INGUINAL OR SCROTAL HERNIA 699 



for the cord that holds the testicle in place. A loop of gut may pass 

 out alongside this cord and find its way into the scrotum. More 

 and more of the gut reaches the bag in this manner, until a large 

 tumor mass forms which may become as large as a man's fist or even 

 as large as a child's head. 



Rupture at the navel occurs as a result of the weakness left at 

 that point when the navel becomes detached. This form of hernia 

 is especially common in young growing pigs, and may vary in 

 size from that of a walnut to as large as a small melon. This form 

 of rupture often becomes so large that it drags on the ground, and 

 in this manner becomes irritated and inflamed. 



A rupture in the region of the scrotum is known as an inguinal 

 or scrotal hernia, on account of coming through the inguinal canal 

 into the scrotum. Rupture in the region of the navel is known as 

 an umbiUcal hernia, on account of the fact that it passes through 

 the opening left by detachment of the umbilical cord. 



Hernia sometimes occurs in other parts of the body, as through 

 the scar of a surgical operation, such as a cesarean section, but such 

 forms of rupture are very uncommon in the hog. Scrotal and um- 

 biUcal ruptures occur with about equal frequency, the scrotal being 

 perhaps a little the more common. 



INGUINAL OR SCROTAL HERNIA 



This hernia is a form of rupture in which the intestine passes 

 out through the inguinal canal and enters the scrotum. The con- 

 dition may occur as a one-sided or single, or as a two-sided or 

 double, hernia. The single hernia is the one most commonly 

 seen. This form of hernia is, of course, seen only in male animals. 



Causes. — The principal cause for an inguinal rupture is the 

 fact that in these animals the canal through which the cord passes 

 is larger than it should be, and, as a result, it is possible for a loop 

 of the bowel to pass through alongside the cord and enter the 

 scrotum. At first only a small loop enters, but a little later more 

 and more of the gut pushes its way in, and the opening becomes 

 larger and larger, until a large mass of bowel and omentum are to 

 be found in the scrotal sac. The rupture may occur either before 

 or after castration. More commonly the rupture occurs before 

 castration. Rough handling or unskilful performance of the op- 



