CHAPTER XIX 



DISPLACEMENTS OF THE DOUBLE 

 COLON 



A. Volvulus, Twist, or Torsion. 



Definition. — By volvulus, twist, or torsion of a bowel, 

 we simply mean a rolling or twisting out of its normal 

 direction. Generally speaking, this may occur in three 

 ways. The bowel may be twisted on its own longitu- 

 dinal axis ; it may be twisted on its mesenteric axis ; 

 or neighbouring coils of gut may twist round one 

 another. 



So far as the large colon of the horse is concerned, we 

 may put the second of these on one side at once. The 

 attachments of the colon are such that no portion of it 

 can twist on its mesenteric axis. The meso-colon, for 

 instance, where it spreads itself out in racket-shaped form 

 between the second and the third portions of the bowel, 

 is far too small to allow a portion of either the second or 

 the third portion of the bowel to so twist. Thereafter, 

 the close manner of attachment of the first and second 

 to the fourth and third portions respectively of the bowel 

 is such as to entirely preclude the possibility of this form 

 of torsion. 



. May any portion of the double colon twist on its own 



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