EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN JOURNALS. 
501 
PELVIC HERNIA IN A WORKING OX—LAPAROTOMY-RECOVERY. 
By Mr. Mathieu. 
A large ox, suffering with colie since midnight, was brought 
to the author, who after a superficial examination, considering the 
case as one of simple colic, ordered a simple treatment. In the 
afternoon, the animal not improving, the case was taken into 
more careful consideration. His pulse and respiration were 
accelerated, the mucous membranes injected, the abdomen some¬ 
what tympanitic, the foeces dried and coated, urine scanty and 
dark, continued abdominal pains, complete anorexia. Rectal ex¬ 
amination showed an intestinal mass, very large and distended with 
gas, in front of the pubis and a little to the right. This was pain¬ 
ful to the touch and could not be displaced. 
A diagnosis of intestinal strangulation was correct; but what 
was its true nature ? Pelvic hernia was thought of, but could not 
be positively established. The next day the animal was in about 
the same condition—colics were not so violent; no improvement 
of the bowels had taken place. Forty-eight hours later the ani¬ 
mal was undoubtedly worse, the pulse being very small and accel¬ 
erated; mucous strongly injected ; muzzle dry ; extremities cold ; 
thick mucosities, without excrements, are thrown out of the rec¬ 
tum ; gangrene is progressing. The operation of laparotomy was 
decided upon. 
The animal was thrown on the left side, the right flank care¬ 
fully shaved off, and a large incision made through the abdominal 
walls. The hand introduced into the abdomen felt the intestines 
twisted three times round the right spermatic cord, in a greatly 
inflamed condition, with thickened walls and its external surface 
covered with a thick grayish exudation, principally at the point 
of strangulation. Being unable to untwist the intestine from 
around the cord, it became necessary to tear that organ in two. 
This done, and the intestine free, the exudation covering it was 
carefully removed, the membranes rubbed softly to stimulate the 
circulation, and the parts returned to their position. The wound 
of the abdomen was closed with a double suture. 
The animal soon began to improve, rumination returning 
