68 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



dominal cavity is prevented, and it becomes strangulated. While 

 the gut is thus filling the horse often appears dull, is disinclined to 

 move, appetite is impaired, and there is rumbling and obstruction of 

 the bowels. Colicky symptoms now supervene. Strangulation and 

 its consequent train of symptoms do not always follow in scrotal 

 hernia, for often horses have this condition without suffering incon- 

 venience for years. 



Inguinal hernia is but an incomplete scrotal hernia, and, like the 

 latter, may exist and cause no signs of distress, or, again, it may be- 

 come strangulated and cause the death of the animal. Inguinal hernia 

 is seen mostly in stallions, next in geldings, and very rarely in the 

 mare. Bearing in mind that scrotal hernia is seen only in entire 

 horses, we can proceed to detail the symftotris of both strangulated, 

 inguinal, and scrotal hernia at the same time. When, during the 

 existence of colicky symptoms, we find a horse kicking with his hind 

 feet while standing or lying upon his back, we should look to the 

 inguinal region and scrotum. If scrotal hernia exists the scrotum 

 will be enlarged and lobulated ; by pressure we may force a portion of 

 the contents of the gut back into the abdomen, eliciting a gurgling 

 sound. If we take a gentle but firm hold upon the enlarged scrotum 

 and then have an assistant cause the horse to cough, the swelling will 

 be felt to expand and as quickly contract again. 



The history of these cases will materially aid us, as the owner can 

 often assure us of preceding attacks of '' colic," more or less severe, 

 that have been instantaneotisly relieved in some (to him) unaccounta- 

 ble manner. The colicky symptoms of these hernias are not diagnos- 

 tic, but, probably, more closely resemble those of enteritis than any 

 other bowel diseases. The diagnosis can, in many cases, be made only 

 by a veterinarian, when he has recourse to a rectal examination ; the 

 bowels can here be felt entering the internal abdominal ring. 



Treatment of inguinal hernia. — If the reader can be sure of the 

 existence of hernia, he should secure the horse upon its back, and, 

 with a hand in the rectum, endeavor to catch hold of the wandering 

 bowel and pull it gently back into the cavity of the abdomen. Pres- 

 sure should be made upon the scrotum during this time. If these 

 means fail a veterinarian must be called to reduce the hernia by 

 means of incising the inguinal ring, replacing the intestines, and 

 castrate, using clamps and performing the " covered operation." 



Ventral hernia. — In this form of hernia the protrusion is through 

 some accidental opening or rupture of the abdominal wall. It may 

 occur at any part of the belly except at the umbilicus, and is caused 

 by kicks, blows, hooks, severe jumping or pulling, etc. Ventral 

 hernia is most common in pregnant mares, and is here due to the 

 weight of the fetus or some degenerative changes taking place in the 

 abdominal coats. It is recognized by the appearance of a swelling. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



