Inguinal or crural hernia of ovary or womb. Bitch. Long uterine horns, loose broad ligaments; Sow; Ewe; Cow. Other openings. Symptoms: not marked: strangulation: inflammation: abscess. Gravid hernial uterus. Treatment: reduction: surgical means: Cæsarian section.

The most common displacement of the ovary in the lower animals is through the inguinal or crural arch. It is most frequent in the bitch doubtless for the reason that the horns of the womb are long, and widely separated from each other, and in any case of inguinal or crural hernia, or of undue dilatation of the openings they are liable to pass through. A relaxation of the broad ligaments is another condition of such displacement. The laxity of these ligaments in the normal condition in the sow favors ovarian hernia, and Dupont found the ovaries in the perineal region in five sows examined. Laux found the condition in ewes, and Müller in cows, one ovary lying on each side of the mammæ. With relaxation of the uterine ligaments the hernia might occur in any female mammal, and not only through the orifices named, but through any normal or adventitious opening in the abdominal walls.

Symptoms. In the bitch the hernia is often overlooked although an examination of the inguinal region will reveal the presence of a small nodule and vermiform body which may usually be returned into the abdominal cavity. In some cases it becomes strangulated by the gradual contraction of the neck of the hernial sac, followed by swelling, heat and tenderness of the hernial mass, which may go on to abscess formation. In exceptional cases impregnation occurs with the womb in this position and the steady nodular increase of the mass, and finally the automatic movements of the contained fœtuses become very characteristic.

Treatment consists in passing the womb and ovary back into the abdomen, and if adherent or incarcerated, in exposing and releasing, and if necessary extirpating them. In case of advanced pregnancy with the gravid womb on the inner side of the thigh, a modified Cæsarian operation is required without the attendant danger of laying the peritoneal cavity directly open. Inflammation and abscess must be treated on general principles.