122 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 



communis is the most important pyogenic bacterium in vet- 

 erinary surgery. It is also described under the name of bacil- 

 lus pyogenes foetidus on account of the very offensive odor 

 of the pus it produces. It is often referred to as the colon ba- 

 cilltis. It is a constant and habitual inhabitant of the large in- 

 testines, small intestiiies and bile ducts of domestic animals 

 and can usually be found in the feces of most all mammals. It 

 establishes its abode in the intestinal tract soon after birth 

 and remains there as a parasite throughout the life of the 

 animal. Its constant presence in the intestines has led to 





A^9 



Fig. 8. 

 Colon Bacillus without Flagella. 



many erroneous impressions as to its pathogenicity. It has 

 been wrongfully accused at different times of producing 

 dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever, and hog chol- 

 era, besides various other diseases. At the autopsy, it is one 

 of the common micro-organisms found in the tissues of the 

 carcass, owing to its remarkable penetrating and contami- 

 nating powers after death. It has the property of spreading 

 directly through the tissues after death. Soon after death 

 it passes directly through the intestinal walls into the sur- 

 rounding tissues. Its multiplication in dead tissues is very 

 rapid. The colon bacillus is frequently found in rivers, 

 streams, drinking water and sewage. 



