366 Veterinary surgical operations 



is ligated near the ring in the manner described in Vanlaw's 

 operation. The cavity is packed with antiseptic gauze, which 

 is retained with sutures across the scrotum. 



The patient is given a large dose of an oleaginous purga- 

 tive, sustained on a strict liquid regimen, and is given such, 

 other internal remedies as the general systemic condition in- 

 dicates. 



OTHER METHODS. — Strangulated hernias are some- 

 times successfully relieved by simple manipulation of the sac 

 after placing the patient in the dorsal posture, and one case 

 reported by Stringer was permanently cured of its hernia by 

 plugging the orifice with the testicle after reducing the con- 

 tents by gravity and taxis. The testicle never again de- 

 scended into the scrotum, the hernia never returned and the 

 stud regained its health and lived a useful existence for years. 



SEQUELiE.— i. Enteritis extending from the initial 

 strangulated focus is the chief untoward result. The pains 

 continue after the operation has been performed and death 

 soon ensues. There is no successful treatment. 



2. Gangrene of the Loop. — When the incarcerated loop 

 of intestines has become gangrenous or unviable on account 

 of the duration of the period of incarceration, the patient dies 

 within a few hours, with all of the symptoms of shock. Treat- 

 ment is of no avail. 



3. Peritonitis is more liable-to supervene than in the ope- 

 ration for uncomplicated scrotal hernia, on account of the 

 enfeebled condition* of the patient. It is manifested by fever, 

 slight colics, inappetence lasting during the week following 

 the operation, and usually terminates fatally. 



Radical Operation for Ventral Hernia. 



INDICATIONS. — Ventral hernias are most common in 

 the ox and the horse. They are due to violence inflicted with 

 blunt objects which rend the inner integuments without lacer- 

 ating the skin. In size they vary from small flattened fluc- 

 tuant projections to enormous sacs that contain almost the 

 entire viscera. In the horse they are usually located near the 

 costal margin or else-along the linea alba, although sometimes 

 found at any dependent part of the cavity. In the ox they are 

 most frequently found near the flank. 



The most exaggerated type of ventral hernia found in do- 

 mestic animals is seen in pregnant mares (hysterocele due to 

 rupture of the prepubian tendon Fig. 179). The weight of the 

 foetus and gravid uterus tears the prepubian tendon from the 



