HERNIA OF THE UTERUS 105 



Should rupture of the abdominal muscles be of recent 

 date, the hernia enlarges as soon as the pregnant uterus 

 sinks through the orifice. It sometimes happens in pregnant 

 cows, that solution of continuity of the abdominal muscles 

 only occurs toward the end of gestation, as a result of the 

 great weight and enormous distention of the abdominal 

 muscles ; then a large rupture appears, containing the gravid 

 uterus. 



Many such- cases have been published. Y. Lindenberg 

 reports one due to an hydrallantois. The cause was the 

 extraordinary distention of the abdomen. The cow could rise 

 with difficulty, as the belly, which before its rupture was so 

 greatly distended that the cow could barely stand in the stall, 

 now almost touched the ground. The udder was pushed for- 

 ward to the middle of the belly. Post mortem examination of 

 the cow showed that the pubic insertion of the rectus abdominis 

 had been torn off. 



Some years ago I examined a cow which suddenly showed 

 a large ventral hernia. I found that the rectus abdominis had 

 torn loose from the pelvis. The teats were only 20 cm. from 

 the ground. About eight days later the cow calved, and by 

 means of powerful extraction twins were born. Although 

 manual removal of the afterbirth became necessary, which was 

 only partly possible, parturition ran a normal course. The 

 extent of the rupture remained ; a few days later the cow was 

 slaughtered. 



JEtiology. — Anything causing an excessive distention of the 

 abdominal walls is a predisposing factor of hernia. As such 

 we may mention : Hydrallantois and multiple pregnancy. A 

 serous infiltration on the abdominal muscles may also predis- 

 pose rupture of muscular and tendinous fibres. Rupture of 

 the rectus abdominis is usually the result of traumatism, when 

 the above mentioned states exert their detrimental influences. 



Symptoms. — The hernia may occur in various places. The 

 abdominal muscles usually tear in the linea alba, near the pubis, 

 or in the right lower abdominal region. Then the hernial sac 

 and contents are visible. 



