678 
CANCER AS AFFECTING THE HORSE. 
It was quite clear that the only chance for a cure was excision 
by the knife; and though a very difficult and dangerous 
operation, still one that was practicable to an operator 
possessed of a correct knowledge of the anatomy of the 
parts, and likewise the perfect use of his hands. 
Having thus far considered the case, as to the means 
whereby the malady was to be removed, other points arose for 
consideration ; and, first, of what nature was the disease ? 
Was it a case of simple induration — scirrhus, cancer, or 
what ? 
The lobulated form, as well as the indurated condition of 
the tumour and appearance of the wound, led me to suspect 
that it was a case of true cancer of the submaxillary glands; 
and I was further induced to suspect this from the length 
of time, as I was informed, that the disease had existed. I 
inferred, likewise, that in all probability the cancerous 
diathesis had extended, or at all events it was likely so to 
do, even if an operation was successfully performed. 
As cancerous matter has been shown to be capable of 
being absorbed into the system, and affect the lymphatic 
glands in the course of the absorbents from the tumour, 
firstly ; and secondly, other similar glands of the system, I 
proceeded to ascertain the condition of the absorbents and 
lymphatic glands proceeding direct from the tumour and 
along the course of the jugular veins. I found, as I had 
anticipated, that these glands were enlarged, especially 
those situated at the lower part of the neck, and close 
to the origin of the carotids. A superficial examination 
showed, however, but a small increase in their size ; so little, 
in fact, that it might have been overlooked by a casual ob- 
server. On carefully examining beneath the sterno-mastoid 
muscles, I found that only a small portion of the glands 
was visible beyond their edge, but I succeeded in satisfying 
myself that the glands on both sides were as large as a 
medium sized orange, and were distinctly lobulated. 
I was now perfectly satisfied of three things ; firstly , that 
the malady was true cancer; secondly , that the diseased 
elements were absorbed into the system, and, consequently, if 
the glandules jugulares were affected to so great an extent, that 
in all probability other similar glands were in a like state of 
disease ; and, thirdly, that under these circumstances, an 
operation would be totally inadmissible, with any hopes of 
its proving a cure. I therefore advised that the animal should 
be destroyed. 
After an interval of some weeks this was done, and though 
very imperfect means existed for a post-mortem examination, 
