334 Veterinary Medicine. 



injury than the csecuni. 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 re- 

 gions, 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 

 straining in dy.stokia. 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 lacera- 

 tion. The seat of the,se ruptures may be at any point, but 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, dullne.ss and stupor, and general symp- 

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

 105" or 106° as inflammation sets in, and may drop again prior 

 to death. 



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



