CHAPTER II. 

 HERNIA.* 



CONGENITAL HERNIA. 



PERINEAL HERNIA OF YOUNG PIGS. 



This variety is very common in young pigs, on account of their 

 anatomical peculiarities and of the persistence and enlargement of the 

 inguinal canal. Loops of intestine, impelled by their own weight, 

 accumulate at the lowest point and readily pass into the canal. 



It is usually when the little pig begins to eat, i.e., a fortnight or 

 three weeks after birth, that the symptoms become plainly apparent. 



The hernia is indicated by a swelling which commences in front of 

 the pubis and extends backwards behind the hind limbs. When the 

 herniated loop of intestine is examined by palpation, the presence 

 of liquid in it can be detected, particularly after a meal, while a 

 characteristic gurgling sound is heard. 



Diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, the animal is placed on its 

 back, whereupon reduction as a rule is easily effected. As soon as the 

 animal rises again the hernia returns. 



The prognosis is not grave. 



The treatment is exclusively surgical, and the hernia can be reduced 

 and castration performed at one and the same time. The animal being 

 placed on its back and firmly held, an incision of about 2 to 3 inches 

 in length is made in the inguinal region, dividing the skin and sub- 

 cutaneous connective tissue only. The vaginal sheath is then com- 

 pletely isolated, the hernia reduced, and a ligature applied to the 

 sheath and the spermatic cord close to the abdominal wall. The 

 testicle is then removed. 



If adhesions have been set up, which is quite exceptional, the vaginal 

 sheath is incised and the loop of adherent intestine liberated, when it 

 can readily be returned. The vaginal sheath and spermatic cord are 

 then twisted as high as the level of the inguinal ring and tied with 

 catgut. To prevent this ligature becoming displaced, it should be fixed 



* For a fuller description of hernise and their treatment, see Moller and Dollar's 

 "Regional Surgery," pp. 263 — 309. 



