278 



BOVINE PATHOLOaY. 



often is an epiplocele, and enlargement of the abdomen 

 being more rapid than growth either of the omentum 

 major or of the mesentery, spontaneous reduction soon 

 takes place. If it does not the influence of a truss may- 

 be tried. This consists of a pad supported by straps, 

 which are fastened over the loins. It is kept from slipping 

 backwards by a back strap, and others passing between 

 the fore legs and becoming attached anteriorly to a 

 collar, from slipping forwards by a crupper. Difficulty 

 may be experienced in keeping this in position, so that 

 other means require to be resorted to ; the truss returns 

 the viscus and retains it, and thus removes the cause of 



Fig. 57.— Truss applied for umbilical hernia. (Armatage,) 



constant distension and enlargement of the umbilicus, 

 which is then free gradually to close. Powerful external 



Fig. 58.— Clamps for umbilical hernia. Wooden, and *' iron screw 

 (Armatage.) 



stimulation of the tumour, or subcutaneous injection of 

 irritants locally, as tending to excite adhesive inflamma- 

 tion and closure of the umbilicus, have been suggested, 

 but are not often effectual ; a preferable method is com- 



