702 DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES. 



essayed to re-widen it, it was necessary at length to have recourse to multiple incisions 

 in the skin. But notwithstanding these incisipns, in spite of all attempts at dilatation, 

 and although enemas were frequently given, no favorable change could be effected, and 

 the foal succumbed on the sixth day. 



The autopsy demonstrated the existence of peritonitis, as well as a notable distention 

 of the intestines. The rectum was about four inches shorter than is natural, and the 

 surrounding connective tissue was ulcerated. 



5. Siebenrogg {Repertorium filr Thierheilkunde, 1875, P- 5-) gives a case which de- 

 rives its importance from the subject of it being a nine-months-old Sow. Defecation 

 took place by the vagina, between which and the rectum there was a free communica- 

 tion. So long as the faeces were soft, the recto-vaginal opening sufficed for their ejec- 

 tion ; but when the animal began to be fattened with potatoes, etc., this did not permit 

 defecation, and the contents of the intestine were arrested. The Sow was in the latter 

 condition when seen by Siebenrogg, and the case was so urgent that he decided on 

 making an artificial anal orifice. After removing the skin at this point and exposing 

 the extremity of the rectum, the latter was incised to a sufficient extent to allow of its 

 being emptied ; this afforded the animal immediate relief. The faeces afterwards con- 

 tinued to pass through this surgical opening, as well as that between the rectum and 

 vagina. 



In six months the Sow was slaughtered, and on examination it was found that the 

 borders of the wound were cicatrized, and the opening into the rectum about two inches 

 deep and large enough to admit the little finger. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

 Imperforation of the Vulva and Vagina. 



Imperforation, atresia, or occlusion of the Vulva does not appear to be very 

 rare in new-born animals, they being not unfrequently found after birth 

 without any apparent opening into this passage, the hibia of which are 

 adherent. The adhesion may be general or partial. In the former case 

 the urine cannot escape, and is therefore retained ; or it may be expelled 

 through the urachus, by the umbilical opening. When the retention is 

 complete, the bladder soon becomes distended and ruptures. From this 

 death soon ensues. 



Complete occlusion is always a serious condition, as there is no precise 

 indication as to where the urethra opens, or even if it exists at all ; so 

 that it is scarcely possible to make an artificial opening for the passage 

 of the urine with perfect and permanent success. When the labia are 

 merely adherent, then there is no difficulty, and not much danger, in the 

 case. The adhesion being destroyed and the labia freed, the urine is no 

 longer retained and the malformation is remedied : the only precaution 

 necessary is to prevent their again becoming united — this is easily ef- 

 fected by dressing the raw margi-ns with oil or grease, and, if need be, 

 keeping them apart until healed. 



When occlusion is only partial, the interference of the operator may 

 or may not be deemed necessary, according to circumstances ; but it will 

 be generally most judicious to enlarge the opening to its natural dimen- 

 sions before the animal becomes full-grown. 



Imperforate Vagina is much less frequent than imperforate vulva. 

 Nevertheless, it is sometimes met with in new-born creatures. The dan- 

 ger is the same as in the other malformation, as the external opening of 

 the urethra is situated below the pubic symphysis, immediately anterior 

 to the entrance to the vagina. Consequently, the urine may be retained, 

 and the animal will soon perish from rupture of the bladder, peritonitis, 

 etc. 



