92 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



HERNIA, OR RUPTURE. 



This is when a portion of the intestines protrudes from 

 some cavity in the belly, which is either natural or ar- 

 tificial. But there is yet another kind of hernia, and 

 one more common among horses than the former ; this 

 is Strangulated Hernia, and is found on the scotum of 

 the stallion, and on the groin of the gelding ; this is 

 very seldom known among mares. 



Causes. — ^Violence produces hernia more frequently 

 than any other cause, horses being urged to perform 

 more than their powers will admit of. When restive, 

 careless grooms, when in haste, will kick the animal 

 in the abdomen ; rearing and kicking, struggling during 

 the performance of an operation, all these causes will 

 produce hernia. The rowel of a spur is stated by 

 Gibson to have caused it when pressed too hard against 

 the side. 



Symptoms. — A general uneasiness, a rolling from 

 side to side, lying down for a few moments, and then 

 rising, as if to procure a relaxation of pain ; tumours 

 on the groin, sometimes soft, sometimes hard. 



Treatment. — Unless the case is very slight, from the 

 impossibility of tying bandages round the parts affected, 

 it is incurable ; iif it is recent, some relief may be given 

 by bleeding, and giving oily clysters : fomentation of 

 the part frequently during the day with vinegar and 

 camphorated spirits warmed. Poultices are also used 

 with effect. Girard gives some lengthened advice on 

 this disease ; and Blaine may be consulted with ad- 

 vantage by those who wish to study the subject deeply. 



