HERNIA. 231 



VENTRAL HERNIA. 



This form is a protrusion of the bowels through an artificial 

 opening in the abdomen. It may be small or large. It is gen- 

 erally caused by direct injury, as being gored, jumping fences, 

 etc. In old animals hernia may occur in consequence of the 

 abdominal muscles giving way without any apparent cause* The 

 opening of abscesses in this region should be done with care, as 

 hernia may exist with the abscess. 



Treatment. — If small, it should not be interfered with. If 

 it becomes strangulated, or any way interferes with the animal's 

 usefulness, it may be removed. If it is small, the clams is the 

 best method of treatment. If large, the best method is to cut 

 into the abdominal wall, scarify the edges of the opening, bring 

 them together, suture, and bandage, 



DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA. 



Here the bowels pass through the diaphragm into the thoracic 

 cavity. This is very rare. It may be caused by severe exertions, 

 or jumping, or drawing heavy loads. 



Symptoms. — A difficult breathing, in addition to rolling and 

 tumbling. The body becomes bathed with sweat. The pulse 

 quick and weak; the ears, body, and extremities cold; death in 

 a short time. It is very hard to distinguish this disease from 

 spasmodic colic or enteritis. 



Treatment is of no avail. 



