DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
125 
pitchfork run into his ribs to stop him from running out doors. 
With treatment no bad result followed. I might add, new help 
was secured on that farm. 
STOMACH ENGORGEMENT IN A SOW. 
By Francis Abele, V. S., Quincy, Mass. 
Well bred sow, mother of eleven little pigs a week or two old. 
Foreman knew she was past help, but did not want Tier to die 
without treatment. Sow was down on side, delirious, kicked 
spasmodically with all four feet as if struggling to get up. 
From her plump condition decided that brain symptoms were 
due to engorged stomach. Gave aloin and oil by mouth, gly¬ 
cerine and water per rectum, and rubbed a stimulating liniment 
on her back, rolled her against side of box to get her feet under 
her. Next day she was perfectly well. 
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
By Iv. A. and E. Merileat, 
2127 Indiana Avenue , Chicago , III. 
THOROCENTESIS. 
Thoracentesis .—Tapping the thorax is a very common 
operation in veterinary practice, and is used as a curative and 
diagnostic measure ; its most common indications are : 
1. Hydrothorax. 
2. Pleurisy with effusions. 
3. Hemothorax. 
4. Morbid growths on pleura. 
5. Hydatids of pleura. 
1. Hydrothorax as observed in domestic animals is generally 
a sequel of other diseases. The pathological anatomy is marked 
by a change in the pleura and pleural cavity. The pleura be¬ 
comes soft, smooth and spongy by its contact with the exudate. 
The cavity contains a greenish, or reddish yellowish fluid, which 
generally is free from fibrin. The intercostal muscles are bulged 
outward ; the diaphragm loses its convexity ; the lungs become 
flattened, leathery, airless and bloodless ; their specific gravity 
is greater than one. The compressed lung may become the seat 
of sclerosis, necrosis or some other degenerative change. Pleuri¬ 
tic adhesions are often found, but their presence may not be of 
recent origin. 
AEtiology .—As has already been mentioned, hydrothorax is 
