178 The Care of Animals 



worked back into the abdominal cavitj^ only to return 

 again when the pressure is removed. 



A strangulated hernia is one in which a loop of 

 the intestine protrudes through the opening and be- 

 comes strangled by pressure. It is always a serious 

 condition and demands prompt treatment. The symp- 

 toms are those of colic, the animal suffering severe 

 abdominal pain. In treating this trouble, the horse 

 should be kept in such a position that the hernia is on 

 the upper side, so that the force of gravity will pull 

 the intestine back into the cavity. Hot cloths should 

 be applied to the hernia to relax the parts, and then 

 by careful manipulation the intestine may be returned 

 to the abdominal cavity. Afterwards, the intestine 

 may be kept within by means of a truss firmly applied 

 to the spot. But it is a difficult matter to keep a 

 truss in position on an animal. In most of these 

 cases, a surgical operation is necessary to close the 

 opening, whether the trouble be a common omental, 

 or an intestinal hernia. An expert surgeon should be 

 employed to operate. 



When a hernia, or rupture, is first formed, the mass 

 should be returned and then a blister applied to the 

 part, together with a temporary truss. The parts will 

 swell and in healing will often close the opening. An 

 ordinary hernia, with no loop of the intestine pro- 

 truding, can be treated by tying a stout string or 

 rubber band about the hernia and sloughing- the part 

 off. This will effect a cure in most cases if properly 

 applied. A hernia may occur on any part of the 

 belly. 



