512 
LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
so that, under favorable circumstances, one puncture may possibly 
relieve the pressure in the three intestines. In some cases the operation 
on the right side does not entirely remove the distension, which is evident 
by a fulness on the left side. You may here introduce your instrument 
in the left side, which enters the single colon, liberating gas, but to the 
same extent as on the right side ; the puncture may also be repeated on 
the right side if necessary. 
IV.—As a result of the operation, you perceive a sensible diminution 
in the size of the parts. The animal is afforded, in severe cases, often 
instantaneous and permanent relief, frequently evidenced by an expressive 
sigh and favorable symptoms. In those other cases not of an extreme 
nature the liberation of gas assists in promoting a favorable issue. 
In all cases I am of opinion that the removal of gas, when distending 
the intestines to any great extent, is productive of good, stimulating the 
return of their peristaltic action, often preventing lesions and death. In 
volvulus, under certain conditions, I am also inclined to think it may 
possibly be of service, but at the present time have no decided data. 
There need be no hesitation in operating, nothing more serious having 
arisen with me than inflammatory action and small abscesses of the 
external parts operated upon, subsiding without further trouble with 
mild treatment. The parts operated upon, as a rule, need no after 
treatment, usually healing without requiring any attention. Horses 
killed immediately after the operation, the part punctured in the bowel 
bears little trace, having become contracted and closed after removal of 
the canula. Others, killed some days afterwards, showed no signs of 
inflammatory action. 
If your patience is not already over-taxed, or your interest wearied, 
I should like to refer to several cases bearing on this subject 
Case 1.—Black draught mare, five years old ; called to her about 
6 a.m.; suffering from abdominal pain with flatulency, which has existed 
several hours. Pulse small and 56. Treatment usual in such cases was 
adopted, and successfully for a time. Some three hours elapsed, when 
she again became restless, and rapidly tympanitic, perspiring freely; in 
continual pain and distress. Respiration short and catching; pulse 
barely perceptible. 
It was quite evident nature could not bear it much longer. In my 
absence elsewhere my partner (Mr. Greaves) was attending, and, under 
the urgency ol the symptoms, introduced the trocar and canula, 
liberating a considerable quantity of gas, the exit of which afforded im¬ 
mediate relief, the mare progressing favorably without further treatment. 
Case 2.—Grey draught mare, eight years old. In April, 1879, I 
attended this mare ; she had been in abdominal pain for several hours 
previous to my being called late at night. 
She had, however, had suitable medicine administered with relief. 
When seen she was in pain. Pulse small and feeble, 72. Slightly 
tympanitic, lying down with great care, leaning to the wall, &c. Ex¬ 
ternal and internal remedies were adopted, and when again seen, in two 
hours, all the symptoms were aggravated, more swollen and distended, 
cold clammy sweats, &c. Pulse barely perceptible, pain continuous, 
countenance haggard, mouth dirty. I at once introduced the trocar and 
canula, after which she stood as if stupefied for a length of time, the 
pain subsided, and the mare did well without further treatment. I ao-ain 
attended this mare a fortnight ago; she had been seized with abdominal 
pain about 4 a.m., and although she had every attention and all that 
treatment could do, she did not get permanent relief from pain under 
twenty-four hours. The tympany here was not excessive, but consider- 
