688 OPEEATIONS. 



The usual rate per minute of the pulse of heavy oart-horses is 

 about 35, of well-bred horses about 40, and of small ponies about 

 45. The younger the animal the quicker the pulse. 



Puncture of the Intestine for Flatulent Colic. 



This operation is performed by means of a trocar and cannula. 

 The latter is a metal tube which forms a sheath for the former, 

 and is usually about ^th of an inch in diameter and 6 inches long. 

 A cannula should be 9 inches long, and ^th inch in diameter. The 

 trocar is a steel, triangular-pointed rod which fits into the cannula, 

 and is provided with a handle to facilitate its insertion into and 

 withdrawal from the bowel. 



The operation is performed in order to give vent to gas which 

 has collected in the intestines during an attack of flatulent colic. 

 Very little risk attends it when done under antiseptic conditions 

 (p. 70), which consist in clipping or shaving the hair at the seat 

 of operation, and disinfecting the part and the instrument. The 

 veterinary surgeon should place his hand up the rectimi to find 

 out where the gas has chiefly accumulated, and where he ought, 

 consequently, to drive the instrument. 



The puncture should be made if the symptoms do not become 

 relieved by the medicine given ; but should on no account be 

 delayed until the horse becomes exhausted, lest fatal complications, 

 such as a rupture of the stomach or intestines, may ensue. 



The puncture is made on the right flank, and generjilly at a spot 

 equi-distant from the point of the hip (anterior iliac spine), the 

 end of the last rib, and the side processes of the vertebrae of the 

 loins (Fig. 115, p. 297). Mr. J. G. Kutherford ("Vet. Kecord," 

 8tih March, 1902), states that although he has tapped hundreds of 

 horses, he has never been troubled with subsequent suppuration, 

 and attributes this largely to the practice of invariably puncturing 

 in a downward direction, and from a point as high up as possible. 

 If the first puncture — owing to blocking up of the cannula, to its 

 being toO' short, or to the intestines being filled with solid matter — 

 does not succeed, repeat the operation a little above or below the 

 first puncture, on the left side, or where the accumulation of gas 

 is perceived to be greatest. Many authorities agree that the 

 puncture can be made without danger on the left side. 



In order to injure the intestines as little as possible, and pre- 

 vent the chance of particles of food getting into the abdominal 

 cavity, and thus setting up peritonitis, use an instrument of small 

 diameter. In fact, the smaller the diameter of the cannula, other 

 things being equal, the less risk is there in the operation. 



For securing the animal, it is generally sufficient tO' tie up one 

 fore leg, and to apply a twitch. If possible, take the opportunity 



