l80 THE farmer's VETERINARIAN 



at birth they are seen near the navel. These dis- 

 appear in a few months without any treatment 

 being required. In mature horses the usual causes 

 are blows, kicks or some violent effort that tears 

 the muscular structure. 



The characteristic symptom is the bulging out of 

 the gut, tumorlike; and this often can be slipped 



VENTRAL HERNIA 



It may occur in any part of the abdomen and varies in size 

 with the extent of the rupture. 



back where it belongs. If the rent be not closed, 

 even if the gut is returned, the least bit of strain 

 is liable to force it out again. Some kinds of 

 hernia cause immense pain and the animal shows it. 

 In treating, work the gut back to its place. This 

 done, place a pad — a flat piece of wood or leather 

 will do — over the wound and fasten in such a way 

 as to keep it in place. This should be worn for a 

 month until recovery is complete. Such treatment 



