INGUINAL AND SCROTAL HERNIA. 



329 



Hydrocele. By this we define an accumulation of serum in 

 the scrotum. The affection is often associated with oedema of tiie 

 lower extremities and of the scrotum. It is frequently seen with 

 ascites, hydrothorax, etc., appearing in the shape of a fluctuating 

 swelling of the testicular pouch, which disappears when the animals 

 lie on their back. 



Therapeutic Treatment. This consists of puncture and 

 emptying of the sac, also injection with any of the following stim- 

 ulating fluids: alcohol, Lugol's solution, carbolic acid (1 to 40), 

 etc. Of course, these are only to be used when castration is not 

 performed. 



A variety of hydrocele is seen where we have oedema of the 

 spermatic cord. This appears as a fluctuating swelling which may 

 be easily moved from one side to the other. It occupies the whole 

 length of the spermatic cord, and, as a rule, is never interfered 

 with. When the fluid of the hydrocele, which is discharged by 

 puncture, consists of bloody serum, we call it hemorrhagic hernia, 

 or hsematocele. Any other complications of the testicles and their 

 membranes may be found on page 184. 



Fig. 73. 



Middle section through the pelvis, showing the organs ; a, pelvis ; b, coccygeal vertebra; 

 c, broad pelvic ligament ; d, anterior and, d', posterior portions of the rectum ; e, bladder ; 

 /,/, seminal vesicles ; g, fold of the peritoneum. 



Clincal Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia in the Bitch. 

 The contents of the hernial pouch are generally the uterus, and it 



