50 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



GUT-TIE PEUITOXEAL HERNIA. 



In peritoneal hernia of the ox a loop or knuckle of intestine enters 

 from the abdomen into a rent in that part of the peritonenm which is 

 situated at the margin of the hip bone and passes under the remains of 

 the spermatic cord. After the tearing of the peritoneum the spermatic 

 cord is partially separated from its former points of attachment, so as 

 to form a loose band. The portion of intestine is pressed through the 

 peritoneal opening into the pelvis, and frequently curves or winds 

 behind the spermatic cord and is pressed forward in a direction oppo- 

 site to that it followed when entering- the peritoneal rent. The onward 

 pressure of the bowel, as well as the occasional turning of the latter 

 round the spermatic cord, is the cause of the cord exercising consider- 

 able pressure on the bowel, which occasions irritation, obstructs the 

 passage of excrement, and excites inflammation, which terminates in 

 gangrene and death. 



The tearing of this fold of peritoneum generally occurs on the right side, 

 not on the left, as incorrectly stated by Touatt, and the reason of its occur- 

 ring generally on the right side is that the bowels are mostly situated on 

 that side of the abdomen, while the paunch occupies the left side and 

 extends to the entrance of the pelvis. (Plate i.) The rent in the 

 peritoneum is situated at the upper and front part of the pelvis, nearer 

 to the sacrum than the pubis. Besides the form of peritoneal hernia 

 already described there is a second form, which occurs as follows: 

 After castration the spermatic cord retracts into the abdomen on 

 account of its elasticity, and its freshly-cut end becomes adherent to 

 the peritoneum, leaving a free space between it and the peritoneum, 

 however through which a part of the intestine may enter, but can not 

 slip out again, on account of its subsequent increase in size. It also 

 happens that the free end of the spermatic cord may become adherent 

 in such a way that it forms a cord or band around the bowel, causing 

 strangulation. This last form seems to have led to the appellation of 

 gut-tie being applied to this accident. It may be mentioned that peri- 

 toneal hernia may occur on the left side, though this rarely happens. 



Causes. Among the causes of peritoneal hernia considerable impor- 

 tance is attached to a method of castration which is practiced in cer- 

 tain districts, viz., the tearing or rupturing of the spermatic cord by 

 main force, instead of dividing it at a proper distance above the testi- 

 cle in a surgical manner. After this violent and rough method of oper- 

 ating, the cord retracts into the abdomen and its stump becomes adher- 

 ent to some part of the peritoneum, or it may wind around the bowel 

 and then the stump becomes adherent so that strangulation of the 

 bowel results. The rough dragging on the cord may also cause a tear 

 in the peritoneum, the result of which need not be described. The 

 severe exertion of ascending hills and mountains, drawing heavy loads, 

 or the straining which oxen undergo while fightiug each other, may also 

 give rise to peritoneal hernia. 



