384 Internal Closure of the Intestine. 



pulse deviate onlj' very inconsiderably from the normal figures 

 in consequence of restlessness ; the pulse remains usually below 

 50 in the beginning. Obturation of the anterior portions of the 

 small intestine forms an exception from the general rule be- 

 cause the early occurrence of dilatation of the stomach or of 

 enteritis frequently raises the pulse rate shortly after the onset 

 of colicky symptoms. Dilatation of tlie stomach may cause 

 ])elching, retching or vomiting. 



Obturation due to retention of the meconium on the second day 

 after l)irth, causes marked restlessness, pawing with the front legs, 

 wagging of the tail, stretching, pressing, lying on the back, dog-fashion 

 squatting, sometimes even convulsions (Topper). 



If there is no improvement one usually sees in the further 

 course, rarely on the first, more generally on subsequent days, 

 an elevation of temperature ; also acceleration and weakness of 

 the pulse. These symptoms increase very slowly; they are 

 caused by the onset of complications (enteritis, peritonitis, 

 meteorism, rupture). Rupture of the intestines is not followed 

 by collapse, provided it has been small and, provided only solid 

 feces have gotten into the abdominal cavity, because then bac- 

 teria and their toxins are not at once alisorbed in larger 

 amounts ; but there develops the clinical picture of general acute 

 peritonitis, characterized by unevenness and tenderness of the 

 peritoneum, which can be ascertained on rectal examination; 

 one may also frequently be able to feel free particles of feces in 

 the abdominal cavity. If an exploratory puncture is made, one 

 obtains a fluid exudate containing particles of feces and numer- 

 ous bacteria. 



The clinical picture in cattle is identical with that of intes- 

 tinal stricture (see page 389) (Holterbach), or one observes 

 more or less marked symptoms of colic, obstinate constipation 

 in spite of repeated efforts. The appetite is poor, rumination 

 has ceased and moderate bloating usually occurs. Intestinal 

 sounds are absent. Rectal exploration sometimes reveals the 

 presence of an obturating foreign body in the intestines, which 

 may be felt in the right half of the abdominal cavity (Sporer, 

 Feser). 



In dogs we observe obstinate vomiting, possibly colic, ab- 

 sence of appetite, but increased thirst and complete constipation. 

 The animals are less lively, hide themselves, whine and cry on 

 getting up, on moving, and also while at rest ; they often change 

 their place of rest, are cross and excitable. In the further course 

 of the disease they become increasingly apathic ; there may be 

 convulsions, elevation of temperature, acceleration of pulse, 

 rapid emaciation. Palpation of the abdomen reveals marked 

 tenderness in places, and possibly the presence of the obturating 

 body (the latter may often be easily detected during narcosis). 

 A pointed foreign body (tooth pick) gave rise, after perforation 

 of the intestines, to the formation of an abscess. 



