150 
A CASE OF CHRONIC ABSCESS. 
vulva, a membranous sac containing about a quart of fluid in 
its cavity. On examining it I found it to be only a simple 
membrane, but extremely vascular, and much inflamed. It was 
easily pushed back into the vaginal cavity, where I found it at¬ 
tached to the posterior part of the urethra, and all around the 
vaginal canal, so as to completely obstruct all passage into the 
womb, nor could I push the membrane so far back as to feel the 
os uteri. On removing my hand it again protruded whenever 
the mare used any forcing effort. I proposed to puncture it, 
but the proprietor rather wished some other means to be tried. 
I directed it to be frequently bathed with an astringent wash, 
when in two days it again receded w r ithin the passage, and has 
not since made its appearance. 
Having some suspicion that it was a hymen, I examined several 
young mares since, but could not find any traces of it until a few 
weeks ago, when a filly, belonging to Mr. Young, farmer, of Jon- 
stone, died inconsequence of an affection of the kidneys. Here 
the membrane was found, but there was a perforation through it 
immediately behind the urethra. The fillies were about a year 
and a half old. 
A CAvSE OF CHRONIC ABSCESS ENCYSTED IN THE 
CAVITY OF THE ABDOMEN, WHICH WEIGHED 
23 POUNDS AVOIRDUPOIS. 
By Mr. W. F. Karkeek, V.S., Truro. 
A chesnut mare, two-thirds bred, seven years old, the pro¬ 
perty of Mr. Dingle, a farmer residing about eight miles from 
Truro, was brought to my infirmary in June last. She had oc¬ 
casionally experienced slight spasmodic attacks in the bowels, 
which were speedily relieved by antispasmcdic medicines; but 
in other respects she enjoyed uninterrupted good health. 
The animal was an excellent hack, and was oftentimes rode 
long and fatiguing journeys, which she accomplished with ease 
to herself, and pleasure to her rider. 
About a month previous to her entering my stable, she shewed, 
for the first time, symptoms of illness : her coat, which before 
was fine and glossy, now felt harsh and dry, and appeared to 
have lost its usual elasticity. Alterative medicines and green 
food were recommended instead of hay, with bran and corn as 
usual. This produced considerable benefit for a fortnight, but 
it was only temporary relief that was afforded. The spasmodic 
attacks becoming more frequent, and the mare gradually get- 
