CHAPTER XII. 



RUPTURE (HERNIA) AND METHODS OF 

 TREATMENT. 



RUPTURE or hernia is the protrusion of any of the 

 viscera — entrails or inner parts of the animal body as 

 a result of the breaking of the outer covering or pro- 

 tecting membrane. 



1. Navel or Umbilical Rupture. 



This is a protrusion of the bowels through the opening 

 at the navel. 



Causes. — It is the result of the opening not becoming 

 closed and properly knit together at the time of birth, thus 

 allowing the bowels to protrude at this point to form a sort 

 of sack or pouch inside the skin. The size of this pouch 

 varies from that of a small hen's egg to that of a goose egg, 

 and even larger. This is a miserable, unsightly blemish and 

 is best treated in the spring of the year when the colt is a 

 year or two old. 



Treatment. — Nothing should be given to eat for at least 

 twenty-four hours before operating. After casting and secur- 

 ing him force the bowel well back and draw the skin well up. 

 Keep it in this position by attaching a heavy, stiff clamp 

 secured at both ends by a stout cord. Insert a few darning 

 needles through the skin below the clamp to keep it from 

 slipping off. Break off the points of the needles to prevent 

 them catching in anything. The clamp should be left in this 

 position till it drops off of its own accord, at which time the 

 hole will be healed and the rupture cured. This usually 

 requires from nine to twelve days. When the clamp falls off 

 there is a raw spot left at this point which requires attention, 

 especially in warm weather, to prevent it from being infested 

 with maggots. Should this occur wash well with warm water 

 and soap a few times and apply the creolin lotion. 



Warning. — Be careful not to catch hold of the bowel 

 when attaching the clamp. 



Note. — A steel clamp made especially for the purpose of 

 treating cases of this kind may be obtained from the Detroit 



