ANEURISM. 583 



parasite is a variety of tlie Strongylus — Strongylus armatus, 

 vayietatis minoris — which is often found in the textures of 

 solipeds. 



With reference to the presence of parasites in the anterior 

 mesenteric artery, I may state that they are scarcely ever 

 absent in the ass, and that the coats of the vessel, as well as 

 those of the coeliac axis, are thickened — calcareous — and pre- 

 sent aneurismal dilatations. 



In the investigation of obscure causes of disease in the horse, 

 it may be of advantage to bear in mind the frequency of 

 aneurism. 



In the dog I have witnessed cases of aneurism of the posterior 

 aorta, and the symptoms are much better developed than in the 

 horse. In the dog sufiering from this form of aneurism, the 

 pulsations of the vessel can be felt by laying the hand upon the 

 '.vails of the abdomen ; in fact, the expansion and contraction of 

 the artery (pulsations) can be both seen and felt ; a thrill is also 

 communicated to the pulsations of the femorals. In addition 

 to this diagnostic sign, the animal suffers from marasmus, 

 debility of the muscles of the hind limbs, loss of appetite, and a 

 tendency to vomition. 



Treatment. — Aneurism of the aorta, mesenteric, iliac, or other 

 deep-seated artery, is beyond the reach of surgical interference ; 

 in the dog I have, however, seen beneficial results follow the 

 persistent administration of the iodide of potassium. But in 

 the more external aneurisms, should the veterinarian meet with 

 such an affection, the treatment is by continuous pressure, or by 

 ligature, and in veterinary practice the operation of Hunter is 

 the best. The Hunterian operation is performed by tying the 

 artery on the cardiac side of the tumour, at some distance from 

 the tumour where the artery is most accessible, and where its 

 coats are most free from disease. After the operation, the 

 aneurismal tumour is gradually diminished by absorption ; and 

 with regard to the main trunk on which the aneurism is seated, 

 it has been found in human surgical practice that it has become 

 obliterated from the first branch above the ligature to the first 

 below the aneurism. 



The method of operation by acupressure is now generally 

 practised by surgeons. The employment of the catgut suture 

 is also highly spoken of. The catgut is dissolved after a certain 



