TREATMENT OP CRURAL HERNIA. 557 



and others state having had to operate for crural hernia ; and usually 

 it is said to have been seen in horses and dogs. 



The crural canal (canalis cruralis) consists of a triangular space between 

 the sartorius and iliacus muscles and Poupart's ligament, and lies somewhat 

 nearer the mesial line of the body than the inner abdominal ring, but close 

 behind it. It is occupied by the crural vessels, by lymph glands, and 

 connective tissue, and is covered by the outer tendinous head of the inner 

 oblique abdominal muscle, and by the peritoneum, by which the passage 

 of abdominal viscera into the canal is prevented. Should, however, this 

 covering become ruptured or dilated and a portion of bowel or omentum 

 enter the canal, a crural hernia results. 



Symptoms. The hernial swelling, which is usually small and 

 flat, is found on the inner aspect of the thigh, at the point where the 

 vena saphena leaves the surface. It causes a straddling gait, and 

 when incarcerated, may produce lameness, colic, &c. Examination 

 in the dorsal position or per rectum leaves no doubt as to its 

 existence. 



Causes and progress. The condition is either congenital or 

 arises during delivery, from the hind-quarters of the foetus remaining 

 a long time in the maternal passages, and the abdomen being power- 

 fully compressed. In later life it may be caused by slipping, drawing 

 heavy loads, or by very severe labour pains. Dandrieux saw a cow 

 develop crural hernia during labour. Spontaneous recovery scarcely 

 ever occurs, and incarceration, which produces the same symptoms 

 as in other hernia?, is not uncommon. Crural hernia must, therefore, 

 be considered as at least as dangerous as inguinal hernia. 



Treatment. Lafosse attempted taxis after casting the horse, 

 but as the hernia was strangulated and taxis failed, he resorted to 

 operation. An incision was made through the sac large enough 

 to enable Poupart's ligament to be sutured to the long abductor 

 muscle of the leg, after reduction of the hernia. After operation 

 the animal was tied up for a week, and fourteen days later was 

 quietly exercised. 



Tidborn opened an incarcerated hernia in a foal, replaced the 

 loop of small intestine, which had already become adherent, and 

 sewed up the wound ; the animal, however, died. Lafond states 

 having cured crural hernia in a she-ass by using a clam. In Germany 

 the disease appears to be very rare. Whether the different food or 

 the heavy work is the cause of its more frequent occurrence in France 

 is uncertain. 



