DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 541 



wound. Over the whole, a broad band or surcingle may be 

 buckled tightly, and held in position thus for some time. 



Of scrotal hernia, we need not say much, as, being only possible 

 in the uncastrated animal, it is not very often met with. By 

 scrotal hernia we understand the protrusion of the intestine inta 

 the scrotum — i.e. the capsule containing the testicles. The 

 danger in these cases is of the intestine becoming strangulated, 

 i.e. so constricted at the outlet through which it escapes out of 

 the abdomen, as to prevent the circulation going on in it.. 

 Mortification thus ensues, if relief be not given. Jn ordinary 

 cases the best treatment is castration, performed by the covered 

 operation. In cases of strangulated hernia the danger is neces- 

 sarily immensely increased, and treatment must be prompt, or 

 death will ensue. 



It is not always an easy matter to detect strangulation of the 

 intestine in this part ; but the symptoms in the main resemble 

 those of inflammation of the intestines. In these cases the 

 animal should be cast, the capsule of the testicles should be 

 opened. Through the opening the finger is passed, and along 

 the under surface of the finger a concealed bistoury is guided 

 and the stricture is divided, so as to allow the return of the 

 intestine into the abdomen. 



We next proceed to consider the affections of the liver of the 

 ox, their nature and treatment. 



THE LIVER AND ITS AILMENTS. 



We now have to deal with a subject which demands some 

 special attention. There is no manner of doubt that it may- 

 be truly said, more especially, as might be expected, in regard 

 to mankind, but also, though certainly in a less degree, in 

 reference to the lower animals, that the diseases and derange- 

 ments of that important abdominal structure known as the liver 

 are of exceptional interest. True, it could not for a moment be 

 maintained that this organ and its ailments are of anything 

 like the same significance in their relationship to the lower 

 ranks of animal life, as they indubitably are when con- 

 sidered in their bearings upon the well-being of man himself. 

 No one, however, could exaggerate the advantages to be derived 

 from a complete knowledge of liver diseases in the human sub- 

 ject. The maintenance of healthy life is one of the first essentials 



