378 RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH, BOWELS, &C. 
superior to that of most farmers, perhaps there was a little 
anxiety to see whether or not I could possibly tell that these 
cases were really ruptures while the animals were alive. The 
horse being raised on his back, my son removed the whole of 
the abdominal muscles, beginning at the ensiform cartilage, and 
carrying the dissection down along the false ribs on each side 
until the two incisions met at the pubes, thus removing the 
whole of the soft parietes, and exposing the bowels, as they lie, 
in their natural places. There were visible a few spots, but no 
inflammation of any consequence upon the peritoneum; while 
some of the contents of the stomach, and a considerable quantity 
of water, immediately presented themselves. On turning the 
carcass a little to one side, the caecum, colon, &c. being pushed 
out of the way, the stomach became exposed to view; when 
ruptures of the muscular coat, seventeen inches in length, and 
of the internal coats, nine inches in length, were fully manifest. 
The stomach was full of solid food, the liquid contents having 
escaped into the abdomen. We did not remove it, rather pre¬ 
ferring to leave it for any other person desirous of seeing it: the 
parties present being perfectly satisfied with what they had 
witnessed. 
The account given of this animal was, that he was a greedy 
feeder: he was said to be able to eat as much hay as the other 
three horses that stood beside him. The farm servants take the 
Sunday attendance by turns: they get an order for the proper 
quantity of oats, beans, &c. to be given, but I think no restric¬ 
tions as to hay or straw. These men may, out of good intentions 
to the horses, and having little else to do on Sundays, exceed the 
quantities allowed; the horses likewise being idle, have, on the 
contrary, not the necessity for so much food, yet having it at 
their will, such an animal as this was said to be could hardly 
fail to overload his stomach. Some such causes as these, or 
all combined, have a tendency to produce the effects alluded to; 
at least, it is certain that more horses belonging to farmers in my 
practice are taken ill on Sunday night or Monday than at any 
other time in the week. 
The other case belonging to Mr. P. was a little different. 
The animal exhibited severe symptoms of pain, with distention 
of the bowels, throwing himself down with more violence; rising 
suddenly; having considerable perspiration, and sighing at every 
expiration. About 12 o’clock, leaving the stable, and remain¬ 
ing about an hour with Mr. P., I found the symptoms, on re¬ 
turn, entirely changed : the animal was standing ; his legs were 
cold; breathing spasmodic and laborious; his nose extended; 
and the sighing much increased, and perspiration excessive. 
In throwing himself violently down, from the distended state of 
