144 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
that through accident, or malformation, it may be only 
partially closed, the urine continuing to escape from 
the umbilical opening or cord. 
Seen oftener in Solipeds than in Ruminants, owing 
to the urachus,—like the umbilical artery of the former, 
—being firmly attached to the umbilical ring, and 
consequently not immediately withdrawn into the 
abdominal cavity. It is said to be of more frequent 
occurrence in males than in females, and more serious 
in the former. 
Treatment.—If interference is necessary, ascertain 
if the urethra is pervious. If part of the umbilicus 
remains, ligate it and allow the whole to slough. 
Should the urachus protrude separately, ligate it. If 
the urachus is covered by skin, it must be secured by 
passing a curved needle through the skin and above the 
duct, and tying the ends. A cantharidin blister, or the 
cautery iron, will often close the orifice. 
Umbilical Hernia. 
(Omphalocele, Exomphalos), 
This condition is frequently observed in young 
animals; more often in Foals and Puppies than in 
Calves, Pigs and Lambs. The hernia may appear at 
birth or some time after, and, if proper measures are 
not adopted for its reduction, may continue during the 
life of the animal. By union of the visceral plates in 
the linea alba, the abdomen closes during uterine life 
as faras the annulus umbilicalis, which remains open 
for the umbilical cord, and after birth ceases to exist 
on account of obliteration of these vessels. In new 
