MORTIFICATION OF THE INTESTINES OF A DOG. 441 
Under these circumstances I determined to make a post- 
mortem examination, and at once opened the abdomen. 
There was a large quantity of blood contained in this 
cavity, which had escaped from the torn mesenteric vessels. 
The viscera were otherwise healthy. On examining the vagina, 
I found a rupture in it about eight inches from the vulva, 
through which the small intestines were protruding. The 
intestines were separated from the mesentery, and, of course, 
all the vessels were rent asunder, thus accelerating the poor 
animal* s death. The foetus was placed in such a position as 
to prevent its natural delivery. One of its fore legs was lying 
over the neck, so that the head was turned on one side, whilst the 
foot of the other leg was placed against the rent in the vagina 
in such a manner that no doubt could be entertained that in 
the parturient pains it had penetrated through the walls of the 
passage. I learned that the mare had been cast about a fort- 
night previously, and that she had been kicked two or three 
times by the other horses when in the yard. She was not 
known to be unwell during her pregnancy, still I am unable 
to say whether her being cast had anything to do with the 
altered position of the foetus. 
CASE OF MORTIFICATION OF THE INTESTINES 
OF A DOG, CAUSED BY THE ANIMAL SWAL- 
LOWING A PEBBLE. 
By the Same. 
On June 5th, 1856, a fine Newfoundland dog, two years 
old, and in good condition, the property of the Rev. Yates 
Fosbrook, of this place, was brought to my yard, being very ill. 
I learned that the dog had not been well for nearly a week, 
and that during this time he appeared very dull, was mostly 
lying down, and very frequently sick, even if he took only a 
little water. Some aperient pills were given, but the bowels 
did not respond to their action. 
The leading symptoms now present are, an anxious coun- 
tenance ; great dulness ; disinclination to move ; belly ex- 
tremely hot and painful to the touch; eyes red; mouth 
clammy ; nose hot and dry ; legs and ears cold ; breathing 
somewhat quickened, and the pulse rapid, but very weak. 
No excrement can be felt in the rectum. 
Diagnosis . — Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, 
associated with obstinate constipation. 
XXIX. 
57 
