DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
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does not become too profuse. Keep the animal quiet and the 
bleeding usually ceases of its own accord. 
8. Rupture (Hernia). 
Sometimes a small rupture is present that is not detected 
before the operation, or the rupture may take place during 
the operation. 
Symptoms. — The bowels hang from the cut. This may 
be only slight — two or three inches or a foot, but cases are on 
record where the rupture has been such as to be trampled 
under foot. Should the bowel protrude very far and become 
strangulated and inflamed, there is great pain and symptoms 
of inflammation of the bowels. The protruding portion of the 
bowel is of a bluish-red color and, if allowed to remain out, 
soon mortifies. 
There may be no sign of rupture at the time of the 
operation. The colt may be left apparently all right. In a 
few hours the owner may, upon examination, find him in the 
above-mentioned condition. 
Treatment. — If the bowels are out, inflamed, bruised with 
the hind feet, and causing great pain, there can be nothing 
done but destroy the animal. In cases where there is only a 
small amount of the bowels out, throw the animal and secure 
him, oil the hand with sweet oil and force the bowels back 
through the hole into their natural cavity. Sew up the cut in 
the scrotum to keep the bowels from coming down. Keep 
the animal very quiet and feed on soft food to keep the 
bowels loose. Swelling will take place, and the swelling and 
the stitches will keep the bowels in their place until the open- 
ing heals and thus prevent further trouble with the rupture. 
When rupture is suspected when operating with clamps, leave 
them on longer than under ordinary conditions. 
9. Protrusion of the Fatty Lining of the Bowels. 
There is sometimes a slight rupture not noticed at the 
time of castration. In a few hours after the operation the 
fatty lining of the bowels is found to protrude from six inches 
to two feet. 
Symptoms. — The protruding portion is of a red color. 
To the touch it appears to be a fatty-like substance. Little 
or no pain accompanies this condition and the health and 
appetite appear to be perfectly natural. 
