REPORTS OF CASES. 
460 
hernia sack from the skin by dissection or otherwise, and if the 
hernial opening* is very small, twist the sack and suture just over 
or through the borders of the opening. If the hernial opening 
is two or more inches long, it will be necessary to open the sack, 
pare away the glistening smooth borders of the hernial opening 
and suture with sterile catgut. Now cut away one side of the 
sack or as much as may be required of the sack on one side and 
pull the other side or part of the sack (that is still attached to 
one side or 'border of the hernial opening) and stitch to the 
muscle or fascia, using sterile catgut. This should form a close 
and tight fitting flap, covering the hernia. Next bring the skin 
lips together; cover with aseptic or antiseptic packing and then 
apply broad bandages. Leave the bandage and dressing on for 
several days if no suppuration is present. If suppuration is an¬ 
ticipated, gauze drainage bands or tacks should be inserted before 
the skin is closed, and the parts should be dressed every day. 
Sometimes it is remarkable how much suppuration can be present 
in some cases in the healing of the hernial wound and the animal 
make a good recovery. 
TRACHEAL PLASTIC OPERATION OR MAKING AN 
ALUMINUM WINDPIPE FOR A HORSE. 
By H. M. Stevenson, V.S., Perry, Iowa. 
In presenting this item to the readers of the Review, I will 
depart from the old form “ I am not writing this with the ex¬ 
pectation-of presenting anything new,” for I hope to present 
something new in two particulars: ist, the operation; 2d, the 
result after time enough has elapsed to judge the same. 
In naming this operation “ Tracheal Plastic ” I had in mind 
a similar operation in the cranium, “ Cranial 1 Plastic.” So far 
as I am aware, there is no literature on the former operation. 
Subject—A Hambletonian stallion, with a mark of 2.o8j4 
when a four-year-old, owned by Dr. R. E. Doidge of Perry, 
Iowa. 
During the season when it was a four-year-old, it had a bad 
case of distemper, and to relieve it the operation of tracheotomy 
was performed by a veterinarian whose work was not of the best, 
as he opened the trachea about 10 cc. and in healing it collapsed, 
so that it was difficult for him to breathe. 
Operation —After scrubbing and shaving the field of opera- 
