitioner is 

 called on to treat is inguinal hernia in young pigs. Although this 

 allows little tendency towards strangulation it is always desirable to 



