DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE OEGANS. 85' 



This sets up a deep-seated, adhesive inflammation, which, in very 

 many cases, closes the opening in the navel. Still another plan is to 

 inject a solution of common salt by means of the hypodermic syringe 

 at three or four points about the base of the swelling, i This acts in 

 the same manner as the preceding, but may cause serious injury if 

 the syringe or solution is not sterile. 



Others, again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few hoursj 

 cast and secure it upon its back ; the bowel is then carefully returned 

 into the abdomen. The skin over the opening is pinched up and one 

 or two skewers are run through the skin from side to side as close as 

 possible to the umbilical opening. These skewers are kept in place 

 by passing a cord around the skin between them and the abdomen and 

 securely tying it. Great care must be taken not to draw these cords 

 too tight, as this would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intes- 

 tines would extrude, and death result. If properly applied, an adhe- 

 sion is established between the skin and the umbilicus, which effectu- 

 ally closes the orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking up 

 the fold of- the skin covering the hernial sac and holding it until the 

 adhesion is formed. 



Diaphragmatic hernia. — This consists of the passage of any of 

 the abdominal viscera through a rent in, the diaphragm (midriff) 

 into the cavity of the thorax. It is a rather rare accident, and one 

 often impossible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, ac- 

 companied with great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar posi- 

 tion so often assumed (that of sitting upon the haunches), are some- 

 what characteristic of this trouble, though these symptoms, as we 

 have already seen, may be present during diseases of the stomach or 

 anterior portion of the bowels. Even could we diagnose with cer- 

 tainty this form of hernia, there is little or nothing that can be done. 

 Leading the horse up a very steep gangway or causing him to rear 

 up may possibly cause the hernial portion to return to its natural 

 position. This is not enough, however ; it must be kept there. 



PERITONITIS. 



Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous membrane lining the 

 cavity of and covering the viscera contained within the abdomen. 

 It is very rare to see a case of primary peritonitis. It is, however, 

 somewhat common as a secondary disease from extension of the in- 

 flammatory action involving organs covered by the peritoneum. 

 Peritonitis is often caused by injuries, as punctured wounds of thei' 

 abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, as is still more common, follow- 

 ing the operation of castration. It follows strangulated hernia, 

 invagination, or rupture of the stomach, intestines, liver, or womb. - 



