418 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



very much inconvenience ; but when it becomes strangu- 

 lated or causes much inconvenience it becomes necessary to 

 treat it. 



Syynytoms. — It is frequently a matter of considerable 

 difficulty to state positively whether hernia is ]3resent or 

 not : the enlargement may be there, but is it intestine or some- 

 thing else 1 If it be a true hernia it will increase in size 

 after a hearty meal. It is also influenced by the weather — 

 heat, by relaxing the tissues, allowing the hernia to expand 

 to its fullest extent ; while cold causes it to contract. A 

 diagnostic symptom is as follows : the practitioner should 

 place the hand upon the suspected mass, taking a firm but 

 gentle hold ; an assistant should now be directed cause to 

 the animal to cough. If it be a portion of bowel, it will be 

 slightly drawn up when the animal coughs. It is usually 

 soft and fluctuating beneath the fingers. It is caused by 

 violence — such as may occur to stallions whilst covering 

 mares, leaping, running, etc. In many cases a slight amount 

 of manipulation is sufficient to return it to its place. It 

 being so frequent in young colts, the practitioner should 

 always examine for the condition before castrating the 

 animal, as in case hernia be present, and proper precautions 

 are not taken, the bowel may escape and descend even to 

 the ground, in the event of which, great difficult}^ would in 

 all probability be experienced in returning the intestine, 

 securing it in its place, and curing the animal. 



Treatment. — Various methods of treatment are pursued. 

 For instance, some practitioners recommend the api^lication 

 of a bandage or truss, but such a procedure is objectionable 

 on account of the dilfficulty attending its proper applica- 

 tion, and retention afterward. Another, and a very good 

 way, is to cast the animal, and by gentle manipulation, etc., 

 return the intestine to the abdominal cavity. After which, 

 take hold of the testicle, apply clams over the scrotum and 



