I04 DISEASES OF SWINE 



resembles to some extent a scrotal rupture. In these 

 cases the tear in the tissues is usually long and the 

 swelling large and easily reduced. 



Treatment. — The treatment is more difficult and 

 less satisfactory than in other forms of rupture. In 

 cases of long standing, it is not uncommon for the 

 intestines to adhere to the hernial sack. This condi- 

 tion makes the reduction of the hernia difficult, and 

 it is necessary to use care in cutting through the 

 walls of the sack and in breaking down the adhesions 

 in order to avoid injuring the, intestines. 



The hog is held in the best position possible for 

 the reduction of the rupture, usually on its back with 

 the hind parts elevated. The incision in the sack 

 should be large, so as to give the operator room to 

 work. If adhesions between the sack and the intes- 

 tines are present, they should be carefully broken 

 down and the intestines returned into the abdominal 

 cavity. The edges of the tear or opening should be 

 freshened by cutting, or scraping them with a scalpel 

 in order to promote healing. The opening should 

 then be closed with stitches, well placed and close 

 together, so as to insure their holding and keeping 

 the margins of the tear in apposition. Boric acid can 

 be dusted over the part and the hernial sack packed 

 with antiseptic gauze, and the incision in the sack 

 closed by a few stitches. The packing must be 

 changed daily and the part washed with disinfectants 

 until healed. The stitches may then be removed. In 

 operating the usual care against germ infection 

 should be practiced. Keeping the hog quiet and in a 

 clean pen is the necessary part of the treatment. 



