356 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



inguinal hernia is afc the internal abdominal ring, to that 

 degree that the circulation is either impeded or altogether 

 arrested, the hernia is said to be "strangulated." 



The causes which produce hernia are various, but all 

 arise from violence of exertion, or the effects consequent 

 upon external injuries. With us the efforts used in racing, 

 and th© leaps taken in hunting, are causes, as we may 

 readily suppose when we consider that the dilatation of 

 the abdomen, restrained as it is by weight and tight girth- 

 ings, must press backwards the intestinal mass. Rearing 

 and kicking also, and being cast for operations, particularly 

 the rising up after castration, have all brought it on. Blows 

 with a thick stick or from the horn of a cow may likewise 

 induce it. 



The symiDtorris of strangulated hernia are in this respect 

 very similar to acute enteritis ; there is the same uneasiness, 

 shifting of position, getting up and lying down again. The 

 horse rolls in the same manner, and in turning on his back 

 sometimes seems to get a momentary respite from pain. Yet 

 it is but momentary, for the suffering is not one of re- 

 mission ; it is constant. This serves as one distinguishing 

 mark between it and spasmodic colic, with which it has 

 been confounded. In stallions, the testicle on the ruptured 

 side is drawn up to the abdom.en, and is retained there, 

 with only momentary fits of relaxation ; the scrotum often 

 drops with sweat. Towards the last the pulse is quick and 

 wiry ; the horse paws, looks at his flanks, but seldom kicks 

 at his belly. We assure ourselves of hernia by an oblong 

 tumour in the groin, of larger or smaller bulk ; hard or soft, 

 as it may contain either fteces or gas, in which latter case 

 it will also be elastic. When the tumour is raised by the 

 hand, or pressed, a gurgling sound is emitted ; or if the 

 horse be coughed, it will be sensibly increased in dimen- 

 sions. The Schneiderian membrane is often injected, and 

 the horse gazes at his groin or scrotum. 



Treatment. — A surgical operation in most cases is 

 required, which can only bo performed by a veterinary 

 surgeon. 



