53 



and pressure of the intestiues during neighing seem to open the um- 

 bilicus and induce hernia. Accidents may cause umbilical hernia in 

 adults in the same manner as ventral hernia is produced, though this 

 is very rare. 



Treatment. — The treatment of umbilical hernia varies much with 

 different practitioners. We should remember the fact that cong(nital 

 hernije are often removed with age, but i^robably congenital umbilical 

 hernife less frequently than others. Among the many plans of treat- 

 ment are to be mentioned the application of a pad over the tumor, the 

 pad being held in place by a broad, tight bandage placed around the 

 animal's body. The chief objection to this is the difficulty in keeping 

 the pad in its place. Blisters are often applied over the swelling, and 

 as the skin hardens and contracts by the formation of scabs an 

 artficial bandage or i^ressure is produced that at times is successful. 

 Another treatment that has gained considerable repute of 4ate years 

 consists in first clipping off the hair over the swelling. Nitric acid is 

 then applied by a small brush, using only enough to moisten the skin. 

 This sets up a deep-seated adhesive inflammation, which, in very many 

 cases, closes the opening in the navel. Still another plan is to inject a 

 solution of common salt by means of the hypodermic syringe at three 

 or four points about the base of the swelling. This acts in the same 

 manner as the preceding, but in my experience is not as effectual. 



Others again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few hours, cast 

 and secure it upon its back ; the bowel is then carefully returned into 

 the abdomen. The skin over the opening is to be pinched up and one 

 or two skewers are to be run through the skin from side to side as close 

 as possible to the umbilical opening. These skewers are kept in place 

 by passing a cord around the skin between them and the abdomen and 

 securely tied. Great care must be taken not to draw these cords too 

 tight, as this would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intestines 

 would extrude, and death result. If properly applied an adhesion is 

 established between the skin and the umbilicus which effectually closes 

 the orifice. 



Diaphragmatic hernia. — This consists of the i^assage of any of the 

 abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm (midriff) into the 

 cavity of the thorax. It is rather a rare accident and one often impos- 

 sible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompanied by great 

 difficulty in breathing, and the i^eculiar position so often assumed 

 (that of sitting upon the haunches) are somewhat characteristic of this 

 trouble, though these symptoms, as we have already seen, may be pres- 

 ent during diseases of the stomach or anterior portion of the bowels. 

 Even, could we pronounce, with certainty, this form of hernia, there is 

 little or nothing that cau be done. Leading the horse up a very steep 

 gangway or causing him to rear up may possibly cause the hernial 

 portion to return to its natural position. This is not enough, however j 

 it must be kept there. 



