442 PROLAPSUS ANI CURED BY EXCISION, 
accede to the request (as the case seemed so hopeless). But 
it being a valuable horse, J thought it better to suggest that 
it should be sent to my hospital (a distance of five miles), 
in the hope that the movement might cause some absorption 
of the serum effused under the mucous membrane. I there- 
fore administered 5ij of Compound Extract of Belladonna 
as a sedative — put on a truss, made of a new, wet chamois 
leather — a breast plate and hip truss — smeared the rectum 
with Belladonna, and sent the horse into town. On his 
arrival, the straining was not near so violent, and the pro- 
lapsus slightly diminished. Ordered constant fomentations 
with poppy-head tea ; hind quarters to be elevated as before, 
truss adjusted, back raked ; ordered food, to consist entirely 
of gruel, no hay. The animal continued in the same state for 
10 days, losing flesh fast; straining very seldom, voiding 
once or twice scybalous masses.” Gave V5 of Aloes in 
solution, and gij of Belladonna. No effect from the aloes, — 
no hope for a reduction. I therefore consulted with Mr. Gloag, 
Y. S., 11th Hussars, and we decided that excision of the part 
was the only hope left ; which operation was immediately 
performed in the following manner : — The horse was cast, 
and the hind legs drawn up to the shoulders ; I then made a 
circular incision as close to the anus as possible, carefully 
dissected the protruded parts, (saving as much of the mucous 
membrane as seemed healthy,) and tying the bleeding arteries 
(which were large and numerous) as I proceeded with the 
operation. The diseased parts being removed, (weighing 
above 2lb.,) the horse was allowed to rise, when the parts re- 
maining returned themselves immediately. In one hour 
afterwards, a large mass of hardened faeces coated with mucus 
was passed. There was no secondary haemorrhage. Con- 
tinued the gruel and slop mashes. No hay . At the expiration 
of three weeks he was sent home, improving very much in 
condition, and he has now for two months been working hard 
at the farm and continues well : faeces being voided naturally, 
though for the first month they were voided almost every 
quarter of an hour in small quantities. 
Yours truly. 
Stephen’s Green, Dublin ; 
July 18, 1853. 
** # This is an excellent case, not only as regards its com- 
plete and rapid recovery, but as one for guidance in future 
practice. — E d. Yet. 
