DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 205 



does not become too profuse. Keep the animal quiet and the 

 bleeding usually ceases of its own accord. 



8. Rupture (Hernia). 



Sometimes a small rupture is present that is not detected 

 before the operation, or the rupture may take place during 

 the operation. 



Symptoms. — The bowels hang from the cut. This may 

 be only slight — two or three inches or a foot, but cases are on 

 record where the rupture has been such as to be trampled 

 under foot. Should the bowel protrude very far and become 

 strangulated and inflamed, there is great pain and symptoms 

 of inflammation of the bowels. The protruding portion of the 

 bowel is of a bluish-red color and, if allowed to remain out, 

 soon mortifies. 



There may be no sign of rupture at the time of the 

 operation. The colt may be left apparently all right. In a 

 few hours the owner may, upon examination, find him in the 

 above-mentioned condition. 



Treatment. — If the bowels are out, inflamed, bruised with 

 the hind feet, and causing great pain, there can be nothing 

 done but destroy the animal. In cases where there is only a 

 small amount of the bowels out, throw the animal and secure 

 him, oil the hand with sweet oil and force the bowels back 

 through the hole into their natural cavity. Sew up the cut in 

 the scrotum to keep the bowels from coming down. Keep 

 the animal very quiet and feed on soft food to keep the 

 bowels loose. Swelling will take place, and the swelling and 

 the stitches will keep the bowels in their place until the open- 

 ing heals and thus prevent further trouble with the rupture. 

 When rupture is suspected when operating with clamps, leave 

 them on longer than under ordinary conditions. 



9. Protrusion of the Fatty Lining of the Bowels. 



There is sometimes a slight rupture not noticed at the 

 time of castration. In a few hours after the operation the 

 fatty lining of the bowels is found to protrude from six inches 

 to two feet. 



Symptoms. — The protruding portion is of a red color. 

 To the touch it appears to be a fatty-like substance. Little 

 or no pain accompanies this condition and the health and 

 appetite appear to be perfectly natural. 



