RETROSPECTS OF VETERINARY PRACTICE. 399 
long we shall see men of our profession posted to these 
irregular corps as assistant surgeons are now and have been 
for many years. These twenty-six new appointments on this 
side of India, and about twenty-four others in-Madras and 
Bombay, would give employment to fifty additional veterinary 
surgeons in the Queen's service, and materially increase the 
importance of the army veterinary department. In the Royal 
Artillery in India a large number of field batteries are with¬ 
out the services of a veterinary surgeon. I could at this 
moment name twelve stations, at each of which there is a 
battery of Royal Artillery without a veterinary surgeon, 
either of their own or of any other service ! Surely this is 
not as it should be; if professional assistance be necessary 
for one battery, it should be equally so for all. I hope the 
veterinary surgeon general will ere long assume the reins of 
our department out here and thoroughly reorganize it I am 
certain he would soon rectify the above state of things if it 
were officially brought to his notice. 
RETROSPECTS OF VETERINARY PRACTICE. 
By “ Mentor." 
[Continuedfrom p. 299.) 
PROTRUSION OF THE RECTUM IN YOUNG PIGS. 
During the months of December, 1855, and January and 
February, 1856, protrusion of the rectum, particularly among 
young pigs, prevailed, in the district in which I reside, to an 
extent which would sanction the belief that the affection was 
epizootic in its character. 
The accompanying symptoms were severe cough and 
feverish state of the system; represented by a quick pulse 
and respiration, partial, but in most cases total loss of appe¬ 
tite, and obstinate constipation. These symptoms were 
associated with severe tenesmus, from which the inversion 
seemed to arise. 
In several instances the gut was gnawed by the companions 
of the sty, so that death speedily took place. One case defied 
all attempts to return the intestine, from excessive swelling. 
Two large pigs were similarly affected, the protrusion, how¬ 
ever, only taking place during the paroxysm of cough. 
The treatment consisted in returning the intestine as 
