270 STItAY LEAVES FllQM MY CASE-BOOK. 
proving that the diaphragm is perforated. On examining 
the wound with a probe, it is found to extend backwards and 
downwards, and the probe can be readily passed into the 
abdominal cavity. Still further examination shows that a 
simple fracture of two of the ribs has taken place. The loss 
of blood has not been great. 
Amputate the protruding omentum ; bring the edges of the 
wound in apposition by means of sutures; and keep the 
surrounding parts constantly fomented by means of rugs 
dipped in hot water. Diet to consist of mashes, and patient 
quiet. 
4th. — Some little constitutional excitement being present, 
but not more than might have been anticipated, take blood 
81b. from the jugular, and give a dose of laxative medicine. 
5th.— Bowels responding. Continue the use of the fomen- 
tations, and let the diet be still restricted to mashes. 
6th. — The wound has assumed a somewhat unhealthy 
aspect, and the discharge from it is offensive to the smell. 
Dress with a saturated solution of the nitrate of potash, and 
continue the use of the hot rugs. Insert a rowel in front of 
the chest, there being a tendency to effusion. 
8th. — The appearance of the wound has become more 
favorable, and the discharge from it is not so offensive. 
Dress with a mixture of equal parts Ol. Tereb. et Ol. Olivae, 
and continue to employ the warm and moist rugs. Give 
Aloes, 5 ij, in ball. Diet as before. 
10th. — The suppurative action has been set up, and all 
constitutional disturbance has been allayed. Treatment as 
before ordered. 
12th. — Pus of a laudable character is now discharged from 
the wound, and a little appears to have gravitated underneath 
the skin. Let exit be given to it by the introduction of a 
seton below the lesion. During the night the animal has 
lain down for the first time since the accident, and his general 
health appears to be good. Allowed a little com with the 
mashes. Keep the wound clean by means of affusions of tepid 
water, and dress as before. 
18th. — The animal has continued to progress favorably 
since the last report. The wound is contracting, the pus 
emitted laudable in character, and no unfavorable symptom 
is present. General treatment as before ordered, and the 
diet may now be plain. 
25th. — Remove the seton, and dress the orifices with a 
solution of the sulphate of zinc. The wound continues to 
heal, and otherwise the animal is doing well. 
After this date little was required in the way of treatment : 
