306 
PELVIC HERNIA. 
the condition and its mode of origin. It almost always affects two to 
three year old oxen, occurs on the right side, and results from a portion 
of the colon, or less frequently of the small intestine or omentum, becom¬ 
ing strangulated by passage through a rupture in the peritoneal covering 
of the spermatic cord. The bowel usually becomes fixed in an aperture 
of the peritoneum in the neighbourhood of the sacrum and strangulated, 
though in other cases the free end of the spermatic cord returns into 
the abdominal cavity, and may encircle portions of the bowel in the 
neighbourhood of the abdominal ring. 
Causes and progress. The immediate cause is a solution of con¬ 
tinuity in the peritoneum covering the cord, or displacement of the 
cut end of the cord, though this is rare. Both conditions are due to 
unskilful castration, especially to pulling on the cord, without previously 
grasping it above, as in forcibly tearing off the testicles, a custom still 
common in the south of Europe. 
The initial rupture is also favoured by heavy work in hilly districts. 
In climbing slopes, the viscera are pressed backwards, part may pass 
through the rupture existing in the peritoneum of the cord, or may 
possibly even cause rupture, and then become incarcerated. As the 
size of the rumen, which lies on the left, ensures it against strangulation, 
it is easy to explain the frequent occurrence of the condition on the 
right side. Failing early assistance, the animals die in four to eight 
days from incarceration, rupture of the bowel, and peritonitis. Prognosis 
is only favourable during the first few days, but as long as symptoms of 
peritonitis are absent, proper treatment generally leads to recovery. 
Symptoms. The condition is announced by colic, loss of appetite, strik¬ 
ing with the feet towards the abdomen, moving backwards, frequent lying- 
down followed by suddenly springing up, and general restlessness. Where 
much green food is given, tympanites may also be observed. 
After twelve hours an apparent improvement sets in. The animals are 
quiet, again masticate, and possibly take food. During the next few days, 
however, they relapse; colic returns, the animal passes blood-stained 
faeces or mucus, has difficulty in breathing, and the pulse becomes small 
and frequent. As soon as these symptoms of peritonitis have appeared, 
the condition is in the highest degree threatening. 
Sometimes pain is shown on pressure in the right flank, and on 
examination per rectum, a swelling about as large as a man’s head, which 
is painful and doughy, at first soft, but later becomes hard, may be detected 
close in front of the entrance to the pelvis, and near the wall of the 
abdomen. Towards the middle line it is bordered by a tensely stretched 
cord. In stangulation by the free end of the cord a similar swelling may 
be recognised on the lower abdominal wall, near the abdominal ring. 
These symptoms leave little doubt as to the nature of the disease, 
