618 HERNIA, ETC. 



the operation. The reduction of chronic hernia has been already 

 described, and the prevention of its recurrence suggests itself. 

 Castration by the covered operation is often most effectual ; 

 but if the internal ring and canal are large, the canal may burst 

 above the clam, and the intestines consequently escape volu- 

 minously. To meet this difficulty successfully, pass a seton 

 needle, six or eight inches long, through the skin posterior to the 

 canal, and high up close to the ring ; carry it under the canal, in 

 contact with the external abdominal muscle, and bring the point 

 out again through the skin in front of the canal; twist tape 

 in the form of a figure 8 over the two ends of the needle, 

 moderately tight, thus applying acupressure to the canal close 

 to its superior orifice, so that hernia even of the smallest portion 

 of the bowels is impossible ; then castrate by the covered opera- 

 tion ; remove the needle on the second or third day (to avoid 

 sloughing), and adhesive inflammation completes the cure. 



Complications occur from previous injury leaving the testicle 

 adherent to the scrotum, large hydroceles, hypertrophy of scrotal 

 walls, &c. ; a severe blow on the scrotum, injuring the testicle, 

 as from a kick, or when struck by the butt of a lance or sword 

 scabbard. The symptoms of suffering are scarcely distinguish- 

 able from hernia, examination of the ring per rectum being 

 necessary to a correct diagnosis. 



"In the Becueil for this year (1875), M. Barry, of La Ferte- 

 Milon, describes his method of operating for strangulated in- 

 guinal hernia. After stating that the reduction of tliis hernia 

 is one of the most serious operations the veterinary surgeon has 

 to perform, and acknowledging that he had been very unsuc- 

 cessful with the recognised modes of procedure ; he asserts that 

 the one to which he is now about to refer is that which has 

 constantly yielded favourable results, and is as easy as it is 

 simple. 



"The following is the procedure: — After having placed in 

 readiness a quantity of pure oil, a convex bistoury, a suture 

 needle, and a piece of strong twine one to two yards in length 

 disposed as a large bleeding cord, the patient is thrown and 

 fixed on its back as for castration ; and the enveloj^es of the 

 testicle are carefully incised, so as to lay bare the hernial sac. 

 When the knuckle of intestine has been exposed it is dressed 

 with the oil all over, and even gently withdrawn a little in 



