128 ANIiTAL CASTRATION 



contagium gained entrance by way of abrasions caused 

 l)y sti-aps and ropes used to liold in place an impro- 

 vised truss. Such crude methods are certainly in- 

 humane, slo\'enly and iiiij)ractical. 



Jnjections of certain agents, such as solutions of 

 silver nitrate, lincture of iodin and oil of turpentine, 

 in the parieles ai'ound the umbilical opening result in 

 the production of sufficient inflammation that recovery 

 is brought about in some cases. This method, however, 

 is not dependable. Jjocal applications oL' nitric acid 

 by means of a glass rod in lines upon the skin or with 

 a swab over and around tlie hernia produces active 

 inflammation and stimulates recovery in many cases. 

 This method is crude, inflicts much pain to the subject, 

 and may produce excessive sloughing of tissue, even- 

 tration and death. 



Handling of umbilical hernia along lines that ai'e 

 strictly surgical, is in the majority of cases the vei'v 

 l)est method of procedure and reduction may lie pro- 

 duced by means of skewei'S, clamps or sutui'es without 

 doing a herniotomy. Herniotomy is indicated in e^■ery 

 case whei'e other means have failed and is preferalile 

 in all cases wliei'c the hernia is large. Preoperative 

 preparation of the subject is advisable in large colts 

 and necessary where complete anesthesia is to be em- 

 ployed. Preparation consists of withholding all solid 

 or bulky food for 24 hours. 



Restraint of the subject in dorsal I'ecumbency is 

 necessary in all cases, and this is easily accomiilishcd 

 in field \\ork with the harness or ropes. Chloral 

 hydrate may he given per rectum a half hour before 

 operating, or if thought necessary, complete anesthesia 

 may be employed. Where skewers are employed it is 

 advisable to clip away all hair, thoroughly cleanse the 



