634 
RUPTURE OF THE RECTUM IN A HOUSE, 
confirms this diagnosis in the eyes of those who have paid any 
attention to the disease in question, and who are aware of the speed 
with which it is often transferred from the muscles in one part of 
the body to those in another. During the whole period of his ill- 
ness the horse, while standing, betrayed no symptoms of unsound- 
ness, which farther bears out this supposition. Had the lame- 
ness originated from cramp, the limb affected, in all probability, 
would have been spasmodically contracted, even when in a state 
of rest. No other explanation of the disease can be offered, un- 
less we refer it to some vibration of the spinal cord conveyed to 
and developing itself in the ultimate ramification of the nerves 
supplying the affected limbs, and thus causing the unsoundness. 
TWO CASES OF RUPTURE OF THE RECTUM IN A 
HORSE. 
By Mr. J. Woodger. 
On August the 23d, at 3 o’clock P.M., an aged chestnut cart- 
horse, belonging to Mr. B — , market gardener at Fulham, was 
sent to my infirmary, as having the gripes. He exhibited the 
first symptoms of it at 7 o’clock, AM.; but the owner did not think 
it to be dangerous, therefore he deferred sending it until the above- 
mentioned time, when the symptoms were as follow : — 
Pulse at the jaw quite imperceptible— ears and extremities ex- 
tremely cold — Schneiderian and conjunctival membranes very 
pallid — countenance dull — frequently looking back to the sides, as 
indicative of extreme pain — the abdomen swollen and tense, 
and the body bedewed with a cold clammy sweat — pawing with 
the fore feet, and frequently lying, or rather falling down, for he 
would fall in an instant, as if shot, without giving the least 
warning : of course, I gave the owner no hopes of his horse’s 
recovery. 
Treatment . — As the case had been of so long standing, I gave 
sp. of nit. eth. with tinct. of opium of each §j, sol. of aloes Jvj, 
linseed oil §vj, ordering him to be backed raked, and giving re- 
peated clysters of warm water. I also applied mustard cataplasms 
to the abdomen, and stimulated and bandaged the extremities. 
At 4 o’clock my patient appeared more tranquil, but the pulse 
was still imperceptible. I gave sp. nit. ether. §j, ; tinct. of ginger 
and opium of each Jss, in warm water. 
At 6 o’clock, three hours after admittance, he died. 
