OPERATION FOR HERNIA IN STALLIONS. 619 



Older tliat the inflamed part may likewise be oiled. Tlien the 

 testicular envelopes are formed into a kind of funnel, into wliich 

 a quantity of the oil is poured, with the object of more thoroughly 

 lubricating the intestine, as well as the spermatic cord and in- 

 guinal ring (into which the index finger is introduced), and 

 ensure the contact of the oil with every part of the strangulation. 

 This done, one hand inserted in the rectum attempts to reduce 

 the hernia by gentle internal traction, while the other assists the 

 reduction of the loop by taxis, in moving the intestine from side 

 to side and up and down, and in doing this to allow the oil to 

 penetrate the canal the viscus has to traverse ; this movement 

 powerfully assists in the accomplishment of the operation. 



" The oil has a triple advantage : — 1. It prevents the irritating 

 action of the external air ; 2. It greatly facilitates the gliding 

 of the intestine, v/hich has become dry from the inflamma- 

 tion; 3. It soothes the latter to a certain extent. There is 

 nothing to be apprehended from the ingress of a little into the 

 abdomen. 



" If, notwithstanding what has been recommended, the hernia 

 resists attempts at reduction, this resistance can be overcome in 

 combining the action of the oil with puncture of the intestine, 

 which was resorted to in human medicine a few years ago. 



" Barry mentions a case which fully illustrates his mode of 

 reduction of inguinal hernia, and which he was called upon to 

 attend. The animal was lying on the right side, the hernia was 

 on the left. The disordered movements which it had exhibited 

 were now succeeded by a suspicious calmness, cold perspiration, 

 small thready pulse, torpor, and other indications which betrayed 

 the approach of death. Obtaining the consent of the owner to 

 operate, he had the horse put in position, and on incising the 

 tunics of the testicle he found the duplicature of intestine of a 

 deep-red colour, and even livid in three patches — always a very 

 grave feature. The loop was well oiled by the finger, and some 

 oil was poured into the cavity in the manner above described ; 

 all the parts were thoroughly lubricated, and the index finger 

 was introduced around the walls of the inguinal canal, which 

 permitted the oil to descend more readily, and assisted in bring- 

 ing the strangulated intestine a little farther out. This organ was 

 greatly distended and very voluminous, and puncture suggested 

 itself ; this was done by means of a suture needle in three places 



