i62 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



left to the discretion of the surgeon as to whether the gut 

 is sufficiently injured to necessitate laparotomy (see p. 158), 

 repair of the bowel injuries (see p. 189), and surgical or anti- 

 septic treatment of the interior. 



In cases of external violence and contusions, without the 

 presence of a visible wound, such immediate contingencies 

 as the rupture of some internal organ or internal vessel 

 must be thought of, especially when the patient appears in a 

 state of collapse, and peritonitis is apt to ensue as a sequel. 

 The stomach and liver are commonly ruptured. In either 

 case it is quite a forlorn hope, especially if a lot of food has 

 escaped into the abdomen. Laparotomy (see p. 158) should 

 be performed without delay, and an examination made ; 

 the rupture being sought for, and if possible repaired, by 

 sutures, all food being carefully removed and the peritoneum 

 thoroughly irrigated with antiseptic solution. Ruptured 

 vessels must be sought for in the same way and ligatured, all 

 blood in the peritoneum being carefully removed with anti- 

 septic irrigation. This is a very troublesome procedure, on 

 account of the small space and cramped conditions in which 

 the operator has to work ; but it is possible, and occasionally 

 will be the means of saving a valuable life. 



Contusions alone cause great pain and stiffness, and may 

 even lead to peritonitis. An animal which has been injured 

 by being run over, even although at the time it may not 

 seem very much hurt, should be dieted carefully and receive 

 a little gentle laxative medicine, being kept quiet and under 

 observation for at least three or four days. 



In cases in which there is great pain, laxative and cooling 

 medicine (such as calomel or magnesium sulphate) should 

 be given internally, and the parts treated externally with 

 refrigerant and sedative lotions (such as lead and opium, or 

 arnica and spirit, etc. 



If an abscess or hsematoma forms, it must be treated as 

 already directed (see p. 59), being lanced with particular care 



