38 



intestine during some violent and sudden strain ; and hence it is im- 

 jDortant not to disregard the first indication of the mischief. Much 

 greater importance is to be attached to the existence of umbilical 

 hernia in foals than in calves ; but when these are intended for store 

 stock, it is desirable to reduce the hernia at once. 



" In most cases umbilical hernia is distinguishable at some little 

 distance from the animal, by the swelling or pouch-like tumour 

 which indicates its existence. An examination of the enlargement 

 of the navel (umbilicus) will lead to the detection of an opening in 

 the walls of the abdomen, through which the contents of the sac 

 may be gradually pressed by careful manipulation, but which return 

 and swell the tumour to its original size immediately that the pres- 

 sure is removed. 



" In treating umbilical hernia, some mechanical means must be 

 devised for the purpose of overcoming the tendency to the descent 

 of the intestine through the opening in the abdominal walls. An 

 operation which is usually performed generally effects the desired 

 end. In the first place the animal, foal or calf of six weeks or two 

 months old, must be cast and placed on its back. The hobbles 

 which are used for casting colts for castration, by pulling up the 

 hind legs, are best for the purpose. When the animal is down, the 

 hind legs are to be secured against the body, and trusses of straw, or 

 sacks stuffed with straw, are to be so placed that it may be sup- 

 ported on its back. In this position the intestine will probably 

 return to the abdominal cavity without any manipulation ; but 

 should it not do so, the reduction of the hernia may be effected with- 

 out difficulty. This having been done, the next step in the operation 

 is to grasp with firmness the loose portion of skin which forms the 

 pouch in which the protruded intestine was contained, and then to 

 thrust an iron skewer, about four inches long, previously sharpened 

 for the purpose, through the sides of the pouch, and close to the 

 abdominal walls. If the integument has been held firmly, or rather 

 pinched, for a few minutes before being transfixed, the pain which is 

 inflicted is very trifling, and the animal offers no resistance. As 

 soon as the skewer has been passed through the pouch a piece of 

 whipcord is to be carried under it close to the animal's body, and 

 tied as tightly as possible at the base of the tumour. A few suc- 

 cessive turns of the twine may then be made, each one being securely 

 fastened, until it is quite certain that the portion of skin is strangu- 

 lated. The sharp end of the skewer may next be turned into the 

 form of a ring by the aid of small pliers, and the operation is com- 

 pleted. The skewer prevents the slipping of the ligature, and, if 



