EPIPLOCELE. 611 



"When adhesions of the first kind do occur, it becomes necessary 

 to open the sac, in order to destroy them, before the reduction can 

 be accomplished, a case wherein the clams will have to be applied 

 upon the bare cord. 



In the cases of stoppage and strangulation, herniotomy becomes 

 necessary, and must be practised without delay; otherwise, 

 scrotal hernia in general admits of time for deciding on the 

 operation, and for preparation for it by dieting, blood-letting, &c. 



After the operation, the veterinarian will, besides enjoining a 

 low and appropriate diet, bleed and purge and administer injec- 

 tions, according as the case may seem to require. The animal 

 had better stand with liis croup elevated, and be tied up so that 

 he cannot lie down. 



Hernia in geldings is a disease of the rarest kind, the 

 veterinary annals of our own country affording ample proof of 

 this ; but the fact of there being cases on record is sufficient 

 to show that a case may occur, perhaps at a moment least of 

 all expected; and that we may not be taken unprepared, it 

 behoves us to possess every information requisite for the treat- 

 ment of such an accident. 



In geldings inguinal hernia takes the same course, and is sus- 

 ceptible of the same terminations, as in stallions. Trusses and 

 bandages are all ineffectual; a surgical operation is the only 

 means of causing contraction and closure of the inguinal canal. 

 And this consists simply in returning the bowel, and the appli- 

 cation of clams — no cutting being required — upon the outside of 

 the skin, the same as is practised for umbilical hernia. 



Treatment of Strangulated, Scrotal, and Inguinal Hernice in 

 the Stallion. — If the hernia be recent, and not very firmly 

 strangulated, the intestine is returnable by manipulation, even 

 without casting the animal ; but should any difficulty be experi- 

 enced, the horse must be cast, turned upon his back, and 

 maintained in that position, with his croup raised by bundles 

 of straw properly adjusted. The operator will now introduce 

 his hand into the rectum, which has been already emptied by 

 enemas, and explore the internal ring, where he will feel the 

 imprisoned gut. He is then to endeavour to disengage the hernial 

 portion by gently withdrawing it into the abdominal cavity, at 

 the same time aiding its retraction by pushing it with the other 

 hand. Should there be much difficulty in effecting the return 



