122 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



a case in -wliicli tlio fistuLi was dae to the presence 

 of a pair of clamps over vvliicli the skiu had almost 

 entirely cicatrized. 



INGUINAL hernia; HERNIA OF CASTRATION. 



By this is tindeistood the ]ii'otrnsion of some por- 

 tion of the contents of the abdomiual cavity through 

 the inguinal ring, either a portion of the omentum 

 or of some part of the small intestines, creating 

 either an epiplocele or an enterocele. This compli- 

 cation may take place either during the operation, 

 or shortly afterwards, or at the period of the removal 

 of the clamps. It proceeds from the violent strug- 

 gling of the animal during the operation ; to the 

 colics which are so apt to supervene ; to his position 

 when placed in a stall of which the floor is too much 

 inclined ; or it may result from some of the various 

 modes of castration, as, for example, the uncovered 

 operation. 



At times the two forms of hernia may pre- 

 sent themselves together, constituting a case of 

 enter o-epiplocele. When the epiploan alone pro- 

 trudes, it need not give rise to any unnecessary 

 anxiety, as it may easily l>e either reduced and re- 

 turned to its place, or ligated with the clamps, or 

 torn apart. If, on the contrary, it is a portion of the 

 small intestines wdiich becomes involved, the first 

 indication is to restore it to its place by the proper 

 taxis without delay, which may be readily done, 

 the animal being yet down and placed under an 

 anesthetic, by the rectal taxis combined with the 



