foals is the practice of keeping
them too long from their dams, causing them to fret and worry, and to
neigh, or cry, by the hour. The contraction of the abdominal muscles and
pressure of the intestines during neighing seem to open the umbilicus
and induce hernia. Accidents may cause umbilical hernia in adults in the
same manner as ventral hernia is produced, though this is very rare.

_Treatment of umbilical hernia._--In the treatment of umbilical hernia
it should be remembered that congenital hernias are often removed with
age, but probably congenital _umbilical hernias_ less frequently than
others. Among the many plans of treatment are to be mentioned the
application of a pad over the tumor, the pad being held in place by a
broad, tight bandage placed around the animal's body. The chief
objection to this is the difficulty in keeping the pad in its place.
Blisters are often applied over the swelling, and, as the skin hardens
and contracts by the formation of scabs, an artificial bandage or
pressure is produced that at times is successful. Another treatment that
has gained considerable repute of late years consists in first clipping
off the hair over the swelling. Nitric acid is then applied with a small
brush, using only enough to moisten the skin. This sets up a
deep-seated, adhesive inflammation, which, in very many cases, closes
the opening in the navel. Still another plan is to inject a solution of
common salt by means of the hypodermic syringe at three or four points
about the base of the swelling. This acts in the same manner as the
preceding, but may cause serious injury if the syringe or solution is
not sterile.

Others, again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few hours, cast
and secure it upon its back; the bowel is then carefully returned into
the abdomen. The skin over the opening is pinched up and one or two
skewers are run through the skin from side to side as close as possible
to the umbilical opening. These skewers are kept in place by passing a
cord around the skin between them and the abdomen and securely tying it.
Great care must be taken not to draw these cords too tight, as this
would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intestines would extrude,
and death result. If properly applied, an adhesion is established
between the skin and the umbilicus, which effectually closes the
orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking up the fold of the skin
covering the hernial sac and holding it unti