546 TREATMENT OF NON-STRANGtTLATED INGUINAL HERNIA. 



the position of the inguinal ring (i.e., the outer ring) would easily 

 allow of its being sutured, but the rigid character of the edges 

 (aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle) effectually prevents 

 union. Certainly the same success could not be obtained as by 

 the above described methods, and this probably explains its slight 

 popularity. 



(3) Closure of the inner abdominal ring by inducing inflammation 

 of the spermatic cord and adhesions with neighbouring structures. 

 If, after successful reposition of the hernia the spermatic cord be 

 caused to swell, it may completely fill the internal ring, or so far 

 occlude it as to prevent the passage of intestine or omentum. 



(a) In Spain, according to Stockfleth's description, the scrotum 

 and spermatic cord are continuously rubbed. The stallion is starved 

 for two or three days, the rectum emptied by means of clysters, 

 the animal cast, placed on its back, and the hind-quarters drawn 

 up. The testicle is now drawn forward with one hand, whilst the 

 thumb, index, and middle finger of the other are employed in rubbing 

 the spermatic cord until marked swelling appears. The animal is 

 allowed to rise quietly, and during the first three days is sparingly 

 fed, and only walked when exercised. Animals are said to be cured 

 in twelve days ; but though this is possible, it is certain that failures 

 often result. 



(b) Bagge's method is similar. After replacing the hernia, a 

 woollen band is tied round the scrotum in the neighbourhood of 

 the inguinal ring, and allowed to remain on for eight hours, when a 

 swelling is found t , have been produced, and the band is removed. 

 Recovery occurs in six to eight days. Bagge states having thus 

 cured nine stallions in one day(?). 



In this connection, Kruckow's procedure may be referred to even 

 though the method be not usually possible. In a fresh case of inguinal 

 hernia Kruckow thrust^the displaced portion of intestine, together with 

 the testicle, back into the abdominal cavity, after which the intestine 

 did not return. The scrotum was rubbed with diluted sulphuric acid. 

 This report is open to question, for two reasons— firstly, it is certainly 

 only possible in exceptional cases to thrust the testicle into the abdominal 

 cavity through the inguinal canal, and even if this were always practicable, 

 the absence of the spermatic cord from the abdominal ring must greatly 

 favour recurrence. 



In the gelding, operative measures must be somewhat modified. 

 The horse is cast, chloroformed, laid on its back, and the hernia 

 reduced ; the castration cicatrix discovered, and an elliptical incision 

 made through the skin around it, so that the skin which is adherent 

 to the base of the tunica or end of the spermatic cord can be lifted 



