70 BUREAU OF ANIMAL IJ^DUSTBY. 



too tight^ as this would cause a speedy slough of the skiu, the intestines 

 would extrude, and death result. If properly applied an adhesion is 

 established between the skin and the umbilicus wliioh effectually closes 

 the orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking- up the fold of the 

 skin covering the hernial sac and holding it lintil the adhesion is 

 formed. 



Dia^liraginatiG hernia. — This consists of the passage of an}' of the 

 abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm (midriff) into the 

 cavity of the thorax. It is rather a rare accident and one often impos- 

 sible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompanied by 

 great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar position so often assumed 

 (that of sitting upon the haunches) are somewhat characteristic of this 

 trouble, though these symptoms, as we have alreadj'' seen, may be 

 present during diseases of the stomach or anterior portion of the bow- 

 els. Even could we pronounce, with certainty, this form of hernia, 

 there is little or nothing that can be done. Leading the horse up a 

 very steep gangway or causing him to rear up may possibly cause the 

 hernial portion to return to its natural position. This is not enough, 

 however; it must be kept there. 



Peritonitis. — Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous membrane 

 lining the caAaty of and covering the viscera contained within the. abdo- 

 men. It is ver}'^ rare to see a case of primary peritonitis. It is, how- 

 ever, somewhat common as a secondary disease from extension of 

 the inflammatory action involving organs covered b}'^ the peritoneum. 

 Peritonitis is often caused by injuries, as punctured wounds of the 

 abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, as is still more common, following 

 the operation of castration. It follows strangulated hernia, invagina- 

 tion, or rupture of the stomach, intestines, liver, or womb. 



Symptoms. — Peritonitis is mostly preceded b}^ a chill; the horse is 

 not disposed to move, and, if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or 

 sore gait;, he paws with the front feet and may strike at his belly with 

 the hind ones; lies down very carefully; as the pain is increased while 

 down, he maintains during most of the time the standing position; he 

 walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usual!}- present. Pres- 

 sure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will bite, strike, or 

 kick if so disturbed; the abdomen is tucked up; the extremities fine 

 and cold. The temperature is higher than normal, reaching from 102'-' 

 to 104° F. The pulse in peritonitis is rather characteristic; it is quick- 

 ened, beating from seventy to ninety beats per minute, and is hard 

 and vdry. This peculiarity of the pulse occurs in inflammation of the 

 serous membrane, and if accompanied by colicky symptoms, and, in 

 particular, if following any injuries, accidental or surgical, of the 

 peritoneum, there is reason to think that peritonitis is present. Peri- 

 tonitis in the horse is mostly fatal when it is at all extensive. If death 

 does not occur in a short time, the inflammation assumes a chronic form, 

 in which there is an extensive effusion of water in the cavity of the 



