536 VENTRAL HERNIA, &c. 
If this is worth while inserting, I will frequently send you a 
case for publication, as I have derived a great deal of useful know- 
ledge from the perusal of The Veterinarian. 
VENTRAL HERNIA— CREASOTE IN OPHTHALMIA- 
CASTRATION WITH THE CAUSTIC CLAMS. 
By I. W. IONS, Esq.,V.S. Waterford. 
In April 1839, a bay filly was brought to my establishment, hav- 
ing received an injury two months previously, from the horn of a 
cow, between the cartilages of the false ribs inclining to the flank. 
The opening was about six inches in length. No inflammation en- 
sued, and I was disposed to try what pressure would do in this case. 
I commenced by returning the intestine into the abdomen, and 
putting a pair of clams, such as I use in castration, over the skin 
and pouch, ordering the injured part to be bathed several times in the 
day with a solution of nitre, in the proportion of half an ounce to 
a pint of water. In a fortnight the whole sloughed away, leaving- 
only a thick white cicatrix the length of the clam. A solution of 
sulphate of copper had been applied instead of the nitre during 
the latter part of the time. The filly is now at grass, perfectly 
sound. 
I had commenced some experiments with creasote in cases of 
“ specific ophthalmia.” This disease has been very prevalent dur- 
ing the last two months. In two instances I had recourse to the 
creasote, and with complete success. I will send you the parti- 
culars of them, and I trust of some others, in my next communi- 
cation. 
In every operation of castration I use the clams, with a caustic 
composed of one part of sulphate of copper, one of alum, and one 
of pipe-clay, and, on an average, operate on 100 colts annually. 
There is very little swelling, and they are never off their feed. 
They are fit to take their exercise in three days after the operation. 
I never, by any chance, lose a patient, although I operate indiscri- 
minately in winter and in summer. I lately operated on ten horses 
belonging to the Marquis of Waterford, and among whom was 
“ Bamfylde,” a seven years’ old horse. They were not an hour sick, 
and were at their exercise on the second day. 
About two years ago, a horse belonging to Captain Jason Hasard 
was sent to be castrated. He was a powerful, well-bred horse, nine 
years old, and had covered three seasons. He was sent home in 
a week, perfectly healed — a circumstance I believe unparalleled. 
