178 The Diseases of Animals 
worked back into the abdominal cavity, only to return 
again when the pressure is removed. 
A strangulated hernia is one in which a loop of 
the intestine protrudes through the opening and _ he- 
comes strangled by pressure. It is always a serious 
condition and demands prompt treatment. The symp- 
toms are those of colic, the animal suffering severe 
abdominal pain. In treating this tronble, the horse 
should be kept in such a position that the hernia is on 
the upper side, so that the force of gravity will pull 
the intestine back into the eavity. Hot cloths should 
he applied to the hernia to relax the parts, and then 
by eareful manipulation the intestine may be returned 
to the abdominal cavity. Afterwards, the intestine 
may be kept within by means of a truss firmly applied 
to the spot. But it is a difficult matter to keep a 
truss in position on an animal. In most of these 
eases, a surgical operation is necessary to close the 
opening, whether the tronble be a common omental, 
or an intestinal hernia. An expert surgeon should be 
employed to operate. 
When a hernia, or rupture, is first formed, the mass 
should be returned and then a blister applied to the 
part, together with a temporary truss. The parts will 
swell and in healing will often close the opening. An 
ordinary hernia, with no loop of the intestine pro- 
truding, can be treated by tying a stout string or 
rubber band about the hernia and sloughing the part 
off. An iron clamp is still better. This will effect a 
cure in most cases if properly applied. A hernia may 
oeeur on any part of the belly. 
