DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 67 



too soon, usually before the part heals. In case 

 the skewers cannot be used, cat-gut is the next 

 best. 



Umbilical hernia is caused by a nonclosure 

 of the navel opening, and is usually seen soon 

 after birth. It is best to let it alone un- 

 til the animal is one year old, and if nature 

 has not reduced it, an operation on this kind 

 of hernia is always successful. Place the ani- 

 mal on its back and then press in the bowel; then 

 take the sack by the center and pull it upwards; 

 then pass a small skewer (a piece of wire the size 

 of a knitting needle and about two inches long, 

 made sharp on one end, will do) through the sack 

 close to the flesh; then tie a small cord around the 

 sack below the skewer tight enough to stop the 

 circulation, but not too tight or it may slough off 

 too soon. If it does not slough off in ten days, tie 

 on another cord. By the time it sloughs off the 

 opening will be closed and there will be no further 

 trouble. 



Inguinal hernia takes place in. stallions and 

 young animals far more frequently than old. 

 A fold of intestines passes into the inguinal canal, 

 through which the spermatic duct passes from the 

 testicle into the pelvis. Whenever a stallion is af- 

 fected with symptoms of severe colic, the rectum 

 should be emptied of its contents by injections of 

 warm water, then oil the hand and pass it into the 

 intestine and feel for the internal ring. The im- 

 prisoned intestine will be felt. Symptoms: The 

 retraction of the testicle on the affected side, cold 



