ON PARALYSIS OF THE RECTUM. 
391 
if pressed above the sacrum. The tail dependent, swinging like 
a pendulum, and the animal having no power to erect it. The 
sphincter ani partially relaxed, exposing the faeces contained within 
it. Occasional straining to void dung or urine, but with little or no 
effect. A small quantity of urine sometimes dribbling away after 
an effort to expel it. At other times a small portion of faeces is 
passed involuntarily, owing to the rectum being enormously dis- 
tended, and a fresh quantity being forced into the pelvis. 
Cause . — Supposed to have received a violent blow on the 
sacrum. I introduced my hand into the rectum, and removed half 
a bushel of very dry faeces coated with inspissated mucus, emitting 
an odour very much resembling the chlorine evolved from the in- 
gesta of the stomach. Being a greedy feeder, the greater part of 
his oats passed through him unmasticated. I found the rectum, at 
least that part of it which was within the pelvis, incapable of con- 
tracting upon its contents. In fact, after I had emptied it, and again 
introduced my hand, the intestine might be compared to a sack, at 
no place touching my hand. The sphincter ani remained relaxed, 
and the air rushed in and out at every inspiration and expiration. 
The bladder was enormously distended ; its fundus reached the um- 
bilicus. 
Treatment . — Introduction of the catheter and evacuation of 
the bladder assisted by manual pressure from within the rectum — 
laxative medicines — enemata — fomentation and stimulants to the 
sacrum. 
Remarks . — The bladder did not contract after it had been eva- 
cuated, but collapsed and remained flaccid. It, however, gradually 
recovered some degree of tone in the course of ten days or a fort- 
night. The rectum also became contracted in caliber, but the 
sphincter remains in statu quo. He is strictly confined to laxative 
and nutritious food, and he appears to suffer no inconvenience at 
the present time — March 6, 1839 — unless the bowels become con- 
stipated. 
The anterior edges of his molar teeth had become very sharp, 
and lacerated his cheeks. They were rasped to a level, which ena- 
bled him more easily and perfectly to masticate his food. He is, 
generally speaking, a very ravenous feeder. 
