DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 163 



In spasmodic contraction of the small intestine in the 

 course of spasmodic and rheumatic colic. 



In persistent diarrhea when the intestinal contents are 

 scanty. 



In severe inflammatory conditions ("because peristalsis 

 is then more or less suspended and the intestinal contents are 

 scanty) (enteritis, peritonitis). 



Intestinal paralysis. 



Very lively and loud intestinal sounds occur in all cases 

 of slight stimulation, especially when the latter is produced by 

 laxative food : green fodder, raw potatoes, wheat bran [clover 

 hay, alfalfa, etc]. 



The sound of a drop of water falling onto a metal plate or 

 pan is sometimes observed and belongs to a class by itself. 

 It occurs when a loop of intestine is greatly distended and 

 the fluid contents of the overlying intestines (small intestines) 

 is forcibly flung against it and causes its walls to vibrate. The 

 presence of this sound indicates that a loop of intestine is at 

 rest and that it is distended with gas. 



VII. Intestinal Discharges or Evacuations. 



The quality and quantity of the discharges depend in the 

 main on the kind and quantity of the food. The amount of 

 water imbibed has little or no influence on the consistency of 

 the discharges. The beginner must make an objective study 

 of the character of the discharges of different animals on vari- 

 ous foods, and in particular cases make comparisons with the 

 discharges of other animals kept under the same conditions in 

 the same stable. There are many diseases in which the char- 

 acter of the bowel discharges is of very great importance. 



a. Defecation. The act of defecation is accompanied by an 

 arching of the back with hind legs spread and slightly advanced; 

 dogs assuming a crouching position. This is followed by a 

 deep inspiration, fixing of the thoracic walls, contraction of the 

 abdominal and intestinal muscles and relaxation of the sphincter 

 of the anus. 



Defecation is difficult when the feces are dry or hard 

 (constipation). Continued rest after and during periods of 

 heavy feeding may lead to an accumulation of bowel contents 



