174 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



For the benefit of his brother veterinarian, Professor 

 Macqueen converted his beliefs into undeniable facts 

 by the performance of several interesting experiments. 

 Horses were cast and anaesthetized. Suitable antiseptic 

 precautions were taken, and in each case a small por- 

 tion of the floating colon was exposed. An incision was 

 made through the bowel wall, its contents removed, the 

 wounds sutured, and the animal allowed to recover. 

 Reserving my remarks on its practical utility for the end 

 of the chapter, I will allow Professor Macqueen to give 

 the details of this operation in his own words : 



' Materials, instruments, etc., required. — Four large and 

 twelve small Turkey sponges, for use inside the abdomen 

 and about the bowel. Twelve yards of tarlatan, cut into 

 two-yard lengths, for packing round the bowel brought 

 outside the wound. Four sponge cloths, for laying on 

 abdomen and thighs to catch dust during the operation, 

 to wipe the skin, and for rougher work outside the wound. 



' Three enamelled iron trays to hold instruments, liga- 

 tures, and needles. Four zinc pails to hold hot water, 

 sponges, lotions, etc. One small bucket marked in pints 

 to measure hot water for making solutions, etc. Some 

 20 per cent, carbolic soap for washing hands and flank 

 and for shaving. One aseptic scalpel and a razor. Two 

 elbowed scissors, sharp and blunt pointed, to divide 

 muscles, open peritoneum and bowel. Two sponge- 

 holding forceps. Two Thornton's T-shaped forceps to 

 stop bleeding from skin or muscle. Two Wells' catch 

 forceps, and one or two spring and dressing forceps. 

 A few straight and curved suture needles. Twenty 

 milliners' needles, straws No. 5, for stitching the gut. 

 Chinese twist for all sutures — No. i for the gut, No. 3 

 for muscles, and No. 6 for the skin. A fine trocar and 

 cannula, to puncture, if necessary, distended bowel. A 



