SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF THE PELVIC FLEXURE 129 



As a matter of fact, cases that occur in practice bear 

 out this latter contention. More often than not the 

 subject of subacute obstruction of the pelvic flexure is an 

 aged animal. Several other causes, it is true, have at 

 the same time to be reckoned with. Imperfectly masti- 

 cated food, growing diminution in the proper secretion 

 of gastric and intestinal fluids, and the gradual lessening 

 in nerve force consequent on senility, all play a part in 

 determining an attack of obstruction in a bowel so 

 voluminous in extent and so peculiar in build as the 

 double colon of the horse. Add to these facts the 

 further reasons that I have here endeavoured to explain, 

 and it will be seen that obstruction of the pelvic flexure 

 is quite often a thing to be looked for. 



In conclusion, I may add that I have not yet met with 

 a case of this description in a nag animal. It appears 

 mainly to occur in animals of a heavy and lymphatic 

 type, owing partly, perhaps, to the larger size of the 

 colon, but more certainly to the grosser manner in 

 which some of these animals are fed. 



Symptoms. — Again the general symptoms of subacute 

 obstruction of the colon, as detailed in Chapter IX., are 

 to be expected. To those I have nothing to add. There 

 are, however, one or two points concerning them that in 

 this particular connection require to be dwelt on. 



Quite a prominent feature in a case of pelvic obstruc- 

 tion is the ' dull ' character of the pains, which dulness 

 has for so long been associated with impaction of the 

 colon. Although at times there is evidence of restless- 

 ness, a troubled walk round the box, anxious looks round 

 at the flank, and patchy perspirations, the animal is able 

 to remain for the greater part of the time in a comfort- 

 able stretched-out position on the floor. In this manni r 

 rest is often taken for long periods at a time. Save for 



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