INTESTINAL CALCULUS. 
81 
At 10 p.m., applied a stimulant to abdomen, and ordered 
glysters to be thrown up occasionally. Next day, January 
9th, animal much worse; pulse increased in number of beats, 
but more feeble; bowels tympanitic; nothing is voided 
with the glysters. 
I nowconsidered it to be inflammation of the large intestines, 
and Mr. F. Blakeway, M.R.C.V.S., who was present, was also 
of the same opinion, judging from the general appearance 
of the case; further, that from the obstinate constipation and 
tympanitic state of the bowels present, probably a calculus ex¬ 
isted, which caused the stoppage. I afterwards had the horse 
led out a little, but nothing was passed, and my prognosis 
was unfavorable. However, I ordered hot fomentations to 
be applied to the abdomen, which were continued, with the 
glysters, at intervals throughout the day. He gradually 
sunk till 10 p.m., when he expired. 
The 'post-mortem examination revealed the diaphragm rup¬ 
tured, but it was evidently of recent occurrence, and pro¬ 
bably took place either in the act of dying, or from being 
moved about after death. The intestines generally were not 
much inflamed, but considerable spasmodic contractions 
existed in different places, and especially in the single colon, in 
which a calculus was found, weighing two pounds avoirdupois. 
It was firmly impacted in the intestine, occasioning a com¬ 
plete stoppage thereof; was of a globular form, having a 
smooth, stone-like appearance externally, and consisted prin¬ 
cipally of the ammonio-magnesian phosphate, derived from 
the husk of the oat, and the outer covering of the grasses. 
I am aware that cases of this kind are not at all of rare 
occurrence; still I think the symptoms attendant on each 
are worthy of study, inasmuch as they would often enable 
a practitioner to give an almost decided opinion with respect 
to the existence of a calculus, which, on the death of his 
patient, on an autopsy being made, would confirm his im¬ 
pressions, and tend to raise him in the public estimation. 
Promptitude in execution is not sufficiently urged as 
an essential to efficiency. When once a design has assumed 
a clearly defined shape in the mind, then, if ever, is the time 
for action. Wait awhile, and you will find that you see less 
plainly the thing to be done ; and that a warmed-up enthu¬ 
siasm is a poor spiritless performer. 
