226 



CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



case it usually feels hard to the touch, and the contents 

 consist of omentum alone. \\'hen the bowel is present there 

 is danger of strangulation. 



The hernia may varj- in size from that of a pea to half an 

 orange, and is frequentlj- congenital ; severance of the um- 

 bilical cord, either by the bitch or the canine accoucheur, too 

 close to the umbilicus will also cause this trouble. It is 



Fig. 145. — Umbilical Hernia (Front and Lateral Views). 



commonly met with in all breeds, particularl)- jiure-bred 

 bulldogs, Japanese and St. Bernards. 



Coughing or struggling will cause the hernial sac to become 

 suddenl}' very tense and distended. 



In the bitch intended for breeding purposes, the presence 

 of an umbilical hernia is more serious than in the dog, and 

 there is no doubt that the tendenc}- is hereditary. In both 

 sexes, if the hernia is of anj' size, steps should be taken 



