DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 85 
This sets up a deep-seated, adhesive inflammation, which, in very 
many cases, closes thé 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. 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 hours, 
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. 
DisPHRAGMATIC 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 the 
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. 
