DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 2U 
Instrument Co., Detroit, Michigan. It is an excellent article, 
not requiring anything to hold it in position. The method of 
adjusting is all that is necessary. With it the operation may 
be made much neater as well as simpler to perform. 
2. Rupture (Ventral Hernia). 
This is a rupture anywhere in the rim of the belly, and 
may vary from the size of a hen's egg to that of a man's 
head, or larger. 
Causes. — It is the result of a bursting of the membrane 
that forms a protection to the bowels and holds them in place. 
It may be caused, as is generally the case, by an injury of 
some kind such as a kick. Severe straining such as caused 
by heavy pulling may cause it. 
Symptoms. — Hernia may be detected in the following 
manner: Push the protruding portion back through the 
opening in the rim of the belly. This opening may be felt 
easily. If hernia, the bowel protrudes as before as soon as 
the hand is removed. 
Treatment. — Various treatment has been tried — clamps, 
cutting in and sewing up, etc. — but with little or no success. 
Get as much work out of the animal as possible and allow 
the rupture to remain as it is. 
3. Rupture in the Bag (Scrotal Hernia). 
A portion of the bowel and its fatty covering is forced 
down into the scrotum along with the testicle. 
Causes. — Some colts are ruptured at birth and are never 
cured. Running, jumping or any violent exercise may cause 
it. It may also be the result of violent struggling at the time 
of castration. 
Symptoms. — The scrotum has a swollen and enlarged 
appearance. The protruding portion of the bowel can be 
forced back into the opening, but when the hand is removed 
falls back again into the same position. 
Treatment. — If in a colt that is not castrated, it may be 
got rid of very easily while castrating him. To castrate and 
fix the rupture at the same time, have the animal well pre- 
pared by starving him a day or so before the operation ; then 
throw and secure him, shove the bowel and fatty lining back 
into the belly. Take the testicle in the left hand and at 
