SURGICAL DISEASES 99 



UMBILICAL .HERNIA 



Umbilical hernia is usually congenital. At the time 

 of birth, the umbilical or naval opening is so large 

 that the naval chord does not completely fill it, and the 

 omentum, or a portion of the intestines pass through 

 and take a position immediately beneath the skin. 

 The rupture is recognized by the presence of a swell- 

 ing or enlargement on the under side of the belly 

 and opposite the naval opening. The enlargement is 

 soft and free from inflammation, and larger at one 

 time than another. By laying the pig on its back and 

 pressing downward on the swelling, its contents can 

 be forced back through the opening at its base and 

 into the abdominal cavity. 



Pigs ruptured in this way do not thrive well, as a 

 rule, and sometimes become badly stunted. This is 

 especially apt to be the case when the swelling is 

 larg'e. 



Treatment. — The treatment of umbilical hernia is 

 not dfBcuilt and is usually followed by good results. 

 As in all other forms of rupture, surroundings that 

 may cause this class of injuries should be avoided. 



The treatment is surgical and as follows : The pig 

 is placed on its back and held by the assistant. With 

 the fingers, the size and position of the navel opening 

 is determined, and if the intestines do not pass back 

 into the abdominal cavity of their own accord, they 

 must be forced back with the fingers. After getting 

 rid of the contents of the sack, it is held by the 

 assistant and a strong cord tied around its base close 

 Up to the opening into it. Within a short time the 



