388 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



passed on either side. They should not be passed, however, 

 until the distension becomes well marked. The common 

 integument should be divided by the lancet for the purpose 

 of facilitating the entrance of the trocar and canula. In 

 case the colon is not punctured at the first attempt, the 

 operator should not be discouraged, but should try again. 

 After the gas has escaped, the canula may be withdrawn,' 

 and the opening usually heals by the first intention. In 

 some cases an abscess results from puncturing ; when it 

 does, it should be opened and treated as an abscess in any 

 other part of the body. If pure gas and nothing else 

 escapes through the canula, it is to be regarded as a favour- 

 able symptom ; but if a dark coloured fluid passes out also, 

 it should be regarded as a bad sign, and one indicating that 

 more or less inflammation has taken place. However, it is 

 not by any means to be regarded as an infallible sign of 

 death. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a 

 pound of cure, and the saying will api)ly to acute indiges- 

 tion ; it is a disease easily prevented — nothing more being 

 necessary than a little attention on the part of the attendant, 

 who should see that the food is of good quality, and is 

 given to the animal in proper quantities, and at regular 

 intervals. And an animal should never be put to severe 

 exertion immediately after a full meal, neither should he 

 be allowed to drink large quantities of cold water imme- 

 diately after having partaken heartily of food. Good 

 grooming once or twice daily exerts a much greater in- 

 fluence over the health of the animal than is generally 

 supposed. It is also essential that he should have suflScient 

 exercise, and at proper intervals. Atmospheric draughts 

 should be avoided, but a bountiful supply of fresh air is 

 indispensable. 



