HERNIA AND PEOLAPSUS lA^ 



turn plus invagination, of the rectum. Prolapsus of the 

 vagina is frequently not only a prolapsus of the vagina, hut 

 at the same time an inversion of that organ. 



Describe the prolapsus more commonly encountered. 



Prolapsus of the Intestines. Follows penetrating wounds 

 about the abdomen. The protruding bowels are usually the 

 large, the small colon or the caecum. Another cause is the 

 castration of ridglings (cryptorchids) through the inguinal 

 canal, the bowels prolapsing either immediately or shortly 

 after the animal rises. Finally, the bowels may protrude 

 after herniotomy has been performed. In all these cases, 

 excepting perhaps the prolapse following herniotomy (pro- 

 vided proper aseptic precautions have been taken previous to- 

 the operation and afterwards), the danger of septic complica- 

 tions is great. The treatment consists in asepticizing the 

 parts, thoroughly suturing the lacerated parts and applica- 

 tion of a retention bandage wherever possible. 



Prolapsus of the Omentum. Follows penetrating wounds- 

 and ridgling castration. The treatment is the same as in 

 prolapse of the bowels, but there is decidedly less danger. 

 The protruding mass of omentum is ligated and cut off, the 

 stump returned into the abdominal cavity. Since it is practi- 

 cally impossible to stitch up the inguinal canal, I have had 

 good results by firmly packing the cavity as high up the 

 inguinal canal as possible with aseptic oakum and stitching 

 the cutaneous wound. 



Prolapse of the Rectum. Follows empirical exploration 

 of .the rectum, prolonged diarrhoea, constipation— in fact, 

 anything calling the muscles concerned in defecation into 

 excessive play. Quite rare in the horse, it is seen in the cat, 

 dog, and especially swine. As previously stated, it is often- 

 combined with invagination of the prolapsed parts. The- 



