1 66 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



ment had a diameter of very nearly five inches. Rectal obstruc- 

 tion is felt in the sacral region, that of the colon in the center, or 

 on the floor, of the abdomen. Digital pressure over the parts 

 sometimes calls forth expression of pain. 



Treatment. It must be remembered that there are many de- 

 grees of constipation, which can be remedied medicinally. Vella 

 estimated by experiment the time taken by ingesta in traversing 

 the distance between the mouth and anus, and found it to be ap- 

 proximately forty-five hours. Hence, we may regard constipation 

 as existing when defecation has not taken place within the period 

 named. At this stage, withdrawal of constipating foodstuffs and 

 proper medication supplemented with enemeta, may abort a graver 

 issue. Failing in this, an examination of the rectum should be 

 made, by means of a metallic sound. The uterine sound used in 

 human surgery answers the purpose admirably. The instrument 

 can be inserted as far as the sigmoid flexure, and enables one to 

 tell whether the obstruction is within reach by the anus or not. 

 By sounding in this manner a pretty accurate idea of the location 

 and consistence of the feces may be obtained, and the unpleasant 

 digital process avoided. This procedure must be carried out with 

 due care, as it is usually vigorously objected to on the part of the 

 animal. The best way to avoid any accidental wounding of the 

 internal organs is to hopple the animal securely and prevent undue 

 movement of the hind parts by firmly grasping the root of the tail 

 with one hand. When the obstruction is found to be within reach 

 the rectal scoop is employed to disintegrate the mass piece by 

 piece. In some cases the rectal speculum facilitates the operation. 

 I use a scoop, the stem of which is hollowed to permit of a 

 steady flow of water on the point of the mass being attacked. 

 The extremity of the handle is shaped to receive the rubber tubing 



No. 38. Rectal Douche-curette. 



of a syringe, and the water escapes at the base of the bowl. The 

 stem is made in two sizes, either of which is screwed into the 

 handle as desired. By means of this contrivance the double opera- 

 tion of scooping and irrigation can be carried out at the same 



