27 
put in practice for the exomphalous of colts it will give the good 
results of the cauterization with nitric acid without its dangerous 
sequelae. In a first case it was for a little boy seven months old, 
always crying and coughing. The ombilic well bandaged from the 
time of birth as usual had not retreated sufficiently, and a little hernial 
tumour developed itself, easily reduced but soon reappearing as soon 
as pressure was removed. Bandages were of no avail—on four differ¬ 
ent points, at each corner on the ombilic, we may say, 10 drops of a 
solution of common kitchen salt saturated and filtered were injected; 
as many little indurated tumours soon developed themselves, but no 
suppuration; a compresse and a bandage made the dressing. About a 
month after, the resolution was perfect and the hernia removed. 
In a second case the hernia was very large—the general conditions 
of health left but little chance of spontaneous and permanent reduc¬ 
tion. To the left and right of the ombilic in the cellular tissue an 
injection of saturated solution of chlorure of sodium was made; these 
were followed by little abscesses, which were opened with the lancette. 
The cicatrization was quick and simultaneously the ombilical sac 
emptied itself and the hernia cured. 
In a third case the child had a left inguinal hernia. In the cellular 
tissue, on a level with the external inguinal ring about 5 drops of 
saturated solution of chlorine of sodium were injected; but though at 
first this seemed to be successful, the hernia soon returned. Whether 
the injection was not sufficient or ought to have been renewed, the 
attempt was not made, being objected to by the parents. 
A fourth case of ombilical hernia in a very healthy boy. An injec¬ 
tion was made on each side of the ombilical opening, a bandage 
applied and in a few weeks the hernia had disappeared. 
The interpretation of this method is undoubtedly analogous to that 
of the treatment by cauterization with nitric acid used in veterinary 
medicine, and as Mr. Boulev remarks, the irritation produced by the 
injection, stimulating the tonicity of the tissues and thus the contrac¬ 
tion of the ring, is not the only explanation to give of the result ob¬ 
tained, but the mechanic action produced by the injected fluid and the 
sedema which follows its presence, thus pushing back the intestines in 
the abdomen, has no doubt much to do in allowing the closing of the 
ring; which in other way is kept open by the presence of the protrud¬ 
ing intestines and therefore cannot close. 
It is a method that veterinarians practicing in breeding districts 
will do well to try, remembering, however that probably the .quantity 
of liquid injected would be for a colt, either probably too small, or 
not irritating enough .—JRecueil de Med. Vet. 
