51 



au extensive effusion or extravasation of blood between tlie mucous 

 and muscular coats, giving a bluish or black color. The intestinal 

 ■walls are thickened by this effusion and sometimes measure from 2 to 

 3 inches in thickness. 



The s>jiiipfo)}i.s are severe and i^ersistent x)ain, lalx>red resi)ii*ation, 

 rapid and ireali: pulse, profuse pei"spiration, and paleness of the visi- 

 ble mucous membranes. A peculiar, anxious exi^ression exists that, 

 once seen, is almost diagnostic. Toward the last the horse sighs, 

 breathes stertoroush', staggers and pitches about, and dies in a state 

 of delirium. The}' rarely live more than ten or twelve hours, and 

 often die inside of six hours. 



Treatment. — This is of but little avail, since the case has mostly 

 made great progress before being seen. Probably the best domestic 

 remedy is white-oak bark tea given in large and frequently repeated 

 doses. Tannic acid, 1 dram, or fluid extract of ergot, 1 ounce, are 

 preferable, if at hand, and can be given everj* half hour until four or 

 five doses have been taken. Hot applicatious to the body — blankets 

 wrung out of hot water and sprinkled with turpentine — are to be ap- 

 plied frequently. Mustard water should be applied with smart fric- 

 tion to the legs. Could we see these cases at their inception general 

 blood-letting might j)rove of service. 



Her)! la. — There are several different kinds of hernia? that require 

 notice at this j)oint, not all of which, however, produce any serious 

 symptoms or results. Abdominal hernije or ruptures are divided into 

 reducihie, irreducible, and strangidated, according to condition; and 

 into inguincd, scrotal, rentral, umhilicalySind diapliragmatic, according 

 to their situation. A hernia is reducU)Je when it can be easily 

 returned into the aMomen. It consists of a soft swelling, without 

 heat, pain, or any uneasiness, generally larger after a full meal, and 

 decreases in size as the bowels become empty. An irreducible hernia 

 is one that can not be returned into the abdomen, and j'et does not 

 cause any pain or uneasiness. Strangidated hernia is one where the 

 contents of the sac are greatly distended, or whej-e from pressure upon 

 the blood-vessels of the imprisoned portion the venous circulation is 

 checked or stopped, thereby causing extensiA'e congestion, swelling, 

 inflammation, and, if not relieved, gangrene of the part and death of 

 the animal. Hernia may be congenital and accidental or acquired. 



Congenital scrotal hernia. — Not a few foals are noticed from birth 

 to have an enliirged scrotum, which gradually increases in size up to 

 about the sixth month, sometimes longer. In some instances I have 

 noticed the scrotum of a six-months old colt to be as large as that of 

 an adult stallion, and have been repeatedly asked to prescribe treat- 

 ment for it. This is entirely unnecessary in ninety-nine out of every 

 hundred cases, as this enlargement entirel}' disappears by the time 

 the colt has reached his second year. Any interference, medicinal or 

 surgical, is worse than useless. If the intestine contained within the 



