342 Veterinary Medicine. 



injury than the csecum. Occupying as it does the more lateral 

 parts of the abdominal floor, it is even more exposed to kicks 

 and blows, and extending as it does back toward the inguinal 

 regions, it is especially in the way of blows of horns so often de- 

 livered in this region. From the solid nature of its contents the 

 presence of calculi, the presence of blood-sucking worms, and 

 its implication in the congestions and extravasations of vermin- 

 ous thrombosis, this organ is especially liable to degenerations 

 and inflammations which render its walls particularly friable. 

 Neoplasms of various kinds, cancerous, tubercular, etc., have 

 been found on its walls as occasions of rupture. Abscesses of 

 strangles have ruptured into the viscus. Overdistensions in 

 front of an obstruction in the pelvic flexure, floating colon or 

 rectum are the most frequent causes of rupture. Again, cases 

 have been seen as the result of violent exertions, as during strain- 

 ing in dystokia. It has been a complication of phrenic hernia, 

 of volvulus of the double colon, and of ulceration caused by the 

 prolonged ingestion of arsenic. In severe impaction the necrosis 

 of the intestinal walls has proved a direct cause of laceration. 

 The seat of these ruptures may be at any point, bnt it is most 

 frequent in front of the pelvic flexure, or in the floating colon, or 

 directly in the seat of impaction. 



Symptoms. The attack comes on suddenly, perhaps in connec- 

 tion with some special accident or injury, and is manifested by 

 violent colicy pains which show no complete intermission. In 

 many respects the symptoms resemble those of complete obstruc- 

 tion of the bowel, there is a suspension of peristalsis, rumbling, 

 and defecation, a tendency to roll on the back and sit on the 

 haunches, an oblivion of his surroundings and pain on pressing 

 the abdomen. Usually the shock is marked in the dilated pupil, 

 the weak or imperceptible pulse, the short, rapid breathing, cold 

 ears, nose and limbs and the free perspirations. Tympany is 

 usually present as the result of fermentation. Signs of infective 

 peritonitis and auto-intoxication are shown in the extreme pros- 

 tration, unsteady gait, dullness and stupor, and general symp- 

 toms of collapse. The temperature, at first normal, may rise to 

 105° or 106 as inflammation set in, and may drop again prior to 

 death. 



Termination is fatal either by shock or by the resulting peri- 



