SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF THE CECUM 225 



contents is always alkaline. All observers arc agreed on this 

 point.' 



' The c;i;cum is most admirably arranged as a receptacle 

 for fluids, and though absorption undoubtedly occurs from it, 

 and digestion of cellulose takes place in it, yet we believe its 

 chief funclion is the storing up of water for the wants of the 

 body and the digestive requirements, as it is absolutely certain 



-—2 



i 



\ 



Fig. 18. — The Opening of the Ileum and Colon in the 

 Cecum. 



I, The ileum ; 2, the colon. In the 15gure the openings are repre- 

 sented close together, but even when stretched apart they are 

 less than 4 inches distant. (Smith's ' Veterinary Physiology.') 



that digestion in the horse can only bo properly carried out 

 when the contents are kept in a fairly fluid condition. We do 

 not say that the caecum produces no digestive changes in the 

 food, for we have stated that the contents are occasionally of 

 the consistence of pea-soup, but we consider its digestive 

 function subordinate to its water-holding one. EUcnberger 



' The writer only once found the cascum acid. 

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