136 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



ture of the latter or even of other organs and bloodvessels. In such 

 cases it is a wise procedure to open the cavity when there is evi- 

 dence of systemic collapse. Internal hemorrhage through rupture 

 of even lesser vascular branches is always dangerous. Divided ves- 

 sels of the abdominal cavity possess a remarkable tendency to bleed 

 persistently. If, however, air be admitted through abdominal sec- 

 tion the conditions are quickly altered, clots commencing to form. 

 Such vessels, however, should always be secured to guard against 

 a recurrence of the hemorrhage when the cavity is closed and it 

 thereby returns to its former condition. 



The operation should invariably be performed with the subject 

 under the influence of an anesthetic. Not only do humane con- 

 siderations demand this, but the accurate conduct of a delicate 

 operation on a struggling animal is an impossibility. Before the 

 abdomen is opened every possible contingency must be fully con- 

 sidered, so that the necessary instruments, surgical aids and sutures 

 be prepared, rendered aseptic and laid handy. 



If it be possible to arrange, the animal should receive no food 

 for twenty-four to forty-eight hours previously, and also receive 

 a purgative. A distended bowel is always a particular annoyance 

 to the operator by reason of its tendency to extrude itself. 



With regard to the selection of a site for section, it may be said 

 there are two main positions — ^the lateral and the median. Each 

 has its advocates, and without doubt each certain advantages over 

 the other. But it must be borne in mind that no absolute rule 

 can be laid down in the matter. Neither position is peculiarly 

 suitable for reaching every organ, and the operator must be gov- 

 erned by the conditions present. Most of the organs can be 

 reached by the median line, and this position has much to com- 

 mend it. It can be performed almost bloodlessly, it can be easily 

 enlarged, it affords better access to all parts of the cavity for ex- 

 plorative purposes, and it permits of perfect drainage. Further, any 

 resultant scar is not observable when the animal is in the standing 

 position. The chief objection offered against it is said to be the 

 greater risk of the dissected parts failing to become united. I can- 

 not concur in this opinion, never having experienced the misfortune 

 of hernia. La Torre holds that such risk is reduced to a minimum 

 if the incision is made through the muscular tissue of the rectus 

 abdominis, slightly to one side, and not through the aponeurotic 



