HERNIA.
—A protrusion of any portion of the bowels or their coverings through a break in the walls of the abdomen. A rupture, for that is the popular term, is most common in horses. Often at birth they are seen near the navel. These disappear in a few months without any treatment being required. In mature horses the usual causes are blows, kicks or some violent effort that tears the muscular structure.
VENTRAL HERNIA
It may occur in any part of the abdomen and varies in size with the extent of the rupture.
The characteristic symptom is the bulging out of the gut, tumorlike; and this often can be slipped back where it belongs. If the rent be not closed, even if the gut is returned, the least bit of strain is liable to force it out again. Some kinds of hernia cause immense pain and the animal shows it.
In treating, work the gut back to its place. This done, place a pad—a flat piece of wood or leather will do—over the wound and fasten in such a way as to keep it in place. This should be worn for a month until recovery is complete. Such treatment will not serve in all cases of hernia. An operation may be necessary, which should be made only by a skillful veterinarian.