THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES i8i 



came the owner had lost no less than four within a week, the post- 

 mortem revealing an intussusception in each case, the puppies being 

 from four different litters.' 



Symptoms. — The patient may or may not show signs 

 of cohc, but is continually straining when at exercise and 

 endeavouring to pass a motion, but only a little fluid or 

 dark, blood-stained mucus comes away even after the most 

 violent efforts. Food \\ill not be refused at the commence- 

 ment, and will be retained for a while, but after the existence 

 of the lesion for a few hours vomiting occurs if it is taken. 

 The eyes are bright, and the patient withdraws out of sight 



Fig. 128. — Intussusception of the Intestine. 



as much as possible, and away from its companions, remain- 

 ing abnormally quiet except when straining. Sometimes the 

 membranes are icteric and jaundice is a complication. 

 Examination of the exterior of the abdomen between the 

 fingers and thumb, or the fingers of both hands, readily 

 reveals a sausage-shaped s\\'elling in thin patients ; but in 

 fat animals this is not so readil}' detected, although after 

 the lapse of some hours the abdominal wall will become less 

 tense ; it is always a good plan to make frequent examinations. 



^ Miss Aleen Cust, Veterinary Record, 1904. 



