224 
REPORTS OF CASES. 
abdominal walls gave pain, and more especially on the off side, 
and well up in the flank. Another inquiry as to the possibility 
of the animal having received local injury, was answered in the 
negative. 
I proceeded then to make another rectal examination, which 
proved to be very painful to the animal. The rectum was empty 
and dry, and when the hand was introduced the respiration be¬ 
came rapidly increased. Pushing my arm well into the rectum, 
I at last found the cause of the trouble. 
Before removing my arm from the rectum, I inquired what 
kind of syringe had been used in giving him the injections, and 
was shown a metallic instrument that would hold about a quart 
of fluid, with a nozzle twelve inches long. I found also that the 
last injection had been given at 7.15 p.m. the day before, and that 
it was about 7.30 when the hurried respiration was observed. 
“ The last injection was well kept,” said the assistant. Of course 
it was ! 
The trouble proved to be a large hole a little to the right of 
the median line of the rectum, leading directly into the abdomi¬ 
nal cavity. The four fingers of my hand were readily introduced 
through this opening, and the intestines were easily felt. The 
laceration occurred about fourteen inches from the anus. 
Diagnosis made at last; the prognosis was unfavorable. 
The animal at this time was quite uneasy, amd showed 
considerable pain, but was readily quieted by a full dose of 
chloral. 
From this period to the time of his death, the animal 
showed variations in the pulse between 48 and 60 ; respira¬ 
tion from 16 to 52, and temperature from 101° to 104°. At 
times he would eat a few pieces of carrots, some grass, sloppy 
food, etc. When the rectum became full, he would press his 
buttocks against the partition of the stall. On removing the 
foeces from the rectum, he would become easier. At times he 
would have diarrhoea. On the fifth day after the injury a 
swelling appeared in the inguinal region of the off side, and 
continued to increase until death. On the 3d of May, eight 
days after receiving the injury, he had cold sweats on both 
