298 
CRURAL HERNIA. 
occurred, leading to death. When surgical interference becomes abso¬ 
lutely necessary, the radical operation is recommended, though it is more 
difficult to carry out than in male animals. It consists in ligation of 
the hernial sac, or of its inner coat, and of the peritoneum and surround¬ 
ing connective tissue. Narcosis and antiseptic precautions are necessary. 
An incision is made through the skin and udder; the inner coat of the 
hernia is then separated and ligatured as near as possible to the hernial 
ring. This is facilitated, as in swine, by rotating the hernial sac. 
Should it prove impossible to replace, the uterus can be amputated. 
Operation should be avoided during pregnancy, soon after delivery, and 
during oestrum. 
YIII.—CRURAL HERNIA (HERNIA CRURALIS). 
Crural hernia is so rare that Girard altogether doubted its occurrence 
in animals, and in spite of an extensive experience, Moller has never 
seen it. Lafosse, however, states having several times had to operate 
for crural hernia; and usually it is said to have been seen in horses and 
dogs. 
The crural canal (canalis cruralis) consists of a triangular space between the 
sartorius andiliacus muscles and Poupart’s ligament, and lies somewhat nearer 
the mesial line of the body than the inner abdominal ring, but close behind it. 
It is usually occupied by the crural artery and vein, by lymph glands, and con¬ 
nective tissue, and is covered by the outer tendinous head of the inner oblique 
abdominal muscle, and by the peritoneum, by which the passage of abdominal 
viscera into the canal is prevented. Should, however, this covering become 
dilated and a portion of bowel or omentum enter the canal, a crural hernia 
results. The latter consists of an abdominal hernia, to whose covering the 
fascia cruris further contributes ; sometimes a slit exists in the fascia through 
which the hernial contents have passed. 
Symptoms. The hernial swelling, which is usually small and flat, 
is found on the inner aspect of the thigh, at the point where the vena 
saphena leaves the surface. It can be replaced in the dorsal position, 
often causes straddling gait, and when incarcerated, may produce lame¬ 
ness, colic, &c. Examination per rectum leaves no doubt as to its 
existence. 
Causes and progress. The condition is either congenital or arises 
during delivery, from the hind-quarters of the foetus remaining a long 
time in the maternal passages, and the abdomen being powerfully com¬ 
pressed. In later life it may be caused by slipping, drawing heavy loads, 
or by very severe labour pains. Dandrieux saw a cow develop crural 
hernia during labour. Spontaneous recovery scarcely ever occurs, and 
incarceration, which produces the same symptoms as in other hernise, 
is not uncommon. Crural hernia must, therefore, be considered as at 
least as dangerous as inguinal hernia. 
