702 DISEASES OF SWINE 



UMBILICAL HERNIA 



This is the form of rupture seen where protrusion of a part of 

 the intestine takes place at the location of the navel, and is due to 

 imperfect closure of the opening left after the umbilical cord stump 

 dries up and falls off. The rupture is usually present at birth or 

 occurs very soon afterward. At first the tumor may be small, but 

 as the animal gets older the rupture grows larger, until finally it 

 becomes so large that it may drag upon the ground. The sweUing 

 is recognized as a rupture by its location, by the fact that it is pain- 

 less and free from inflammation, and when the pig is placed on his 

 back the intestinal loops in the swelling can be felt. By a little 

 manipulation they may be forced back into the abdominal cavity 

 and the ring-like opening in the belly wall can be felt. In a long- 

 standing case this opening is often so large as to admit three or 

 four finger-tips or even the entire hand. 



Umbilical hernia early shows its effects on the general health of 

 the pig, and the animal quickly becomes stunted and fails to grow 

 like the balance of the litter. 



Treatment. — The treatment of an umbilical hernia is very 

 simple, and is usually followed by excellent results. It is, indeed, 

 to be regretted that this operation is not more extensively used by 

 veterinarians and stockmen. Very frequently these cases of 

 umbiUcal hernia are allowed to drag around neglected until they 

 reach a stage where they have become practically worthless and 

 hopeless. The time to treat the case is while the tumor is small 

 and while the opening through the belly wall is not large. The 

 smaller the tumor, the better the chance for success in handling 

 the case. 



The Operation. — There could be nothing more simple than the 

 operation for treatment of an umbilical hernia. The animal should 

 be placed on the back and held by one or two assistants. The 

 skin over the tumor mass should be carefully scrubbed with soap 

 and water or with a 3 per cent, solution of one of the tar disinfect- 

 ants. By simple pressure with the fingers, assisted by gentle 

 manipulation if necessary, the intestinal coils are returned to the 

 abdominal cavity. The sac is now taken hold of by an assistant 

 and pulled gently, so as to put it on the stretch. A strong cord is 

 then passed around the base of the tumor sac and tied as tight as it 



