7G DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS 



them with cokl water or l)y compressing the protruded intestine on a 

 rubber band, or muslin, commencing at the external end and winding 

 toward the base of the swelling and while it is reduced by the pressure 

 return it to its normal position. It is much more difficult to reduce an 

 invaginated intestine, as the more you press on the protruded portion 

 the more it packs into the end of the rectum. A large bougie or candle 

 is inserted in the end of the protruded portion, and then it is pressed into 

 its natural position; or if this does not succeed, perform laparotomy and 

 draw the invaginated intestine back into position from the abdominal 

 cavity. There is little danger from this operation, if it is performed 

 with ordinary caution. The administration of a hypodermic injection 

 of morphia will insure relaxation and less straining on the part of the 

 animal. 



After replacing the intestine, it is generally necessary to place a stitch 

 around the perineum, so as to prevent the recurrence of the protrusion. 

 What is called a tobacco pouch stitch is carried around the anus, and when 

 the strings are drawn it will be seen (as in the cut, Fig. 36) that it prevents 

 a recurrence of the protrusion by drawing the anus together. The sewing 

 of the rectum by this stitch closes up the opening sufficiently to prevent 

 the bowel coming out, but n,ot enough to prevent the escape of liquid 

 faecal matter. It is not advisable to apply cold irrigations or inject 

 astringents, as the dog is very apt to strain more violently after applica- 

 tion of either of these remedies. 



At the same time, if the trouble is caused by diarrhoea, give opium, 

 and if caused by constipation, administer saline purgatives. Stockfelt 

 advised that a series of pins should be placed around the rectum 

 and united with threads, and thus produce a greater constriction 

 from the cicatrix when the irritation heals, so as to hold the parts in 

 position. 



Grey made an opening on the median line of the abdomen and drew 

 back the intestine and stitched it to the opening with cat-gut sutures, 

 taking care not to put the stitch through into the mucous membrane of 

 the intestine. 



When the prolapsus has been of long duration and reduction seems 

 impossible, it is best to take means to remove the protruded portion of 

 the intestines. 



Amputation and Sewing by Means of the Double Suture. — Cut off 

 the hair from the region of the anus, then wash the affected parts and 

 region, with an antiseptic, put the animal under ether, the animal is laid 

 on a table, the posterior part of the body is elevated, the prolapsed por- 

 tion pulled out by means of forceps until normal mucous membrane is 

 seen. Then wash off and apply a rubber band tourniquet as close up to 

 the anus as possible, then a curved needle is passed through both layers, 



