VETERINARIAN. 
VOL. IX, No. 107.] NOVEMBER 1836. [New Series, No. 47- 
ON THE TREATMENT OF EXOMPHALUS. 
By Mr, M. Patti e, Yoker , near Glasgow. 
UMBILICAL hernia is not a rare disease. It often exists at 
birth, or occurs soon afterwards. 
I was originally taught to attempt its reduction by the con- 
stant pressure of bandages ; and for several years I resorted to 
no other means. In many cases the treatment was quite success- 
ful ; in as many more it was only partially so ; and in some it 
did no good whatever. In all, the cure, whether partial or 
complete, was effected with much difficulty ; the cost and 
trouble often bearing little proportion to the benefit. A profes- 
sional friend suggested another mode of proceeding, which, for 
expedition and certainty, has no rival. Bandages for exompha- 
lus I have entirely thrown aside. 
The operation for this kind of hernia is very simple. The 
colt is not cast, nor submitted to any restraint beyond that of 
having his head held. The hernial tumour is emptied, by forcing 
its contents into the belly ; the loose integument, forming the 
pouch, is gathered into the left hand, while the right surrounds it 
by a ligature, placed as closely as possible to the abdominal 
parietes, and drawn sufficiently tight to interrupt the circulation. 
The ligature is a single coil of small whipcord, dry and waxed. 
It is secured by an immoveable knot. 
On the second day there is considerable tumefaction around 
the incarcerated integument, which also in a slight degree par- 
takes of the engorgement, feels cold, and often clammy and moist. 
When the ligature has not been sufficiently tight, or the pouch 
so large as to require strong compression for arresting the circu- 
lation, it is hot and tender. 
In all cases more than one ligature is necessary. Generally 
on the third day, the first cord is loose. The circle it embraces 
has been reduced partly by absorption and partly by incision, 
and there is no longer any compression. If neglected after this 
time the tumour rapidly increases in size, and is attached by a 
neck, whose diameter is limited by the ligature. It is necessary, 
therefore, to see the patient twice or thrice a week, and renew the 
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