188 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES 



be inserted between the adhered peritoneal surfaces to break 

 down the adhesions which hold the two layers together. If 

 this is impossible enterectomy must be performed. Place 

 ligatures of heavy suture material around the bowel a short 

 distance above and below the affected area and cut off the 

 bowel with scissors making the incision diagonally across the 

 intestine. Cut off the mesentery supporting the part to be 

 removed, ligating each vessel as it is reached. Bring the 

 parts of the bowel in end-to-end contact and suture with 

 Connell's sutures or if preferred a lateral anastomosis may 

 be used. After-treatment is the same as for enterotomy. 



WOUNDS OF THE INTESTINES. 



Definition.— Wounds of the intestines frequently occur in 

 small animals, especially the dog, which is more subject to 

 injury than the cat, rabbit or bird. 



Etiology.— The most common causes are: Falling from a 

 great height, being run over by vehicles, kicks, or severe 

 blows over the abdomen. Punctured wounds of the abdomen 

 often penetrate the intestines, such as gunshot wounds or 

 those produced by sharp objects (forks, etc.) which penetrate 

 the abdominal walls. Penetrating wounds should always be 

 considered serious, as the extent of the injury in the abdom- 

 inal cavity is difficult to determine. There is also danger of 

 infection being carried into the abdominal cavity from with- 

 out, or from within, the bowel contents escaping into the 

 cavity and causing septic peritonitis. 



Symptoms.— Injuries to the intestines are often difficult 

 to recognize, especially those produced by kicks, blows and 

 other forms of external violence. The most prominent symp- 

 toms of intestinal wounds are hemorrhage and collapse. 

 Often the abdomen will become distended with blood when 

 the bowel is ruptured. The anamnesis, paleness of the 

 mucous membranes and the sudden enlargement and dis- 

 tention of the abdomen usually suffice for diagnosis. However, 

 an accurate diagnosis cannot be made, unless an explorative 



