LACERATION OF THE VAGINA AND RECTUM OF A MARE. 411 
wet bandages applied around the feet. The rectum was 
emptied and cleansed as before, and directions left to intro- 
duce the enema tube and cleanse the parts twice a day. Sloppy 
mashes were ordered to be continued. 
30th.—Early this morning the shoes were taken off, and 
the edge of the crust well rasped away, leaving the sole and 
frog untouched. The rectum was not found so full of faeces ; 
indeed, slight purgation had commenced. A powder, con¬ 
sisting of Hyd. Chlor. 5j, Resinae Pv. ^ij, was given in a 
mash. 
31st.—Fore feet somewhat relieved. The mare moves 
better and more naturally. The hind legs are not placed so 
far under the body. The rectum is empty of all faeces, but a 
small quantity of feculent matter passed through the lesion 
and lodged in the vagina. 
April 1st.—Slightly improved ; the faeces are soft, and 
come away more in the usual quantity. A piece of dead 
tissue is hanging out of the vagina, which I deemed right not 
to interfere with. A good deal of discharge has also now 
made its appearance. 
3rd.—A laxative ball was given, and wet bandages con¬ 
tinued to the feet. From this time the mare went on well. 
On the 9th the bandages were discontinued, the lameness 
having nearly passed off. Some buttons of fsecal matter still 
drop into the vagina, and this seems now the only incon¬ 
venience. The rent in the rectum has contracted con¬ 
siderably, and seems to be partly arched over by a portion of 
the lining membrane projecting from the antero-inferior part 
of the rent. Posteriorly, the edge of the lesion feels now 
only just within the anus, but there is not the slightest in¬ 
dication of union by healing. 
16th.—The shoes were set on, and the mare ordered to 
have a little exercise. 
27th.—Has had light work for two or three days, and to¬ 
day a full yoke, which has somewhat overdone her, but to 
night she is feeding, and has gone regular to work since. 
Now a remark as to the probable cause of the lesion of the 
vagina. I could not learn from the shepherd (w T ho is a good 
and careful man) how the foal was really presented, but it 
must have been placed more or less on its back. He said, 
however, that the mare’s throes were fearfully strong. 
Whether in moving the foot and pulling it downwards some 
injury was first done, can only be conjecture. 
