Physical Injuries 63 



pressed against the buttocks of the mare, as well as by the vigor- 

 ous contraction of the abdominal muscles during the act and all 

 combine to increase the intra-abdominal pressure and tend to 

 force a small section of intestine through the inguinal ring, where 

 it quickly becomes strangulated unless it promptly returns to its 

 proper position when the stallion dismounts. 



In such case, soon after dismounting, in 15 to 30 minutes, or 

 even earlier, the stallion exhibits symptoms of colic, kicks at his 

 belly, looks at his flank, breathes rapidly, sweats profusely and 

 rolls violently. 



The agony is excruciating and constant, increasing in intensity, 

 the sweat becoming more profuse until, after ten to twelve hours 

 in very acute and unrelieved cases, the violence abates, the body 

 surface, bedewed with sweat, becomes cold, the pulse rapid and 

 weak or imperceptible, indicating gangrene of the incarcerated 

 bowel, to be soon followed by death. 



If the inguinal region is carefully examined a tense fluctuating 

 swelling may be recognized, but, in many cases, the incarcerated 

 intestinal loop is so small that its presence can be determined 

 only by very careful palpation. Examination per rectum 

 usually gives more definite results, and the incarcerated intestine 

 can be felt and grasped, making the diagnosis definite and final. 



The handling needs be prompt and usually radical, if the life 

 of the patient is to be saved, although spontaneous recovery 

 occurs in some cases. If the agony of the patient does not pro- 

 hibit the attempt, the operator may insert his hand per rectum 

 and grasping the incarcerated intestine, drag gently and cau- 

 tiously upon it and thus attempt its replacement. At times this 

 succeeds. 



Should this fail, the animal is to be cast in dorsal recumbency 

 with the hind legs sharply abducted and the inguinal region 

 freely opened. The dragging on the incarcerated bowel per 

 rectum may now be repeated, accompanied by digital manipula- 

 tion or compression externally with the other hand or by an 

 assistant. If the hernia is not promptly reduced, chloroform 

 anaesthesia should be induced, which further relaxes the parts, 

 and replacement may yet succeed. 



Failing in these efforts, herniotomy should be performed with 

 the least possible delay. After thorough disinfection of the re- 

 gion, proper sterilization of hands and instruments, and covering 



