242 THE PRACriCE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



Any foreign body that may be present should be removed, 

 after which the edges of the wound should be brought to- 

 gether and retained in place by means of sutures. If the 

 wound has penetrated nearly through the wall there is 

 danger of the weakened structures givitig way. This danger 

 may be obviated by applying a suspensory bandage, which 

 will afford adequate support to the weakened wall. In 

 cases where the wound extends completely through the 

 abdominal wall, the bowels may protrude several inches or 

 several feet, but if they are found to be uninjured, they may 

 be carefully replaced after undergoing a thorough but gentle 

 cleansing with tepid water, in cases where they have become 

 dirty by touching the ground or in any other manner. After 

 the bowels have been returned the edges of the wound are to 

 be brought together and secured by means of sutures, which 

 should further be supported by the application of a broad 

 suspensory bandage ; the ends of the sutures are to be left 

 hanging out, so that when sloughing (if any takes place) 

 occurs the sutures can be drawn out. If the pulse is not 

 very high the chance of recovery may be considered as 

 good, although it is a very serious injury. On receiving an 

 injury of this kind the horse, in a large majority of cases, 

 immediately assumes the recumbent position. On being 

 called in to such a case, if the patient is lying down, he 

 should, if possible, be at once secured and not allowed to rise, 

 as it is necessary to have him down while closing the wound, 

 etc., and if cast the bowels may suffer injury. In some 

 cases an opiate or an anaesthetic may be administered. In 

 case he will not lie down there is no choice but to cast him. 

 The untoward result to be apprehended is peritonitis, which 

 if it occurs, is to be treated in the usual way. The bandage 

 should be removed at least once a day for the purpose of 

 dressing the wound, as there will be a very profuse dis- 

 charge. If the bowels are lacerated there is no alternative 



