70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



the same manner as the preceding, but may cause serious injury if 

 the syringe or solution is not sterile. 



Others, again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few hours, 

 cast and secure it upon its back ; the bowel is then carefully returned 

 into the abdomen. The skin over the opening is pinched up and one 

 or two skewers are run through the skin from side to side as close as 

 possible to the umbilical opening. These skewers are kept in place 

 by passing a cord around the skin between them and the abdomen 

 and securely tied. Great care must be taken not to draw these cords 

 too tight^ as this would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intes- 

 tines would extrude, and death result. If properly applied, an adhe- 

 sion is established between the skin and the umbilicus which effectually 

 closes the orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking up the 

 fold of the skin covering the hernial sac and holding it until the ad- 

 hesion is formed. 



Diaphragmatic hernia. — This consists of the passage of any of the 

 abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm (midriff) into 

 the cavity of the thorax. It is rather a rare accident and one often 

 impossible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompanied 

 by great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar position so often 

 assumed (that of sitting upon the haunches) are somewhat character- 

 istic of this trouble, though these symptoms, as we have already seen, 

 may be present during diseases of the stomach or anterior portion of 

 the bowels. Even could we pronounce, with certainty, this form of 

 hernia, there is little or nothing that can be done. Leading the horse 

 U13 a very steep gangway or causing him to rear up may possibly cause 

 the hernial portion to return to its natural position. This is not 

 enough, however ; it must be kept there. 



Peritonitis. — Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous mem- 

 brane lining the cavity of and covering the viscera contained within 

 the abdomen. It is very rare to see a case of primary peritonitis. It 

 IS, however, somewhat common as a secondary disease from extension 

 of the inflammatory action involving organs covered by the perito- 

 neum. Peritonitis is often caused by injuries, as punctured wounds of 

 the abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, as is still more common, fol- 

 lowing the operation of castration. It follows strangulated hernia, 

 invagination, or rupture of the stomach, intestines, liver, or womb. 



Symptoms. — Peritonitis is mostly preceded by a chill ; the horse is 

 not disposed to move, and, if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or 

 sore gait ; he paws with the front feet and may strike at his belly wdth 

 the hind ones; lies down very carefully; as the pain is increased while 

 down, he maintains during most of the time the standing position ; he 

 walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usually present. Pres- 

 sure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will bite, strike, or 

 kick if so disturbed; the abdomen is tucked up; the extremities are 



