peolapsus or eversion of the rectum. 669 



Prolapsus or Eversion of the Rectum. 



It is chiefly as an accompaniment or sequel of certain cases 

 of colic of a mild and protracted character, accompanied with 

 constij)ation, or even oftener associated with torpidity of the 

 bowels as a distinct condition, that we encounter eversion or 

 protrusion of the posterior part of the rectum. 



In the horse I have more particularly observed this condi- 

 tion in the comparatively young, in animals previous to their 

 being stabled and trained for their special work, usually 

 appearing in these while grazing in pastures where, from 

 certain causes, the herbage is unnaturally dry, and containing 

 an extra amount of woody fibre. 



In such instances the animals may be observed for some 

 little time to exhibit indications of unthriftiness and want of 

 improvement ; but nothing serious is apprehended until bowel- 

 protrusion induces alarm. Others, again, have this state pre- 

 ceded by an attack of cohc, with the usual symptoms of 

 abdominal pain. 



When the protrusion is inconsiderable, the horse may not 

 exhibit any disturbance save when fjjeces are voided, at which 

 time there is uneasiness and evident irritation. Sometimes 

 abdominal pain is shown by hurriedly pawing and lying down. 

 On the faeces being passed, he moves away as if nothing had 

 occurred. Should the portion of bowel everted be of great 

 extent, the disturbance and irritation are likely to be con- 

 tinuous. The horse is disposed to lie down, and when raised, 

 moves restlessly from place to place ; inappetency is hkely to 

 exist, and, with many, occasional or continued straining. 



If not speedily relieved, the protruded portion, from the 

 continued constriction in which it is held by the anal sphincter, 

 becomes strangulated and gangrenous. When once established, 

 it is rarely that this condition of eversion is overcome with- 

 out manipulatory interference. 



Treatment. — When the portion of bowel protruded is not 

 extensive, and when observed early, before its vitality is im- 

 paired by strangulation, it is usually successfully dealt with by 

 first removing from the rectum all contained feeces, washing 

 the extruded portion and slightly lubricating it with oil, or 

 what is better, washing it with warm milk and tincture of 



