SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS 353 



about 90 per cent of the cases. It is occasionally observed in sliotes or 

 older swine, and is in such cases probably the result of injury. This 

 condition consists of a protrusion of omentum or a portion of intes- 

 tine into the scrotum between the protruded intestine will be found 

 outside the tunica vaginalis reflexa. Scrotal hernia may be limited 

 or extensive ; in some instances the scrotum may be as large as a gal- 

 lon jug. Raising the hind parts of the pig usually permits of a por- 

 tion of the protruded structure passing back into the abdomen, and 

 thus reduces the hernia. 



Treatment. — This condition can be permanently relieved only by 

 surgical procedure. It is preferable to operate on pigs under two 

 months of age. Feed should be withheld from animals that are to 



Fig. 107. Scirrhous cord due to botryomycotic infection. 



be operated upon for from twelve to twenty-four hours. A solution 

 of chloral hydrate should be injected per rectum twenty to thirty 

 minutes before operating. Small pigs may be restrained by hang- 

 ing them up by cords attached to the hind legs. Larger hogs will not 

 submit readily to this mode of restraint but may be conveniently man- 

 aged on a slight incline that can be readily provided for the purpose. 

 Small animal operating tables are available for such operations and 

 will be found very convenient. 



The scrotum should be carefully examined to determine the nature 

 and extent of the hernia. The operative area should he thoroughly 



