740 DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



of the wound sboukl be brought together face to face, or they can 



be shglitly inverted, but the sutures should only pass through the 

 peritoneum and muscular coats, avoiding the 

 mucous coat. If the silk threads pass through 

 the mucous membrane and come in contact 

 with the gas in the upper zone of the rumen 

 they are rapidly macerated, and the sutures 

 tear out before the wounds can heal. The 

 rumen should always be kept fixed to the ab- 

 dominal wall towards the upper and lower ex- 

 tremities of the operative wound, in order to 

 avoid displacement and occurrence of perito- 

 nitis. For a similar reason the passing of the 

 silk sutures should be preceded by careful dis- 

 FiG. 304. infection of the operative wound, and free wash- 



ing of the parts with boiled water. 

 The operation is concluded by bringing the skin together with a 



few silk sutures and inserting a strip of iodoform gauze into the 



lower portion of the wound, to serve as a drain. 



LAPAROTOMY. 



Laparotomy is comparatively seldom performed on animals of the 

 bovine species, though it may become necessary in dealing with cases 

 of hernia, uterine torsion (where direct taxis is called for), Cesarean 

 section, invagination or strangulation of the intestine, and under a 

 few other exceptional circumstances. 



If simple exploration is aimed at, the- operation is most con- 

 veniently performed from the right flank with the animal in a stand- 

 ing position, but should a prolonged operation be contemplated the 

 animal should be cast. The incision varies in length, according to 

 circumstances, from 8 to 16 inches, and, like that in gastrotom}^, 

 should correspond in direction with the fibres of the small oblique 

 abdominal muscle; the seat of operation should previously be washed, 

 shaved, and disinfected. 



The operation comprises the following stages : — 



First stage. Incision of the skin. 



Second stage. Incision through the muscles and peritoneum. 



Third stage. Exploration, inspection, palpation, extraction or 

 ablation, etc. 



Fourth stage. Suture of the peritoneal opening, the lips being 

 brought together face to face. 



Fifth stage. Suture of the muscles and the skin. It is some- 

 times advisable to insert a drain of iodoform gauze under the skin. 



