GUT-TIE IN CATTLE. 621 



GUT -TIE IN CATTLE. 



Gut-tie occurs in certain districts in young oxen, more espe- 

 cially in the counties of Northampton, Buckingham, and Lincoln, 

 and results from a peculiar method of castration by which the 

 spermatic cord is left too long. It occurs only in oxen that have 

 been castrated at an early age, and generally shows itself when 

 the animal is about two or three years old. 



The spermatic cord, when divided, recedes into the abdomen, 

 but adheres partly to the portion of intestine in immediate 

 contact with it ; or, according to Mr. Armatage and other writers, 

 the spermatic cord becomes fixed by adhesions to the abdominal 

 ring, and is sometimes separated some distance from the pelvic 

 bones, but united to them by a layer of peritoneum. In conse- 

 quence of pressure against this membrance, rupture takes place, 

 and a small knuckle of intestine passes through, and shortly 

 becomes strangulated. Sometimes the peritoneum passes before 

 the intestine, forming a pouch or sac. This lesion occurs in oxen 

 used for draught. As the animal grows, the portion of the cord 

 attached to the intestine, remaining short in proportion to the 

 size of the growing animal, draws the adherent gut towards the 

 margin of the pelvis (the course of the vas deferens) ; the fold 

 of peritoneum, separating the pelvic from the abdominal cavity, 

 is pressed upon and ruptured by the gut; the sac so formed 

 incarcerating it, and causing symptoms similar to those of stran- 

 gulated hernia. It is found in the right side, because the left 

 side is mainly occupied by the rumen. 



The symptoms are very characteristic : no passage of faeces, but 

 a discharge of blood-covered mucus from the rectum ; continual 

 and increasing abdominal pain, the patient constantly crossing 

 his legs, and backing himself ; he loathes his food, and occasion- 

 ally Hes down. The animal may bear up against it for three or 

 four days, particularly if death is not hastened by the injudicious 

 administration of purgatives. 



Treatment. — Some cases are relieved by passing the hand 

 into the rectum, and reduction effected by pushing the impedi- 

 ment upwards and forwards, so as to lift the imprisoned fold 

 through the opening in the peritoneum. Should this not suc- 

 ceed, an incision is to be made into the right side of the flank, 

 and the intestine liberated by cutting the rudimentary spermatic 



