GG4 INTESTINAL SYMPTOMS AND FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS. 



iiction, terminating in an abscess, may take place in con- 

 nection with the wound of the integuments, and prove a little 

 troublesome. When, however, puncturing of the bowel has been 

 had recourse to either early in the distension or when some- 

 what advanced, we must not neglect to give attention, by the 

 exhibition of evacuants, to secure the action of the intestines, 

 which here, as in puncture of the rumen in the ox, are disposed 

 after this interference to show unwonted torpidity. Another 

 situation where the distended bowel may with equal success 

 be punctured is from within and through the rectum ; here we 

 will find that length of trocar is even more essential than when 

 the operation is carried out by puncturing the abdominal 

 walls. 



In the treatment of all cases of acute bowel affections in the 

 horse it will ever be found that a most important element of 

 success is early attendance, obtaining the treatment of the 

 patient before the disturbance has existed for days, or been 

 rendered more complicated by improper management ; while, 

 during the progress of any case of colic, it is to be remembered 

 that we are not justified in leaving the animal entirely alone 

 while the symptoms of pain continue, seeing that during the 

 paroxysms there is always the risk that through struggling, 

 while placed in some difficult position, fatal lesions, either of 

 the internal viscera, the limbs, or the back, may occur. To 

 obviate the chances of these dangers, as far as possible, it is 

 always wise to place our patient in a roomy box or open shed, 

 where such is procurable, and, if possible, to prevent his toss- 

 ing about too much, seeing that with such movements there 

 is always a danger of producing entanglement and strangula- 

 tion of some portion of the bowels. 



CHAPTER XL. 



INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. 



Definition. — Ohstructlon to the passage of the contained ma- 

 terial through the intestinal canal. 



Pathology, a. Nature. — Obstruction to the passage of the 

 contained material along the alimentary canal is, in the greater 



