CONTRACTION OF THE INTESTINES. 67 



pieces of wood or splinters of bone that collect masses of feces 

 around them and fill up the bowel — intestinal stones, or calculi 

 (coproliths). These have a nidus consisting of marbles, corks, 

 sponges, or other foreign bodies (Siedamgrotzky). As another 

 cause that frequently causes stenosis of the bowels we must men- 

 tion ulceration in one case observed by Friedberger. There was 

 an oedema of the mucous membrane of the large intestines, and 

 after extensive ulceration the consequent cicatrix drew the bowel 

 together and caused it to be much less in diameter. 



The constriction of the intestine from being inclosed in a hernia 

 and the impaction of the intestinal matters pressing into the part 

 is frequently seen in the dog. The intestine frequently becomes 

 twisted or knotted or even invaginated. This will, however, be 

 taken up under the head of Hernia. These complications, as a rule, 

 occur in the small intestines. External compression of the intestines 

 is frequently caused from enlarged prostate or sarcomas in the pel- 

 vic cavity. Sometimes enormous abscesses form in the abdominal 

 cavity, and iu very rare instances they are caused by accumula- 

 tions of fluids in the abdominal cavity, as in the case of ascites. 

 In newly born puppies we see sometimes a congenital obstruction 

 of the rectum (atresia ani). Great masses of fecal matter may 

 accumulate in the anal pouch. This may be due in some cases to 

 a swelling of the anal glands or by the accumulation of masses of 

 the hair gluing around the rectum and preventing defecation. (For 

 further details, see the chapter on Chronic Constipation.) 



When a portion of the intestine becomes obstructed the follow- 

 ing changes take place : In front of the obstruction an enlarge- 

 ment forms, due to the accumulation of gas and excremental mat- 

 ter, while the portion of the intestine beyond the obstruction is 

 empty and constricted. The accumulation of gas and matter 

 causes an intense inflammation of the mucous membranes, which 

 extends to the muscular coat of the intestines and soon to the 

 serous coat, and quickly the entire intestinal tract is involved in 

 the inflammation, the constricted portion becomes mortified, and 

 perforation follows, allowing the contents of the intestine to 

 escape in the abdominal cavity, causing a purulent peritonitis. 



Clinical Symptoms. The symptoms of constriction and 

 obstruction of the bowels are so different that they will be 

 described separately. 



