FISTULA OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 501 



analysis of the liquid which escapes will afford valuable information. 

 Acidity alone is a sufficient indication in fistula of the abomasum. 



Fistulae of the rumen and reticulum are difficult to close on account 

 of their low position in the abdominal wall, but, if great care is exer- 

 cised, they may be successfully treated. Those of the abomasum, on 

 the contrary, only tend to increase in size, and any surgical inter- 

 ference still further favours the destructive action of the gastric juice. 

 As a rule, therefore, they cannot be treated. 



Fistulae of the second variety comprise all intestinal fistulae. They 

 may be either accidental or artificial, and they are less grave than 

 gastric fistulae, because they are rarely situated in the lower portions 

 of the abdomen. With time they may become closed either sponta- 

 neously or by means of simple treatment tending to regulate the 

 passage of food through the bowel. 



