AFFECTIOXS OF THE DIAPHEAGM. 671 



mortem, arising from the pressure of the intestines, distended with 

 gases evolved after death. It is stated that tlie rupture, when 

 occurring during life, is always found in the tendinous portion of 

 the muscle, and that that occurring i^ost mortem is in the fleshy 

 part of it. In nearly every subject brought for dissection, if kept 

 unopened until the abdomen has become much distended, the 

 diaphragm is found ruptured. I am not acquainted with any 

 symptoms diagnostic of this lesion, except those of abdominal 

 pain, distressed breathing, aud general disturbance. Mr. Eobin- 

 son of Greenock tells me, however, of a case in which for two 

 days prior to death there was general uneasiness, pawing with 

 the fore feet, and, what might be looked upon as diagnostic, a 

 dark patch of perspiration was seen to be constantly present on 

 the skin opposite the diaphragm on one side. On making 

 a post mortem a knuckle of intestine was found in the cavity of 

 the thorax, forced through a round aperture in the diaphragm, 

 opposite the patch of perspiration. Beyond this, I can gather 

 no reliable information from the writings of veterinary authors 

 which would justify me in laying down any rules for its re- 

 cognition. If I were to do so, what I might state would be 

 calculated more to mislead than to enlighten. 



Should the lesion be found post mortem in the tendinous 

 portion, or if at any time the gap be stained with extravasated 

 blood, the probabilities are that it occurred during life. 



