SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF SMALL INTESTINES 149 



consideration before it can be accurately traced to its 

 correct source. 



For some days prior to the exhibition of signs of un- 

 easiness, the animal has been heavy, has not performed 

 his work with activity and brightness, has appeared 

 unusually dull and drowsy. When down he lies quiet 

 for a considerable time, and only occasionally manifests 

 the seat of trouble by a quiet look round at the flank. 

 Rectal exploration reveals the presence of a few small, 

 hard faecal lumps, which are abnormally dark in colour. 

 The colon and such of the bowels as can be felt are not ab- 

 normally full, neither is there any undue fulness or tympany of 

 the abdomen. The pulse is raised a little beyond the 

 normal, and is firm and full to the fingers. The tem- 

 perature shows slight signs of febrile disturbance, and 

 the conjunctiva is plainly stained a muddy yellow, more so, 

 even, than is seen in that form of colic that is plainly 

 referable to the great colon. The mouth is dry and 

 sticky, and the odour of the breath abominably offensive, 

 while the tongue and buccal mucous membranes are 

 stained in like manner as the conjunctiva. 



It is not common, however, for the veterinary surgeon 

 to be called in at this stage. When first he sees the 

 case, the symptoms are more after this description : 



The pains have become a great deal more noticeable, 

 but still remain under the category of ' dull.' The 

 getting up and down has become more frequent, although 

 fairly long intervals of ease are even now common. The 

 pain, when it does come on, is most intense just after the 

 expulsion of a watery and extremely offensive purge, but 

 rapidly subsides immediately after the first few minutes 

 succeeding the evacuation. While the surgeon is watch- 

 ing his case this purge may be repeated two or three 

 times within the hour. 



