138 THEORY AND PRACTICE 



paresis in cows the rectum has been known to extend out 6 feet ; 

 in dogs I have seen it protrude 1^ feet. 



Etiology. — Constipation is the main cause. A dry season in 

 pasture with the streams dried up, dry feed, etc., too Httle water 

 — these conditions cause constipation and they are responsible 

 for the results of it. Diarrhoea will sometimes cause a prolapsed 

 rectum. Empirical treatment of colic such as a piece of soap 

 inserted in the anus, cauterizing it and thickening it, may bring 

 above this cnoidition. 



Treatment. — The tail must be bandaged and the protruding 

 part be washed with warm water and milk, to which has been 

 added laudanum 14 ounce to the pint. Give the horse a liberal 

 dose of chloral hydrate. 2 ounces for a 1,200 pound horse. This 

 treatment will not paralyze but will blunt the sensibilities and 

 relax the muscles (sphincter). Then try to replace the pro- 

 truding part, using especial care not to wound the tissues. Use 

 the palm of the hand. If the protruding portion is returned, in- 

 ject more of the solution (milk and water). There are various 

 means employed to keep the rectum in place, such as a rope 

 twisted in the form of a truss ; some take two crucial stitches in 

 the anus, but if the animal strains at all these will burst. The 

 best way is to keep a man with his hand upon the part until it 

 stays in place. This is expensive but it is the only practical way. 

 The congestion will subside in 3-4 hours, although it may take 

 10. The laudanum per rectum relieves the pain. You can use 

 an ointment composed of petrolatum 8 parts and opium 1 part. 

 The opium will overcome the peristalsis. In cows and dogs, 

 when the bowels have been exposed for some time, the parts 

 usually become gangrenous. In this case do not replace the gut, 

 but excise the protruded part. Cut off the part 1]^ inches out- 

 side the anus and then pull out the gut to get at the normal 

 part. Cut off the remaining part so that the edges are normal 

 tissue and suture the coats together, making the ridge on the 

 inside, being careful to get the peritoneal coats in a position. Use 

 the interrupted stitch. Before sewing sterilize the parts. After 

 replacing pack with oakum. Give the animal sufficient opium to 

 prevent defecation for three days. Then give a dose of oil and 

 enemata, 



