APPENDIX 127 



eating aperture with the peritoneal cavity. In short, 

 the pathognojnonic symptom of liernia is tho findiiio' 

 of the aperture in the abdominal wall through which 

 temporary reduction of the hernia may be effected. 



The course of the affection is essentially chronic and 

 spontaneous recovery is rare. In cases where hernia 

 consists principally of omentum that protrudes through 

 a very small opening, adhesions take place and subse- 

 quent atrophy of the impinged structures and contigu- 

 ous tissue causes a very marked diminution in the 

 size of a previously small enlargement. In other eases 

 spontaneous closure of i-mall herni.v remits from in- 

 flammation probably incited by friction between the 

 contacting parts. 



In colts treatment of umbilical hernia is a subject 

 wherein there exists much difference of opinion be- 

 tween veterinary practitioners. The best method of 

 handling any given surgical case is the one which is 

 the least likely to .jeopardize the life of the subject and 

 at the same time effect a correction of the existing 

 condition whether pathological or otherwise undesir- 

 able. 



Some hernias are permanently reduced by the use 

 of improvised trusses with or without the topical ap- 

 plication of agents which cause local inflammation. 

 The use of vesicants under cover of trusses or support- 

 ing bandages of any sort cannot be too strongly con- 

 demned from the standpoint of a surgical considera- 

 tion of asepsis. When the average improvised truss 

 or bandage is applied it is usually necessary, in order 

 to properly retain it in position, to employ straps or 

 other materials in such manner that pressure necrosis 

 of skin and underlying tissue may result. The writer 

 has observed one case of tetanus where apparently the 



