148 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



parts of the body, and may be mistaken for an antemortem change 

 in those organs in which it has accumulated. To be of value the 

 postmortem should be held within a few hours after death, as de- 

 composition changes set in rapidly, especially during warm weather. 



Before moving a dead animal to a proper place for the post- 

 mortem examination the body should be inspected for external 

 evidences of disease. The natural body openings should be ex- 

 amined for abnormal discharges which are significant of generalized 

 infections, although bloating, decomposition changes, and similar 

 conditions may be responsible for them. When summing up the 

 results of the examination all external changes of an abnormal 

 nature must be considered. 



The chief changes to be looked for in the internal organs are 

 the result of congestion of the blood. This is manifested by a red 

 to purple discoloration. 



In most infectious diseases the lymph-glands are the most 

 valuable guide at the autopsy. They are located in connection 

 with all important organs, and are the first structures to show 

 evidence of trouble because they act as filters of the Ijnuph which 

 has bathed the tissue. Lymph-glands serve as active agents in 

 limiting the spread of invading bacteria to other organs. 



The cadaver should be rolled upon the back and propped up 

 in that position. Then an incision is made through the skin and 

 muscles of the abdominal wall from the sternum to the pelvis 

 to bring the viscera to view. After careful inspection of the ex- 

 posed organs for pathologic changes the carcass may be inclined to 

 one side, and the stomach, intestines, spleen, bladder, and other soft 

 organs removed for a more detailed examination. Care should be 

 used to avoid puncturing the hollow organs, for their contents will 

 escape and may seriously interfere with further work. 



The incision made when the abdomen was opened should be 

 carried forward to the throat. At this time it will be best to ex- 

 amine the nasal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and trachea. In order 

 to get at the organs in the thoracic cavity it will be necessary to 

 divide the sternum or breast bone in its length. Especial note 

 should be made of fluid found in this cavity. An excessive quan- 

 tity indicates pleurisy. Adhesions of the lungs to the inner sides 

 of the ribs are found as a result of inflammatory changes in the 

 lungs. Healthy lung tissue is soft and spongy. If pneumonia is 

 present, dark-red, firm areas will be found. 



