444 
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
tion exists. In the large intestine the incision is made across 
the longitudinal axis, because it is more easily sutured than 
when made longitudinally ; the colon is composed of a number 
of consecutive pouches or culs-de-sac , and if incised longitudi¬ 
nally, two or more of these will probably be opened which 
will make an irregular surgical wound difficult to suture 
properly. 
If the part to be incised can be brought to the outside of the 
cavity, it should be done before the incision is made and the 
contents removed ; but, if it cannot be done the contents should 
be received in some convenient sterilized vessel. Every pre¬ 
caution should be taken to prevent the contents escaping into 
the abdominal cavity. If the intestine is dilated, its size should 
be reduced by suturing ; if any part is diseased, it should be re¬ 
sected and the ends approximated, after the contents are re¬ 
moved ; this being done, the peritoneal cavity is carefully irri¬ 
gated and closed ; and the after treatment is the same as in 
other intestinal operations. 
(To be concluded .) 
N. B.—It will be noticed that the instruments required for 
abdominal and intestinal operations have not been mentioned, 
which was due to an oversight ; will refer to them in the sum¬ 
mary at the close of the article on “ Abdominal Surgery ” ; how¬ 
ever, this is not a serious error ; the veterinarian that will at¬ 
tempt abdominal operations does not include among his surgi¬ 
cal instruments—the cleaver or squeegee. —(E. M.) 
SURGICAL, ITEMS. 
Ablation of Anal (Odoriferous ) Glands of the Skunk 
(,Mephistis Mephitica ).—To Dr. J. M. Wright, veterinarian for 
the Lincoln Park Zoological Garden, Chicago, is probably due 
the credit of being the first veterinarian to perform this unusual 
as well as unique operation. While it is not probable that this 
procedure will ever become a very common one with the veteri¬ 
nary surgeon, on account of the unpleasant smell attending the 
least error in the technique of the operation, and the rarity in 
which the skunk is used as a pet animal; yet, it is one well 
worth remembering, because an animal thus treated can be 
kept on exhibition in full view of the public without danger of 
the consequence of its wrath ; besides, it is said that the skunk 
when domesticated, makes a good rat and mouse exterminator; 
and, an operation that will transform an animal whose very 
