UMBILICAL HERNIA. 



725 



dental hernia, it is usually irregular in outline. The borders of the 

 opening feel tense and resisting. 



On applying the open hand against the tumor, the vermicular move- 

 ment of the intestine can be ascertained \ careful taxis may lead to the 

 discovery of a loop of intestine in the sac ; while auscultation may detect 

 the rumbling of the displaced viscus. 



When the tumor is not reducible, this is generally due to the presence 

 of an accumulation of f^cal matters or other substances in the intestine. 

 Inflammation is rare, and is ordinarily due to contusions or other exter- 

 nal influences. Strangulation of the intestine is likewise far from frequent. 



Prognosis. 



Umbilical hernia is not a serious condition in young animals, except in 

 rare cases. Sometimes spontaneous recovery takes place ; in the great 

 majority of instances a cure is easily effected ; and even when the hernia 

 persists there is but little danger, health and utility being seldom inter- 

 fered with. When the hernial sac is occupied by omentum only, and the 

 abdominal opening is small, there is much less danger than when the 

 intestine is involved, while spontaneous recovery is much more probable. 

 In adult animals umbilical hernia is often a serious accident ; and its 

 gravity generally depends on the volume of the tumor. Complicated 

 hernia is always dangerous. 



Though not at all serious in itself, when affecting young animals, yet 

 from their diminished value, and the expense of treatment, umbilical 

 hernia may become a cause of much loss. 



Marlot estimates that in France this accident causes a loss of more than 

 a million francs to French agriculture. We know nothing as to its prev- 

 alence in Britain. 



Diagnosis. 



The diagnosis of umbilical hernia is not difficult, so long as it is uncom- 

 plicated. If, however, the tumor is hot, painful, and oedematous, it may 

 be mistaken for an abscess or a recent traumatic hernia ; it may also 

 assume the appearance of an indolent fibrous tumor or a " cold abscess," 

 when the contained intestine is filled with faeces. 



It is not easy to distinguish between enteromphalusand epiplomphalus, 

 even when there is no complication. Causing the animal to cough may 

 enable the expert not only to diagnose the presence of umbilical hernia, 

 but also whether it is of the omentum or intestine, the effort producing 

 enlargement of the tumor when the intestine is misplaced. 



Treatment. 



We have stated that umbilical hernia in young animals often disappears 

 spontaneously ; and though there are several ways in which it can be 

 remedied artificially, yet unless there are reasons to fear complications, 

 or a cure is desired early, it may be well to consider whether it is not 

 advisable to wait — at least for some time, to see if spontaneous recovery 

 will take place. It is well known that during the lactation period, the 

 small intestine, which is at this time the most developed portion of the 

 alimentary canal — instead of occupying the left flank, lies immediately on 

 the floor of the abdomen ; but as the young creature grows and its diet 

 is changed from milk to the food on which it is for the future to subsist, 

 this intestine is gradually removed from' the umbilical region by the 



