62 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY 



may be performed under rigid antiseptic precau- ^ 

 tions, and if the condition of the impacted bowel 

 allows, the mass must be gently broken up and 

 pressed toward the rectum. If, however, the bowel 

 is inflamed or necrotic, resection of the affected 

 portion must be performed and the ends joined by 

 either of the methods given in the description 

 of that operation, which is discussed in Part II, Sec- 

 tion IV (see p. 209). The prognosis, of course, is 

 graver where resection has to be resorted to; still, 

 recoveries do take place, and the operation should 

 be tried in the effort to save the animal's life. 



Typhlitis 



Typhlitis, or inflammation of the cecum, is of 

 more frequent occurrence than is usually supposed. 

 It is caused by constipation, indigestible foods, or 

 by microorganisms. The symptoms are acute and 

 persistent abdominal pain, especially after a meal. 

 There is pain on pressure over the posterior portion 

 of the abdomen, and usually the swollen cecum can 

 be felt through the abdominal walls. 



Treatment. — All food must be withheld, and only 

 water, or milk and lime water, allowed. A mild 

 laxative to empty the bowels, assisted by rectal in- 

 jection of oil or warm soapy water, should be ad- 

 ministered. One-fourth grain of morphin, hypoder- 

 mically injected to relieve pain, and hot applications 

 to the abdominal region should be followed by 

 gentle massage over the cecum. Should the above 

 treatment, fail to give relief in twelve hours 

 laparotomy must be performed, with the usual pre- 

 cautions, and the. cecum emptied by gentle massage. 

 The after-treatment consists of rectal feeding for 

 three or four days, when the patient may be allowed 

 liquid food in small quantities until the abdominal 

 wound is healed. The diet should be of an easily 



