SECTION V 



OPERATIONS FOR HERNIA 



HERNIA consists of the. protrusion of an organ 

 or portion of an organ out of its normal posi- 

 tion, through an opening in the surrounding tissues. 

 The varieties most commonly seen in the dog are 

 umbilicaly ventral, and inguinal. Scrotal, femoral, 

 and perineal hernias are much more rare. 



The main principles of treatment are the same in 

 all cases and consist in the return and retention of 

 the organs to their normal position. 



The instruments required include two scalpels, 

 two pairs of artery forceps, two pairs of dressing 

 forceps, scissors, probe-pointed bistoury, grooved dis- 

 sector, needles and sutures, small trocar, and needle 

 holder. Have ready also swabs, iodin, iodized col- 

 lodion, gauze, dressings, and bandages. 



Place the patient in the dorsal position and induce 

 general anesthesia by the use of H-M-C and chloro- 

 form. 



Umbilical Hernia 



This condition' consists of a swelling at the um- 

 bilicus. It may be soft, fluctuating, and easily 

 reducible, or it may be irreducible because of ad- 

 hesions or because the umbilical ring has contracted 

 since the mass was extended. In the latter case it 

 feels hard to the touch and contains only omentum. 



It is dangerous because strangulation may occur 

 and lead to fatal peritonitis. 



Technic. — The skin is shaved and disinfected in 

 the usual manner and the instruments sterilized. 

 Make an incision over the center of the swelling 



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