SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
373 
tion of gangrene by an inflammatory process of ulcerative isolation of the gan¬ 
grenous part through its own secretion. The ultimate healing is brought about by 
the same inflammatory process changing to one of pus production and of regen¬ 
eration. 
The organs most liable to be affected with gangrene in our practice (veteri¬ 
nary) are as follows, viz.: Peritoneum, stomach, intestine, liver, spleen, bladder, 
air passages, pleura, lungs, heart, vagina and uterus in female, and penis in male, 
and the tongue, and gangrene of bones. Of this last I shall not treat, leav¬ 
ing it to be disposed of under the common term applied to the disease, viz.: Ne¬ 
crosis of bone. 
Gangrene of the peritoneum in the horse generally results from dividing the 
cord too high up, causing a high degree of erysipelatous fever, which usually ex¬ 
tends to the peritoneum, which along with the cord and surrounding structures, 
speedily becomes gangrenous. It may also be caused by pressure, as in hernia. 
Stomach .—This is liable to become gangrenous through the introduction into 
it of the various acids in an undiluted state, and of the various caustic alkalies 
given in large doses by persons who are ignorant of their specific actions. In re¬ 
ference to the intensity of the effect which may cause superficial or deep morti¬ 
fication of the tissues with greater or less rapidity, we distinguish several degrees. 
The effect is influenced by the quantity and < the strength of the liquid, and the 
duration of the period during which it remains in contact with the parts 
alluded to. We generally find the effect to be less intense in the cavity of the 
mouth and fauces, more marked in the oesophagus, and most powerful in the 
stomach. The entire mucous membrane is destroyed and converted into a black, 
soft mass, which is distended by a sanguinous fluid, and is easily detached from 
the muscular coats. 
Intestines .—We find these affected by gangrene as a sequel to enteritis and 
intussusception, but as all these cases will prove fatal, I shall not dwell longer on 
them. 
Liver .—Gangrene of this organ is of a very rare occurrence, but it is some¬ 
times found associated with pulmonary gangrene. It is developed in parts 
affected with inflammation and suppuration. It occurs iu more or less circum¬ 
scribed spots, in which the parenchyma is dissolved into a brownish black green 
pulp, which diffuses the characteristic odor of sphacelus. We find suppuration 
in the vicinity, which is a product of reactive inflammation, and which defines 
the boundaries of the mortified part. 
Spleen .—Gangrene of the spleen is of as rare occurrence as the liver. 
Air Passages .—This affection occurs both here and in the parenchyma of 
the lung in two distinct forms, either as a circumscribed eschar on the mucous 
membrane, eating its way into the submucous tissue, in which it may occur 
primarily or as a diffuse gangrenous colliquescence of the bronchial mucous mem¬ 
brane. The conditions under which it is developed are similar to gangrene of 
the lung, with which it is sometimes combined. It generally, however, occurs 
in tissues someway previously diseased, but appears rather as au accidental ter¬ 
mination than as a necessary consequence of any peculiar local morbid process. 
It is most commonly associated with pulmonary gangrene. 
Pleura —Gangrene of the pleura occurs in consequence of its being denuded 
