132 
A SINGULAR CASK OF ABSCESS IN A HOUSE. 
I made an examination per anum, and found a large abscess 
occupying the lumbar region, extending forward about eighteen 
inches by eight in breadth, pressing inferiorly on the rectum, so 
that the open hand was with difficulty passed, and posteriorly 
on the sphincter ani, causing the protrusion already alluded to. 
1 considered my case to be nearly hopeless 
There was considerable fluctuation within the tumour, which 
was evidently filled with matter, and if discharged into the 
cavity of the abdomen, would have been most certainly fatal. 
As there was no prominent part externally, an operation was 
evidently attended with danger; but the case was urgent, and it 
was necessary that something should be done. At first, I was 
disposed to effect an opening by the side of the sphincter muscle ; 
but, on re-examining the parts, I found a small protrusion of the 
tumour within the sphincter at its superior portion, and through 
which, with little difficulty, I pushed my finger. This was 
immediately followed by a flow of thin matter of a most offen- 
sive smell, mixed with a considerable quantity of thick flocculent 
pieces. The wound was now a little enlarged, and the tube of a 
clyster syringe introduced. Immediately a discharge of at least 
four quarts of the above matter was effected, and the smell was so 
intolerable, that all my assistants left the stable. The poor 
animal, however, experienced immediate relief. 
The course of treatment afterwards pursued was to evacuate 
the matter twice a-day by means of a catheter about twenty 
inches long, which I had made for the purpose, the bore being 
about half an inch in diameter, through which a great quantity 
was discharged for awhile, when it became so thick as not to 
flow. Recourse was now had to the clyster-syringe, by which 
a little warm water was thrown up, and taken away by the 
catheter once a-day. A weak solution of sulphate of zinc was 
afterwards had recourse to. A dose of physic, with some tonics, 
completed the cure. 
I may mention, that a small tumour appeared at the side of the 
sphincter about ten days after the opening of the abscess. This 
was punctured, and a quantity of the same matter was discharged. 
The animal is now in good condition and perfect health. 
This is the second case of the kind that I have seen. The other 
occurred about five years ago. The horse was in bad condition, 
with occasional symptoms of nephritis for twelve months. His 
off hind leg swelled, broke out a little above the hock, and dis- 
charged the same sort of matter. He was destroyed, and a great 
quantity of purulent matter found, in which were floating a 
number of little balls. 
