420 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



in some cases, almost touching the scrotum with his nose, 

 sweats break out, etc. 



Treatment. — Relief ma}' occasionally be afforded by cast- 

 ing the animal, turning him upon his back, elevating the 

 hind-quarters, manipulating the parts, etc. Taxis is recom- 

 mended in the old works ; but it is objectionable for 

 reasons that are obvious to every practitioner. In some 

 instances gas is generated in connection with the strangu- 

 lated mass, in which case the parts become troublesome to 

 handle, and it may be necessary to puncture, using for the 

 l^urpose the small trocar and canula which usually accom- 

 pany hypodermic syringes. If there is a well-marked 

 constriction, which prevents return of the intestine, the 

 stricture must be divided. Before operating, the animal 

 should receive a day or two of preparation, by dieting 

 carefully, etc., and if in very high condition, or carry- 

 ing much surplus flesh, he may be given a dose of 

 cathartic medicine and a few diuretic powders. In excep- 

 tional cases the clams slough off and the bowel escapes, 

 the opening never having closed. Such cases are, however, 

 very rare. In all cases the operator should be careful to 

 not include a portion of the intestine within the clams. If 

 such a thing should happen, the animal on rising will 

 immediately show great pain, and must of course, be recast 

 at once, and the imprisoned portion of intestine released, 

 or the most serious results will occur. After operating, 

 the animal must be kept standing quietly in the stable for 

 a few days, after w^hich he may be given walking exercise, 

 but no violent exercise should be allowed until recovery is 

 complete. 



Umbilical Hernia. — This form of hernia consists of the 

 protrusion of a portion of bowel through the umbilical 

 opening. Although umbilical hernia may exist in any 

 animal, it is more frequently met with in young animals 



