TREATMENT OF PELVIC HERNIA. 



565 



wall of the abdomen. Towards the middle line it is bordered by a 

 tensely stretched cord. In strangulation by the free end of the cord a 

 similar swelling may be recognised on the lower abdominal wall, 

 near the abdominal ring. 



These symptoms leave little doubt as to the nature of the disease, 

 though occasionally it may be confused with in- 

 vagination of the bowel. Anker saw strangulation 

 caused in one case by a hole in the round uterine 

 ligament. Lindenberg states having seen similar 

 symptoms from rectal obstruction. Examination of 

 the rectum always gives the necessary information. 



Treatment. In fresh cases reposition may be 

 attempted by raising the hind-quarters or walking 

 the animal down-hill, but little time should be lost 

 in such attempts, because taxis becomes more diffi- 

 cult and dangerous the longer the malposition exists. 



Reicherter and others have suggested performing- 

 taxis through the rectum. When the incarcerated 

 portion of bowel is not much distended, this may 

 succeed, but later becomes impossible. Whilst 

 Reicherter states having thus cured sixteen animals, 

 others have altogether questioned the efficacy or 

 possibility of the operation. In making the 

 attempt, the animal must be placed with the fore- 

 legs lower than the hind ; the loins pressed upon, 

 to prevent arching of the back, the hand introduced 

 into the rectum, and efforts made to thrust the 

 strangulated bowel forward and so to free it. To 

 prevent the animal lying down during operation a 

 sack may be passed under the body and held on 

 either side by one or two men, or the animal can be 

 pressed against a wall by means of a long stout pole 

 laid along the body. Others recommend rupturing 

 the spermatic cord from the rectum. Schenk states 

 having grasped the cord with the extended left 

 hand, and having drawn it so far backwards that it 

 broke in two ; some operators recommend placing 

 the thumb against it and pressing forwards to effect rupture. Whilst 

 Anker states having thus invariably succeeded, others have failed to 

 produce the desired rupture, and have proceeded to open the abdomen. 

 For this purpose, an incision, about 4 to 5 inches in length, is made in 

 the skin of the right flank, following the direction of the outer oblique 



Fig. 401.— Anker's 

 guarded knife for 

 pelvic hernia. 



