282 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



the back ; in the latter process, stretching the fore legs 

 forwards and the hind backwards, and almost bringing 

 the abdomen into contact with the ground. Moving the 

 hind quarters from side to side, crossing the legs, and a 

 tendency to press the hind parts against some standing 

 object, as a wall or fence. Much pain is manifested when 

 the hand is introduced into the rectum ; there is difficulty 

 in inserting it, but when it has been passed in and pressed to 

 the right the strangulated portion may be felt. Through- 

 out the attack the faeces are scanty in quantity, they are 

 sometimes bloody, also there is continuous straining. In 

 addition to the above, there are the general signs of 

 strangulation, which may lead to those indicating that the 

 bowel has become grangrenous. 



Cause. — This is evidently a result of castration, and is 

 found to supervene on the '^ tearing '^ operation, when the 

 cord remains too long and becomes fixed in the internal 

 abdominal ring, and between this and the brim of the 

 pelvis the bowel passes, pushing the peritoneum before it as 

 the hernial sac. It is supposed that the gradual shortening 

 of the cord as it atrophies causes it to strangulate the im- 

 prisoned bowel. Williams considers that it is in some cases 

 due to twisting of the remnant of the cord around the in- 

 testine. Working oxen are very liable to become affected, 

 especially when they are on rough uneven ground. This form 

 of hernia may result from strains and intestinal commotions 

 like the other kinds. When the conditions are otherwise fa- 

 vorable the attack seldom, if ever, lasts more than eight days. 



Treatment. — Causing the animal to take a ^' drop leap,'' 

 and rolling him about on his back after casting have been 

 suggested, and are sometimes effectual. Preferably we 

 may explore per rectum, and having detected the mass of 

 faecal matter obstructed near the hernia, exert pressure 

 upwards and forwards, and by special manipulative 

 means the adhesion of the cord may be broken down 

 ('Edinburgh Veterinary Eeview,' vol. i, p. 73). 



Generally, however, abdominal section is necessary. 

 The hernia usually takes place on the right side, though 

 it may be on the left. The animal is kept in the stand- 



