422 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



animal or his usefulness. In case the owner insists upon an 

 operation, the clams should be used as a rule ; but, if it is 

 of large size, the best method of procedure is to cut into 

 the abdominal wall, scarify the edges of the opening, bring 

 them together, suture and bandage ; a cure usually results. 



Diaphragmatic Hernia. — In diaphragmatic hernia the 

 bowels pass through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. 

 The condition, comparatively speaking, is rare. Cases have 

 been observed, however, in which thirty feet of intestines 

 had passed through the diaphragm. It may be caused by 

 severe exertion, such as running, jumping, drawing very 

 heavy loads, etc. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are not very plain, but such 

 as are presented somew^hat resemble those of enteritis ; in 

 addition to which there may be difficult breathing, very 

 similar to that noticed in congestion of the lungs. This is 

 caused by the jiresence of the intestinal mass in the thoracic 

 cavity, pressing upon the lungs, and hampering them in their 

 movements. The animal rolls about in agony ; the body 

 becomes bathed with sweat ; the pulse is quick and weak, 

 but sometimes may take on the character of the pulse of 

 enteritis ; the ears, body, and extremities become cold, and 

 death takes place within a short time. Such a case may 

 be mistaken for spasmodic colic, enteritis, etc. 



Treatment. — It is almost invariably fatal, and treatment 

 is of no avail. 



PROLAPSUS ANI. 



This condition is also known as droj^ping of the funda- 

 ment, protrusion of the rectum, etc. It may be caused by 

 violent straining on the part of the animal, or by clearing 

 out the contents of the rectum by a person possessing a 

 large hand — particularly if the hand is not oiled, or the 

 02)eration be performed in a violent manner. Anything 



