tum should at any time become strangulated, it must then be treated
the same as in an adult horse.

SCROTAL HERNIA is caused by dilatation of the sheath of the testicle,
combined with relaxation of the fibrous tissues surrounding the inguinal
ring, thus allowing the intestine to descend to the scrotum. At first
this is intermittent, appearing during work and returning when the horse
is at rest. For a long time this form of hernia may not cause the least
uneasiness or distress. In course of time, however, the imprisoned gut
becomes filled with feces, its return into the abdominal cavity is
prevented, and it becomes strangulated. While the gut is thus filling
the horse often appears dull, is disinclined to move, appetite is
impaired, and there is rumbling and obstruction of the bowels. Colicky
symptoms now supervene. Strangulation and its consequent train of
symptoms do not always follow in scrotal hernia, for often horses have
this condition for years without suffering inconvenience.

INGUINAL HERNIA is but an incomplete scrotal hernia, and, like the
latter, may exist and cause no signs of distress, or, again, it may
become strangulated and cause death. Inguinal hernia is seen mostly in
stallions, next in geldings, and very rarely in the mare. Bearing in
mind that scrotal hernia is seen only in entire horses, we may proceed
to detail the symptoms of strangulated, inguinal, and scrotal hernia at
the same time. When, during the existence of colicky symptoms, we find a
horse kicking with his hind feet while standing or lying upon his back,
we should look to the inguinal region and scrotum. If scrotal hernia
exists, the scrotum will be enlarged and lobulated; by pressure we may
force a portion of the contents of the gut back into the abdomen,
eliciting a gurgling sound. If we take a gentle but firm hold upon the
enlarged scrotum and then have an assistant cause the horse to cough,
the swelling will be felt to expand and as quickly contract again.

The history of these cases will materially aid us, as the owner can
often assure us of preceding attacks of "colic," more or less severe,
that have been instantaneously relieved in some (to him) unaccountable
manner. The colicky symptoms of these hernias are not diagnostic, but,
probably, more closely resemble those of enteritis than any other bowel
diseases. In many cases the diagnosis can be made only by a
veterinarian, when he has recourse to a rectal examination; the bowels
c