CHAPTER XII. 
RUPTURE (HERNIA) AND METHODS OF 
TREATMENT. 
RUPTURE or hernia is the protrusion of any of the 
viscera — entrails or inner parts of the animal body as 
a result of the breaking of the outer covering or pro- 
tecting membrane. 
i. Navel or Umbilical Rupture. 
This is a protrusion of the bowels through the opening 
at the navel. 
Causes. — It is the result of the opening not becoming 
closed and properly knit together at the time of birth, thus 
allowing the bowels to. protrude at this point to form a sort 
of sack or pouch inside the skin. The size of this pouch 
varies from that of a small hen's egg to that of a goose egg, 
and even larger. This is a miserable, unsightly blemish and 
is best treated in the spring of the year when the colt is a 
year or two old. 
Treatment. — Nothing should be given to eat for at least 
twenty-four hours before operating. After casting and secur- 
ing him force the bowel well back and draw the skin well up. 
Keep it in this position by attaching a heavy, stif? clamp 
secured at both ends by a stout cord. Insert a few darning 
needles through the skin below the clamp to keep it from 
slipping off. Break off the points of the needles to prevent 
them catching in anything. The clamp should be left in this 
position till it drops off of its own accord, at which time the 
hole will be healed and the rupture cured. This usually 
requires from nine to twelve days. When the clamp falls off 
there is a raw spot left at this point which requires attention, 
especially in warm weather, to prevent it from being infested 
with maggots. Should this occur wash well with warm water 
and soap a few times and apply the creolin lotion. 
Warning. — Be careful not to catch hold of the bowel 
when attaching the clamp. 
Note. — A steel clamp made especially for the purpose of 
treating cases of this kind may be obtained from the Detroit 
21S 
