706 LISEASES AXD ABNORMALITIES OF THE YOUXG ANIMAL. 



rare ; the sac seldom indeed contains any serum, and is therefore in 

 immediate contact with the misplaced viscera. When ascites is present, 

 however, serous fluid may then be present, and constitute the diseased 

 condition termed " hydro-enteromphalus." 



Symptoms. 



The symptoms of umbilical hernia are, as a rule, entirelj* local. 

 There is a round or pyriform tumour situated in the region of the 

 umbilicus or " navel," varying in size in different individuals and species 

 — from that of a pigeon's egg to a child's head, or even larger. The size 

 also varies in the same individual at different times, according as the 

 digestive organs are full or empty, the attitude standing or recumbent, 

 at rest or undergoing active exertion, or the duration of the hernia — 

 the older it is, the larger the tumour. It is usually soft, fluctuating, 

 easily depressed by the finger, and as readily resuming its ordinary size 

 and shape ; when recent, however, it is often tense and not depressible. 

 Sometimes it has a doughy feel and fluctuates much, and at other times 

 it is flaccid, according as the portion of intestine which it contains is 

 empty or filled with alimentary matters. It is nearly always indolent, 

 and in the large majority of cases can be reduced by throwing the 

 animal on its back, by manipulation externally, or by taxis internally. 

 The tumour soon returns, however, especially when the animal lies down 

 or moves about ; closing the nostrils or causing the animal to cough, 

 will also produce its immediate appearance. 



"When the sac has been emptied by pressure or taxis, the opening in 

 the abdomen can then be perceived. As a general rule, the volume of 

 the tumour corresponds to the dimensions of this opening, which is 

 sometimes elliptical, at other times nearly or completely circular ; in 

 false or accidental hernia it is usually irregular in outline. The borders 

 of the opening feel tense and resisting. 



On applying the open hand against the tumour, the vermicular move- 

 ment of the intestine can be ascertained ; careful taxis may lead to the 

 discovery of a loop of intestine in the sac ; while auscultation may 

 detect the rumbling of the displaced viscus. 



When the tumour is not reducible, this is generally due to the presence 

 of an accumulation of fscal matters or other substances in the intestine. 

 Inflammation is rare, and is usually due to contusions or other external 

 influences. Strangulation of the intestine is likewise far from frequent. 



Prognosis. 



Umbilical hernia is not a serious condition in young animals, except 

 in rare cases. Sometimes spontaneous recovery takes place ; in the 

 great majority of instances a cure is easily effected ; and even when the 

 hernia persists there is but little danger, health and utility being seldom 

 interfered with. When the hernial sac is occupied by omentum only, 

 and the abdominal opening is small, there is much less danger than 

 when the intestine is involved, while spontaneous recovery is much 

 more probable. In adult animals umbilical hernia is often a serious 

 accident ; and its gravity generally depends on the volume of the tumour. 

 Complicated hernia is always dangerous. 



Though not at all serious in itself when affecting young animals, yet 

 from their diminished value and the expense of treatment, umbilical 

 hernia may become a cause of much loss. 



