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PERCIVALL'S #jAl^ PATENT
HORSEl\|Pp
GREATLY irf^ ^^^ IMPROVED.
The Sandal is a light and portable substitute for a lost horseshoe. A shoe is fre-
quently lost in the field, while hunting or exercising with cavalry, and the conse-
quences are mortifying in the extreme, or destructive even of aur object ; unless it
happen that a Sandal to fit the horse be carried, either in the rider's pocket, or
within a wallet behind the flap of the saddle. It will also serve as a travelling shoe
for race-horses, and for horses coming up from grass or strawyard, saving their
feet from injury by so much nailing and unnailing. When a proper sized Sandal
is obtained, the first time the horse goes to the forge to be shod, the Sandal should
be sent with him in order to be fitted; an operation easily performed by the
farrier, by putting the Sandal into a vice, and either squeezing the heels nearer
together or opening them wider apart according as required. The clips ought to
be made to closely embrace the heels of the hoof. The Sandal is immoveably and
firmly attached to the foot (without nails), by means of an endless elastic band,
in half a minute ; and is put on and off" as readily, in a manner perfectly easy when
pointed out, though with difficulty explained in description. The horse's foot is
to be taken up and placed between the knees, and the Sandal placed upon it ; the
thumbs are then to be pressed firmly down upon its heels, and with the two fore
fingers of each hand within the band, now lying across the Sandal, slip the inner
portion of it upon the heel of the foot; lastly, with the thumbs again stretch the
fore portion of band over the toe, and hook it.
Sandals are not intended, neither are they required, for the hind foot. The
same Sandal will answer for either fore feet, but different sizes of Sandal will be
needed for different horses.
It is not absolutely necessary for the horse to attend to have a Sandal fitted.
The vendor will be enabled to send the proper size by being furnished with one of
the animal's old fore shoes ; or even with the outline ofhis hoof (without the shoe)
taken upon paper, and enclosed in a letter. But a dose fit at the heels, and a
Mlind so tiffht that it no more than admits of being stretched over the foot, are
indispensables.
Sold by Oldaker, Saddler, 92, Park Street, Grosvenor Square; Townes,
Saddler, 141, Cheapside ; and Brennand, Instrument-maker, 217, High Holborn,
London; at the (reduced) price of 5s. 6d. Extra Bands, Is. 6d. Models of
Horses' Feet fitted with Sandals may be had of the Patentee. Price 10*. 6d.
HORSE ANATOMY.
In One Volume 8t'o, elulh hoards, ^'ncesgl,
^ THE
ANATOMY OF THE HORSE,
REDUCED TO A SYSTEMATIC FORM, AND EMBRACING NEW AND ENLARGED
VIEWS OF THE
STRUCTURE OF THE EOOT.
By WILLIAM PERCIVALL, M.R.C.S.,
Vetermary Surgeon, First Life Guards ; Author of ' Veterinary Lectures.'
London : Longman and Co., Paternoster Row.
GLANDERS AND EAECY IN THE HORSE.
By WILLIAM PERCIVALL, M.R.C.S.,
Veterinary Surgeon, First Life Guards,
*;,.* The previous volumes of the ' Hippopathology,' forming altogeiher ' A
Systematic Treatise on the Diseases of the Horse,' may be obtained of the
Publishers, or of any other Booksellers.
London : — Longman and Co., Paternoster Row.
LECTURES ON HORSES,
. FORM AND ACTION,
illustrated by eight outline engravings on steel, of horses
standing and going: to which are appended some
experimental iNauiRiEs into the
EFFECTS OF MEDICINE ON HORSES.
By WILLIAM PERCIVALL, M.R.C.S.,
Veterinary Surgeon, First Life Guards ; Author of ' Lameness in Horses'
" A very clever work, illustrated by some admirably executed engraved out-
lines of horses in different attitudes and states of progression." — Sporting
Magazine.
London : — Longman and Co., Paternoster Row.
I ide pages 2 3 5 - f 5 .
J/>i-/'.Soirerbr j,'
THE DISEASES
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS
THE HORSE,
INCLUDING THOSE OF HIS
URINARY AND GENERATIVE SYSTEMS.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.
BEING PART II, VOL. II, OF THE AUTHOR's * HIPPOPATHOLOGY.'
BY WILLIAM PERCIVALL, M.R.C.S.
Licentiate of the Company of Apothecaries ; Veterinary Surgeon in the First Life Guards;
Author of ' The Anatomy of the Rorse,' ^x.
A NEW EDITION,
THOROUGHLY REVISED, WITH EXTENSIVE ADDITIONS.
LONDON :
LONGMAN, BROWN, GEEEN, AND LONGMANS,
PATEKNOSXEK ROW.
1855.
J. E. ADLAED, PEINTEE, BAKTHOLOMKW CLOSE.
HEW BOLTON
CEMT&B
I. K. AULi&U
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Intuoductouy Observations . . . . .1
Table showing the ages at which horses are most subject to disease . 6
Table showing the particular mouths of the year at which horses are
most subject to certain diseases . . . . .7
The comparative fatality of different diseases ... 8
SECTION VI.
Diseases of the Air Passages
Catarrh ....
Laryngitis — Angina — Sore Throat
Malignant, or Putrid Sore Throat
Nasal Gleet .
Cough ....
Roaring
Bronchocele
Nasal Polypus
SECTION VII.
Diseases of the Lungs, Pleura, and Diaphragm
Causes of Pulmonary Disease
Diagnosis ......
Percussion .....
Auscultation ....••
Disease of the Lungs ....
Bronchitis . . - .
Pneumonia . . . . •
Sub-acute Pneumonia ....
Chronic Pneumonia ....
Phthisis ....••
Pleurisy . .
Effusion ....••
Pleuro-pneumonia ....
Hydrothorax ....••
Adhesions .....
Hemorrhage from the Lungs
13
14
23
27
28
33
40
61
C3
Hemorrhasre from the Nose . . . . . 68
72
ib.
76
78
83
91
92
99
110
115
117
125
133
138
139
152
ib.
Broken- wind . . . . • • • ^^^
642878
IV CONTENTS.
Spasm of tlie Diaphragm . . . . j 33
Rupture of »•.... 137
SECTION VIII.
Diseases of the Heart, Pericardium, and Great Blood-vessels 196
Pericarditis .... -iqq
Hydrops Pericardii . . , . _ _ 201
Rupture of the Pericardium ..... 202
Carditis •••.., jh
Endocarditis ♦ . . . . _ _ 203
Disease of the Valves of the Heart . . . . .205
Enlargement of the Heart • . . . . 207
Diktation ■•.... 2II
Ossification of the Heart . . ... 214
Air in the Heart . . . . . , " 215
Rupture of „ . . . . . , 217
Polypus of ,, . . . . . , .219
Tumour of „ . . . . . , _ jjj
Aneurism of the Aorta ...... 220
„ Iliac Artery . . . . _ 223
„ Renal Artery . . . . .224
SECTION IX.
Diseases of the Teeth, Pharynx, and GIsophagus . . 225
Dentition •••.... ib
Lampas ....... 230
Sharp and Projecting Teeth . . . . . .232
Tooth- Ache . . . . , _ 236
Carious Teeth ..... 237
Parrot Mouth . . . . , _ 233
Tumour of the Lip . . . ; _ .239
„ upon the Face ...... 240
Salivary Calculi . . . . * . _ _ 241
Stricture of the Esophagus . . ... . 243
Rupture of the „ ... , _ 247
Choking 248
(Esophagotomy ■•".... 353
SECTION X.
Diseases of the Stomach . . . .257
Preliminary Observations . . . . . ib.
Gorged Stomach, usually denominated Stomach Staggers . 259
Tympanitic Stomach ....... 262
CONTENTS.
Rupture of the Stomach
Indigestion .
Gastritis .
Bots .
Gastric Concretions
Gastric Polypus
SECTION XI.
Diseases of the Intestines
Gastro-Enteritis
Spasmodic Colic .
Tympanitic Colic
Enteritis .
Volvulus
Intro -Susception
Constipation .
Intestinal Concretions
„ Worms
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Hernia .
Inguinal Hernia
Scrotal „
Umbilical „
Ventral „
Diaphragmatic Hernia
Prolapsus Ani
Haemorrhoids .
SECTION XII
Diseases or the Peritoneum .
Peritonitis . . . ■
Ascites . . . . •
SECTION XIII
Diseases of the Liveu and Spleen
Preliminary Observations
Hepatitis . . ■ •
Hepato-Peritonitis
Complicated Hepatitis
Chronic „
Jaundice . • • ■
llupture of the Liver — licpatirrhcea
Worms— Hydatids
PAGE
267
273
278
285
296
299
301
302
313
326
327
337
339
343
346
351
362
368
371
373
383
392
398
406
410
414
418
ib.
424
433
ib.
434
438
439
440
444
445
451
VI
CONTENTS.
Biliary Calculi ....
Splenitis .....
Hypertrophy of the Spleeu
Ossification of the „ . . .
Rupture of the „
Carcinoma-Melanosis ....
SECTION XIV.
Diseases or the Ubinary Organs
Nephritis ....
Abscess ....
Hypertrophy ....
Condensation, Induration, and Scirrhus
Melanosis ....
Polyuria ....
Immoderate Thirst — Dipsosis aveus .
Albuminous Urine
Hsematuria ....
Diabetes ....
Urinary Calculus
Renal Calculi
Uretal ,,
Cystic or Vesical Calculi
Urethral Calculus
Cystitis — Cystorrhoea
Ischury — Dysury — Strangury
Inversion of the Bladder
SECTION XV.
Diseases of the Organs of Generation
Preliminary Observations ...
Disease of the Scrotum ....
The Disease mistaken for Syphilis
Urethritis — Gonorrhoea ....
Phymosis .....
Paraphymosis .....
Amputation of the Penis
Diseases of the Organs of Generation of the Female
Vaginitis and Leucorrhoea
Hysteritis or Metritis .
Hysteria .....
Hydrometra .....
Diseases of the Ovaries
Castration . . . • .
PAGE
451
452
453
455
ib.
457
462
463
467
468
470
ib.
473
474
480
488
490
491
492
494
ib.
513
515
517
519
521
ib.
523
ib.
525
527
529
532
538
ib.
542
544
546
ib-
554
HIPPOPATHOLOGY.
PART II, VOL. II.
SECTION IX.
DISEASES OF THE TEETH, PHARYNX, AND
CESOPHAGUS.
DENTITION.
LAMPAS.
SHARP -1
PROJECTING K^^'^^^*
TOOTH-ACHE.
CARIOUS TEETH.
PARROT MOUTH.
TUMOR OF THE LIPS.
TUMOR UPON THE FACE.
SALIVARY CALCULI.
STRICTURE OF THE CESOPHAGUS.
RUPTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS.
CHOKING.
(ESOPHAGOTOMY.
DENTITION.
By Dentition is meant the breeding and cutting of the
teeth. From a few months after birth until the fifth year
of his age, the horse may be said to be breeding and cutting
teeth. It is not, however, with the animal as with children,
who sicken, and even die, in tender infancy from the cutting
of their first teeth ; on the contrary, his sucking teeth ap-
pear to cause him as little inconvenience as our permanent
set do ourselves, whereas the coming of his second teeth
occasionally causes him somewhat of the same kind of suffer-
ing and irritation which we so often observe among children.
There is, connected with dentition, another peculiarity in the
11. 15
236 DISEASES 0¥ THE TEETH, ETC.
liorse which we must not let slip our observation. Although
the period of teething, properly so called, may be said to be
terminated at the fifth year, yet we must recollect it has been
satisfactorily demonstrated, that, in him, there is a process
of growth going on in the teeth through the remainder of
life ; so that, in fact, at no period can the animal be said to
be exempt from the influence of dentition. This accounts
for lampas appearing in old as well as young horses, and
furnishes my mind with strong proof, that the tumidity of
the bars of the mouth is dependent upon operations going
on in the teeth, and upon that cause alone.
There was a time when, I must confess, I treated the
subject of dentition so lightly as to think that horses never
suffered or became disordered from such a cause. Experience,
however, has altered my opinion. I can now, in practice,
frequently discover young horses with disorder or febrile
irritation upon them, the production or continuation of
which I hesitate not to ascribe to teething ; and I find these
views borne out by the relief obtained by the increased atten-
tion I am in the habit of giving to this assumed cause in
my treatment. In illustration of this, I will here relate a
case which occurred to me many years ago ; the very one,
in fact, which proved the occasion of my looking afterwards
more closely into dentition.
I was requested to give my opinion concerning a horse,
then in his fifth year, who had fed so sparingly for the last
fortnight, and so rapidly declined in condition in conse-
quence, that his owner, a veterinary surgeon, was under no
light apprehensions about his life. He had himself examined
his mouth, without having discovered any defect or disease ;
though another veterinary surgeon was of opinion, that the
difficulty or inability manifested in mastication, and the
consequent cudding, arose from preternatural bluntness of the
surfaces of the molar teeth, which were, in consequence,
filed, but without beneficial result. It was after this that
I saw the horse ; and I confess I was, at my first examina-
tion, quite as much at a loss to offer am' satisfactory interpre-
tation as others had been. While meditating, however, after
DENTITION. 227
my inspection^ on the apparently extraordinary nature of the
case, it struck me that I had not seen the tusks. I went back
into the stable, and discovered two little tumours, red and
hard, in the situation of the inferior tusks, which, when
pressed, gave the animal insufferable pain. I instantly took
out my pocket-knife, and made crucial incisions through
them both, down to the coming teeth, from which moment
the horse recovered his appetite, and by degrees his wonted
condition.
The above case might likewise be quoted in illustration
of another fact connected with this subject, which is, that
the cutting of the tusks — which may be likened to the eye-
teeth of children — costs the constitution more derangement
than the cutting of all the other teeth put together; on
which account, no doubt, it is that the period from the fourth
to the fifth year proves so critical a one with the domiciled
horse. Any disease, pulmonary in • particular, setting in at
this interval, is doubly dangerous, from its being augmented or
kept up by the existing irritation of teething : in fact, teeth-
ing is one auxiliary cause of the known fatality among horses
at this period of their lifetime.
Professor Galle, of Toulouse, who wrote, in 1839, 'A
Treatise on the Pathology of the Ox,' says : " The cutting
of the teeth in the ox, as well as in the horse, is attended
by loss of appetite, and redness and heat of mouth; the head
hangs down ; the eyes weep ; and sometimes there is cough,
coryza, and diarrhoea.'' " I have seen persons, careless or
deficient in medical tact, bleed and physic an ox, supposing
that they were combating bronchitis or gastro-enteritis ; and,
after two or three days, the proprietor or the cowherd has
found one or two molar teeth in the manger."
Eeasoning, en j)hilosophe, on the subject, with a view of
showing in what manner teething is necessarily productive
of the consequences ascribed to it, D'Arboval tells us to ob-
serve how the vital energy becomes augmented about the
head, and upon the mucous surfaces in particular. "A sort
of local fever originates in the alveolar cavities, running high
or low according to the resistance the teeth encounter from
228 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
the hardness of the jaws, or their own disproportion ed size
and solidity. The gums become stretched from the pressure
of the teeth against them ; they dilate, sometimes split ; at
the same time they are red, painful, and hot, even to a sense
of burning, and they spread. Internally, the roots of the
teeth, from shooting downwards, compress the dental nerves,
and painfully drag the periosteal linings of the alveolar
cavities. These comljined causes will sufficiently account
for the local irritation and suffering accompanying teething,
and enable us to explain many morbid phenomena we find
appearing in horses about this — from various circumstances
— the most critical period of their lives.^^^
The Effects of Dentition upon the constitution may be
said to breed, or add to the intensity of, excitation, causing
fever, catarrhal disorder, cough, glandular swellings, ophthal-
mic irritation, cutaneous eruption, derangement of the bowels,
urinary disturbance, loss of appetite and consequent emacia-
tion. My respected predecessor, the late Mr. Bloxam, has
left behind him, in his Registry of Sick, several such entries
as "fever from dentition" — "suffering from dentition:" in
my mind, evidence sufficient to show that his opinions on
this subject were much the same as thosel am now endeavour-
ing to inculcate and, let me add, they were the result of
very long experience, and most patient and attentive ob-
servation. Excessive or long-continued local irritation and
suffering induces a habit of nervousness and susceptibility,
rendering the body doubly prone to the operation of
morbific agents, and augmenting the violence of the
malady when once disease has set in. For this reason I,
for my own part, invariably make it my rule, in practice,
when young horses are brought to me sick or unwell, to
inspect their mouths, and, in particular, to notice the tusks,
which, should they be prominent and pushing against the
gums, I let through by making crucial incisions over their
summits : at the same time, I extract any of the sucking
teeth that may appear to be obstructing the growth of the
set to come. In this way, I feel assured, I have seen
' See Hurtrel d'Arboval's ' Dictionnaire,' article ' Dentition.'
DENTITION. 229
catarrhal and bronchial inflammations abated, coughs re-
lieved, lymphatic and other glandular tumours about tlie
head reduced, cutaneous eruptions got rid of, deranged
bowels restored to order, appetite returned, lost condition
repaired. I am quite sure, too little attention has been
paid to the teeth in the medical treatment of young horses ;
and I would counsel those who have such charges by no
means to disregard this remark, trifling as it may appear.
Dr. Marshall Hall says : " There is no practical fact of
the truth and value of which I am more satisfied than that
of the effect and efficacy of scarification of the gums of
infants, and not in infants only, but in children. But it is
to the base of the gums, not to their apex merely, that the
scarification should be applied. The most marked case in
which I have observed the instant good effect of scarification
was one in which all the teeth had pierced the gums. 1
have been accused of unnecessarily frequently (daily) scari-
fying the gums ; to which my answer is, ' Better scarify
the gums unnecessarily a hundred times, than allow the
accession of one fit or convulsion.^ And it is not merely
the prominent tense gum over the edges of the teeth that
should be divided; the gums, or rather the blood-vessels
immediately over the very nerves of the teeth, should be
scarified and divided as you would divide the vessels of the
conjunctiva in inflammation of that membrane. And
repeat daily ; in urgent cases twice a day.^
The pathognomonic symptoms calling our attention,
whether it be in young or old horses, if not exactly to the
teeth themselves, to the mouth in general, are large dis-
charges of saliva from the mouth, with continual slobbering;
cudding of the food ; difficulty of mastication or deglutition,
or of both ; stench of buccal secretion, perhaps of the
breath as well. Symptoms such as these manifesting them-
selves ought to lead us without delay to a thorough exami-
nation of the horse's mouth.
' Vide Marshal Hall's ' New Memoir of the Nervous System.'
230 DISEASES OE THE TEETH, ETC.
LAMPAS.
With the subject of dentition is closely allied another one
to which those knowing in horse matters, but unread in
medical philosophy, attach great importance, yclept "lampas."
According to D'Arboval, the word is of French origin : it is
a " terme de manege" which has found its way into veterinary
medicine from the circumstance of its having been, figura-
tively or burlesquely, used to signify the palate or inside of
the mouth. What we, now-a-days, understand by lampas,
is, an unnatural prominence or tumidity of the cartilaginous
bars forming the roof of the mouth. These bars, naturally,
are pale coloured, and arched in figure ; whereas, in a mouth
affected with lampas, they are red and tumid, lose their cir-
cumflexure, and appear bulging, descending upon a level
with the surfaces of the upper nippers, and in some cases
even below them. This apparent augmentation of substance
is^ no doubt, ascribable to congestion of blood ; but not to
that alone, for I believe in many cases there will be found to
be some serous and albuminous infiltration into the cellular
membrane attaching the bars to the hard palate : which will
account for the length of time they are known sometimes to
continue, as well as for the httle relief, in regard to their
diminution, which in such cases attends lancing of the gums.
Although in young horses it is, I believe, admitted by all
horse people, that lampas is occasioned by the cutting of the
teeth, yet, in old horses, there are those who ascribe their
production to other causes, and imagine they have a good
deal to do with the animaVs state of health, or rather with
his feeding. That they may in some cases be the occasion
of tenderness in mastication, I do not deny; at the same time
I think I may safely affirm, that, in nine times out of ten,
the cause of loss of appetite will be found elsewhere. Tlie
reason why lampas appear in aged horses, is, in my opinion,
as I before stated, on account of the continuance of the
process of growth, demonstrated to be going on through life,
in the teeth, with the nature and laws of which we are, in
LAMPAS. 231
our present state of knowledge, too little acquainted to
pretend to say wliy the lampas should exist in one horse and
not in another, or why it should only at times appear in the
same horse.
Are Lampas Disease ? — The complaints, heavy and
grievous, which are daily reaching our ears, are enough to
persuade us they are : every groom having an unthriviug
horse, or one that does not feed, is sure to search for
lampas ; and, should he find any, in his mind the cause of
failure is detected, and the remedy obvious — ''^ burning
them out/' Many a poor wight of a horse, even while
suffering from some real constitutional malady, has been
subjected to this torturing operation, with a view of demon-
strating the sagacity of the groom, and thereby has got
added to his other ailments, a foul, sloughy, carious sore
upon the roof of his mouth. This may be said to be the
fruits of
" Burning for the Lampas." — Supposing that their ex-
istence be owing to the teeth, do not the teeth require re-
moval, and not the bars of the mouth ? In cutting or
burning away the lampas we are mistaking the effect for
the cause. If it be contended that lampas do not owe their
production to the irritation of teething, then, I should like
to be informed what is the origin of them ; and, let what
will give rise to them, I do not imagine there is any vete-
rinarian hardy enough to contend that the cause resides in
the palate, or becomes removed by the actual cautery !
Those who are entering private practice, and find them-
selves compelle(J, at times, to belie their consciences by the
performance of unnecessary operations to please their em-
ployers, may be told, that burning out lampas is, after all,
preferable to lancing or cutting the bars; for, unless the
palatine artery be wounded, very little blood is obtained by
stabbing the mouth ; and the wounding of this vessel, which
M'ill certainly take place should the punctures be made
along the sides of the palate, or extend forward beyond the
fourth bar from the front teeth, is not always a very safe
proceeding. I remember a case of the kind in which it be-
232 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
came necessary to bind compresses of tow firmly upon the
bleeding parts ; which could be effected only by carrying a
broad tape around the jaw between the tusks and corner
incisors, and confining it there by tying its two ends in a
knot upon the front of the gum, underneath the upper lip.
After a couple of hours the compress was removed, and
the hemorrhage proved to have been permanently arrested.
Had the operation of torsion been known to me, I might,
I think, have succeeded in stanching the hemorrhage with
less trouble and in less time.
The Operation of Burning, if it must be performed,
appears best done in the old farriers' mode of proceeding.
An iron, shaped as under,
is heated to redness, and with its edge, which ought to be
sharp, a portion of the substance of the bars, about the size
of a crown piece, from the middle and most protuberant
part, is sliced off; care being taken that the instrument
does not penetrate deep enough to sear the bone. This at
once gets rid of the assumed evil, and is altogether the pre-
ferable operation; nor will it, performed in this partial and
cautious manner, be productive of any very serious mischief.
SHARP AND PROJECTING TEETH.
Among the annoyances and hinderances the horse expe-
riences to his eating, may be classed a sharpened and over-
grown state of the molar teeth or grinders. Some irregular
action in the jaws occasions a slanting wear of their grind-
ing surfaces, and the consequence, in the course of time, is
the projection, to a considerable extent, of the inner of the
lateral edges of those teeth beyond the outer, and the
consequent conversion of their grinding surfaces, from an as-
perous level into an inclined plane, of greater or less extent
according to the length of time the change has been going
SHARP AND PROJECTING TEETH. 233
on. It would appear that this irregular action is the result
of some original malformation of the jaws, whereby the
teeth have a wrong direction given to them, or, at least, do
not come into that complete apposition which is so essential
to their due masticatory operation. The wear, instead of
being level and uniform, takes place all on one side ; while
the opposite, unworn side continuing to grow, the conse-
quence, in process of time, is a production at once most
remarkable and unnatural : of this Mr. Henderson, V.S.,
Park Lane, London, has in his museum a very beautiful
and extraordinary specimen.
Not only are the teeth, when they have acquired this
unnatural shape, in a measure unfitted for the purposes of
mastication, but are, by their projections, apt to excoriate
and lacerate the sides of the cheeks or of the tongue,' de-
pending upon which jaw they are situated in, and whether
their sharpened edges are slanting inwards or outwards.
What commonly leads to the discovery of this condition of
the teeth is, the horse being observed to cud his hay: either
he puts the cud out of his mouth after masticating it im-
perfectly, or else he retains and collects it between his
cheeks and grinders, where it exhibits externally the ap-
pearance of a swelling a little above the angle of the mouth.
At times a flow of saliva accompanies the cudding. And
in consequence of much of his aliment being thus lost to
him, the animal perceivably falls away in condition.
The Remedy for sharp Grinders is the tooth-rasp. I
have in all the cases of this description which have occurred
to myself used this instrument with success, without having
had occasion for anything beyond it. The French prefer
breaking off the salient portions of the teeth by means of a
hammer and chisel, the mouth being kept open the while
with a gag, or a ball-iron ; in regard to which proceeding I
I can only repeat, I never myself found anything necessary
beyond the tooth-rasp.
Projecting Teeth. — When once a tooth, whether it be
' These excoriations, and the ulcers they occasionally give rise to, are noticed
in Vol. I.
234 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
an incisor or a molar, has lost its opponent, and tHereby
becomes deprived of all counter-pressure, it shoots beyond
its fellows in the same jaw, and is apt to grow to such a
length as not only to interrupt mastication, but even impede
the closure of the jaws. Mr. H. Surmon relates — in vol. ii
of ' The Veterinarian ' — a very instructive case of this
description.
"A neighbour of his possessed a horse that had continued
to lose his appetite and condition for some weeks. The first
time Mr. Surmon examined the mouth he perceived nothing
extraordinary. The horse, emaciated to a skeleton, was to be
destroyed. Mr. Surmon examined his mouth once more, and,
with a balling-iron keeping it open, he introduced his hand,
and discovered two lower teeth, one on each side, which had
outgrown the others to that extent that they were actually
pressing against the roof of the mouth. Mr. Surmon made
attempts to extract them with a key, such as is used by sur-
geons ; but these proved fruitless. He
afteiwards contrived an instrument,
(which is here represented) with which
he perfectly succeeded. In using it, he
passed the forked end into the mouth,
and fixed the tooth to be extracted
within the fork. The handle — a most
powerful lever — being then turned on
its axis, the tooth became forced out with the greatest ease.
The horse Mr. Surmon operated on, began after the operation
to feed again, and rapidly recovered his health and strength,
and went to work as well as ever.
This instrument, however, after all, amounts in operation
to nothing beyond the ordinary tooth-key, upon a magnified
scale, and is in many respects not so efiicient, in conse-
quence of its wanting the adjusting and grasping powers of
the key. Mr. Cheri*y, the Principal Veterinary Surgeon to
the Cavalry, is in the habit of using a key of such large
dimensions that the handle is intended to be turned by both
hands of the operator, thus affording him a lever-extractor
of highly augmented power.
SHARP AND PROJECTING TEETH. 235
Of late years dental human surgery lias undergone con-
siderable improvement. The old tooth-key is laid aside to
make room for retraction-forceps, so constructed that^ once
the body of the tooth, close up to its neck, firmly clutched
by them, a strong pull, or rather draw, extracts the tooth.
Not in human surgery alone, however, but in veterinary as
well, I am happy to be able to add, has this department of
our art received important melioration. In the year 1849,
M. Gowing, V.S., London, read a paper before the Vete-
rinary Medical Association, introducing to their notice a set
of tooth instruments of his own construction, which he, as
well as many other veterinarians, had at times experienced
great lack of in practice. His own trials of them had quite
confirmed his expectations. They consist of a pair of giant for-
ceps (see frontispiece, fig. ]), with serrated beaks ; the extreme
end of one of the handles of which is furnished with an eye,
while that of the other has a ferrule screw. A shaft, to
operate as a lever, runs through the eye, and screws into
the ferrule screw, a contrivance which renders it so powerful
an instrument, as to require soundness of tooth, and care
on the part of the operator, lest in the operation the tooth, or
even jaw, become fractured. For the purpose of cutting
down teeth which have grown out beyond the level of the
others (from want of pressure from opposing teeth), Mr.
Gowing has invented a dental sliding chisel (fig, 2). In its
use a balling-iron and a twitch are required. And when
the instrument is adjusted so that the active chisel is brought
into contact with the anterior part of the tooth, a sharp blow
is to be given to it, which is to be repeated, if required, once
or even twice. Sometimes it will be necessary to cast the
animal for examination and operation, though standing is to
be preferred. But, as all the irregularities met with in the
teeth cannot be overcome with the same instrument, Mr.
Gowing has made another, consisting of a solid or entire
piece of steel. This is the lateral repeller (fig. 3). Its
use is to prevent the concussion of the jaw, while the
operator with a chisel strikes ofFany projecting angle of tooth.
The chisel Mr. Gowing has adopted is the guarded chisel
236 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
(fig. 4), Another instrument bearing some resemblance to
the LATERAL, is the posterior repeller, whose utility is
principally for the back teeth. With this instrument, where
necrosis of the tooth has taken place, traction, to a certain
degree, may be made, in consequence of its being turned down
or necked at the end. Another instrument required is a
common chisel, somewhat longer and stronger than the one
in ordinary use. Also, another pair of forceps, smaller than
the giant ones, without the cross-lever, but billed or notched
at their points. (Fig. 7), is a gum lancet of considerable
length, to " enable one to scarify gums without reaching
one^s hand through the balling-iron." The only alteration
Mr. Gowing has made in the tooth-rasp (fig. 8), is the
addition of a shifting handle, of some length, " whereby
greater power is gained, besides the advantage of being able
to add a new rasp, or any other instrument, to it, that the
veterinary surgeon may deem expedient." This imperfect
sketch of the '^proper dental instruments," will not
serve for more than an inducement to the man who is in
earnest in preparing himself in practice against all con-
tingencies, to furnish himself with a case of such instruments,
and make himself perfect master of their use, by perusing
Mr. Gowing's excellent practical paper, which he will find
in ' The Veterinarian,' vol. xxiv, pp. 630-40.
TOOTH-ACHE.
Disease of the teeth is rare in the horse. Mr. Gowing
has found the disease mostly occurring in cart and other
under-bred horses, which he suggests may arise, in part,
from the coarser food given to them. Another cause is, as
the horse advances in years, the interstices arising between
their molar teeth, into which the food gets and lodges. And
Mr. Gowing believes it to be a fact, " that disease begins
either at the neck or in the fang of the tooth in our patients,
and not usually at the crown." " It is a common practice
with carters to sprinkle tlie provender with sulphuric acid,
and we all well know the action of acids on the teeth."
CARIOUS TEETH. 237
" The symptoms that would indicate disease of the teeth
to be present, would be — imperfect mastication, in con-
sequence of which the stomach would have more to do, and,
from the food being longer retained within that viscus, its
appropriative powers would be enfeebled and deranged,
which would speedily be shown by portions of the aliment
passing through the digestive track entire. Associated with
this would sometimes be a staring coat, with a harsh and
unthrifty appearance of the animal ; and what is designated
hide-bound might also be present, accompanied with more or
less emaciation, and a low febrile appearance of the system.
Besides all this, in some instances we shall have, a portion of
the corn, in a half-masticated state, from time to time thrown
out of the mouth into the manger, mixed with a quantity of
saliva; also, the animal, if watched narrowly, would be
observed suffering much pain during mastication, and sud-
denly stop and rest for a time, and then begin again to eat.
Foetor, likewise, when the mouth is examined, will be found
present to a greater or lesser extent. Who has witnessed
these symptoms, and seen the horse hanging his head by
the side of the manger, with saliva dribbling from his mouth,
cannot hesitate for a moment to acknowledge that the poor
brute is suffering pain; which, if we were to call tooth- ache,
would not be believed by our employers."^
CARIOUS TEETH.
There are instances on record of carious teeth being dis-
covered, and of their being productive of such consequences
as have led, through error, to a fatal termination. The
following relation ought to operate on our minds as a warning
in pronouncing judgment in cases of glanders, or at least in
such as assume the semblance of glanders: —
A horse, the property of government, became a patient of
Mr. Cherry's, on account of a copious defluxion of fetid,
discoloured, purulent matter from the near nostril, unaccom-
' Gowing's ' Essay on the Disease of the Teeth of the Horse,' 'Veterinarian,'
vol. xxiv.
238 DISEASES OP THE TEETH, ETC.
panied either by submaxillary tumefaction or by ulceration of
the Schneiderian membrane. For two or three months the
case was treated for glanders ; but, no amendment appearing,
a consultation was deemed necessary, the result of which was,
the horse was shot. On examination of the head, the third
molar tooth proved to be carious; one third of its fang being
already consumed, and the remainder rotten. The formation
of an abscess within its socket had rendered the tooth loose,
and the matter flowing therefrom had established a passage
into the contiguous chamber of the nose. The antrum, also,
was in part obstructed by the deposition of osseous matter.
This is a case which, but for the inquisitiveness of Mr, Cherry,
would have indiscriminately merged into that heterogeneous
class of diseases passing under the appellation of chronic
glanders.
My father's museum contained several preparations of
carious teeth. One was that of a molar tooth, whose interior
was black and rugged, from being eroded by ulceration, and
whose fangs had from the same cause mouldered away. Two
others presented brittle exostoses upon their sides, forming
spacious cavities within, and communicating with the con-
tiguous grinders. One of them exhibited a perforation
through vehich pus appeared to have issued. They seemed
both to have been cases which had originated in internal
injury.
The rarity of such occurrences disinclines one to seek for
them; and, especially, since we are not in possession of any
sure indications of their existence. Cudding the food, fetid
breath and saliva, either with or without any purulent issue
from the nose, might lead to an examination of the mouth,
and the discoloration of a tooth would prompt us to ascer-
tain whether it were loose or not, and, if loose, to extract it :
further than this I am not prepared to advise.
PARROT MOUTH.
By this appellation horse-people understand what dog-
fanciers call " overhung ;" i.e., a mouth so formed — or
rather so malformed — that the upper jaw overshoots or pro-
TUMOR OF THE LIP. 239
jects considerably beyond the lower; so much so, that the
inferior incisor teeth, instead of meeting their opponents,
come in contact, when the mouth is shut, with the bars of the
palate ; while the teeth of the superior jaw have no opposing
surface whatever, unless the lower lip can be so regarded.
This deformity is not a very common occurrence ; nor ip it
one altogether so objectionable, since the horse has the power
of gathering up his hay and corn with his lips, although the
process (as well as the retention of the food while it is being
transferred to the grinders) is but imperfectly performed, as
is seen by the animal, while feeding, scattering and wasting
part of his corn, and slobbering at the same time. In
grazing, the parrot mouth must be greatly more disadvan-
tageous : much difficulty must of necessity be experienced in
nipping off the grass; and this seems to me to be the chief
objection to the purchase of such a horse : at least, this
formed the ground of objection, I remember, of a recruit
horse with a parrot- mouth which was offered to the 1st
Life Guards.
TUMOR OF THE LIP.
Now and then horses are brought to us with swollen lips,
or rather lower lip, for I do not remember much about the
upper. There grows a swelling of one side of it, confined to
that side, and more apparent when the lip comes to be
everted than before. It has a solid, firm feel, is perhaps
altogether about the size of a pigeon's egg, and is hot, and
gives pain when squeezed. I have on no occasion been able
to trace any connection between the tumor and the
reception of injury of any kind, from the bit, though I have
known it to arise from a bite or sting : otherwise, I have been
forced to regard its origin as spontaneous. I have ordered fo-
mentation and frequent steaming of the muzzle, and cathartic
medicine. In the course of the second or third day, how-
ever, it has generally happened, that the tumour has burst
inwardly, and discharged a thin ill-looking purulent matter,
composed probably of pus and the secretion of the lip; after
240 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
which, by well probing daily, and injections of a solution of
alum or borax, the tumour has dispersed, and the opening
healed up.
TUMOR UPON THE FACE.
Those who are much among young horses will have occa-
sionally observed osseous swellings arising upon the side of
the face, midway between the eye and angle of the mouth.
They grow from the superior maxillary bones, have a rounded
form, and are broadish at their bases, with hardly any per-
ceptible heat of surface, and very little tenderness on pressure.
Sometimes one appears; oftener, I believe, there exist a
pair. What their origin may be, I know not, unless they be
the effects of blows. In composition they are evidently
osseous, or osseo-cartilaginous : in fact, they are veritable
exostoses. They are nowise hurtful or injurious; but they
extremely disfigure the countenance of the animal: they give
him a sour, ill-tempered look, and on this account are often
sought to be got rid of,
A three-year old horse came to my regiment, out of the
dealer^s hands, with a tumour of this description upon the
off side of his face. Not liking the appearance of it, the
colonel was desirous I should get rid of it. I blistered it
repeatedly. I next tried the effects of an iodine ointment
upon it : all to very little purpose however. It was thought
to have diminished ; but this, in truth, was very little. I
had a notion that stripping it of its periosteal covering, and
leaving it bare, might cause it to exfoliate away : but this
seemed to be attended with some danger of sloughing
open the maxillary sinus ; and therefore the project was
abandoned.
Mr. Charles Percivall, V.S, Royal Artillery, has sent me
the following account of the same disease : —
A four-year-old gelding came into the Horse Infirmary
at Woolwich, with a tumour upon the maxillary bone of the
off side, followed, some days after, by enlargement of the
submaxillary glands, and discharge from the nose on the same
SALIVARY CALCULI. 241
side. The swelling was painful on pressure, and my first
idea of its nature was, that it had proceeded from a blow.
Cold applications were made use of; ultimately, it was blis-
tered. This caused it to suppurate and discharge a glairy
ill-conditioned sort of matter. At the expiration of three
weeks, the near side of the face commenced swelling in the
same manner, which convinced me I was wrong in ima-
gining the other tumor was caused by injury. The same
treatment was pursued ; but this did not suppurate. I then
used the iodine ointment, which appeared to diminish it.
The tumour upon the off side became fistulous, continually
issuing the glairy matter, as at first, and giving evident
signs that the bone within was in an unsound — most likely
carious — condition.
SALIVARY CALCULI.
British veterinary practice appears to have been eminently
unproductive of cases of this description. Were it not for
the recorded observations of continental veterinarians, we
should have felt at a loss in what way to have supplied this
defect in our nosology.
From D'Arboval — our principal source of information —
we learn that calculi have been discovered within most of
the salivary glands, but are more commonly found wdthin
their ducts, and particularly within the parotid duct. They
have a whitish aspect, take the form of the canal, and are
extremely hard and weighty, tasteless and odourless, and
have an oat or small pebble, which has got into the duct
through the mouth, for a nucleus. When lodged in that
part of the duct which is but skin-deep, the calculus is
perfectly obvious ; but when sticking just within the orifice
of the canal, unless of considerable volume, it is difficult
of detection. In this situation, when projecting, the calculus
will sometimes occasion excoriation of the buccal membrane,
and so far will render mastication sore and painful, besides
more or less obstructing the efilux of saliva ; and it may
create some sort of noise during the motions of the
II. 16
242 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
jaws by gritting against the teeth : these constituting the
evils arising from its presence. In general^ the growth of
this kind of calculus is extremely slow ; so that it is some
considerable time before such effects are produced. When
it has attained sufficient magnitude to cause obstruction, the
portion of duct between it and the gland becomes swollen
from the accumulation of saliva. According to the analysis
of Thenard, these calculi are composed of calcareous phosphate
in combination with some little carbonate of lime.
Treatment. — We possess no means of dissolving these
calculi ; but we can extract them, and in some cases with-
out cutting into the duct, which is an operation now
and then succeeded by a troublesome fistula. When the
stone proves to be at the buccal orifice of the canal, and
the molar teeth present the only obstacle to its escape, it
will often be sufficient to extend the cheek and give it a
good shake or two with the hand to dislodge it. Should
the calculus appear to be strangulated within the canal, we
must divide the stricture first. This may be done by fixing
the mouth wide open with a ball-iron, and introducing a
bistoury tied to a stick, to serve as a long handle, while the
other hand is engaged in drawing the tongue out of the
way. Should the stone not fall out after the division of the
stricture, it may be seized with forceps and extracted. A
mash or liquid diet ought to follow the operation.
Even when not at the orifice, but felt externally some
way within the canal under the skin, should the calculus not
be large, some dexterous manipulation might force it on-
ward into the mouth. As it but seldom happens, however,
that our attention is drawn to it before its bulk is such as
to preclude the possibility of stirring it, we are in general
necessitated to incise the duct in order to extract it. And in
making our incision, we are to do it cautiously, in the
direction of the canal, from one extremity to the other of
the tumor ; and, as soon as we have extracted the calculus,
either with our fingers or forceps, take special care to ap-
proximate the lips of the wound and retain them in appo-
sition by some adhesive plaster, lest we incur the consequences
STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS. 243
of a fistulous duct, which sometimes amounts to an evil as
great as, or even greater than, the calculus itself had proved.
In some cases sutures may be found requisite. A compress
will generally with advantage be applied upon the portion
of duct intervening between its gland and the wound. A
great consideration in the treatment is, to keep the jaws as
quiet as possible ; and therefore the horse ought to be sup-
ported for some days upon liquid aliment. Although it is
right to take such precautions, many of these wounds heal
and do well with comparatively little care. M. Vieillard
extracted salivary calculi from three troop-horses without
leaving any fistula. And M. Girard has seen the gland
itself cut into for the purpose of evacuating a salivary
abscess, and afterwards complete cicatrization ensue.
This account is followed by the relation of several cases
illustrative of what has been said, whose insertion here
would prove of little or no service to us.
STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS.
By stricture is meant, a diminished or contracted state of
some tube or duct of the body. In man, we find strictures
occurring in all the mucous canals — oesophagus, intestines,
urethra, vagina : in the horse they have hitherto been dis-
covered in no others, I believe, but the oesophagus and
intestines. A stricture is either spasmodic or organic: that
is, the muscular or contractile power of the tube only is at
fault, and that is functional; or else, its lining membrane
is thickened, and perhaps altered in texture as well. The
stricture I am going to treat on will be found to be of the
organic kind. Its occurrence is rare; at least I argue so,
from having myself come to the knowledge of but four
instances of it. A case of it in a cow is related in ' The Vete-
rinarian' for June, 1843.
The Symptoms of a strictured oesophagus, so far as I have
been enabled to note them, are, at first, a gradual falling off
in strength and spirits and appetite, with some attendant
febrile disorder ; cudding not only hay, but corn likewise.
244 DISEASES OF TJIE TEETH, ETC.
and ejecting both, either through the nose as well as mouth,
or through the mouth alone, after they have been thoroughly
masticated and mingled with saliva, and rendered, in fact,
fit to be swallowed. In some cases the disgorged cud does
not seem to have entered the oesophagus at all : the animal,
knowing he cannot swallow, appears not to attempt it. In
other cases, the cud descends as low down into the gullet
as the seat of stricture, and there lodges until disgorged
again, causing distension of the tube at that part, and, in
time, the formation of a considerable dilatation or sac.
Now that the horse disgorges the greater part or whole of
the solid food he consumes, the appetite, from having been
indifferent, becomes painfully keen : no sooner is a fresh
supply of provender set before the animal than he seizes and
devours it for a time with avidity ; but, alas ! this proves in
the end only the means of augmenting his suffering ; for,
as soon as he has swallowed it, or a few minutes or more
afterwards, he discovers his inability, or rather the pain and
difficulty he is about to experience in further deglutition ; and
consequently prefers returning most, if not all, of what he
has been chewing, into his manger. At this period, he be-
comes, in some instances, restless and agitated, breathes hard
and quick, and evinces spasmodic action commencing in the
tube by striking his belly, pawing, lying down and rising,
&c., so long at least as the inverted action is going on.
Deprived of his aliment, the animal daily continues to lose
flesh, and with it his strength and spirits, everything around
appearing after a time indifferent to him, saA^e his fresh
feeds, which he plucks up to eat with renewed vigour, only,
however, to encounter renewed disappointment, and perhaps
paroxysms of annoyance and agitation, and pain as well.
There exists in general no unwillingness nor impediment to
his swallowing his water ; nor are balls even, during the
early stages of the disease, rejected. His skin, after a time,
becomes hide-bound ; his coat harsh and dry and scurfy.
Early in the complaint, the bowels are commonly much
constipated, and require repeated aperients to keep them
soluble : later, a diarrhoea is apt to supervene. A slow fever
STRICTURE 01' THI5 (ESOPHAGUS. 245
accompanies these symptoms : the pulse commonly ranging
between 50 and 60. The horse lies down sometimes by day
as v/ell as by night. Emaciation proceeds, until, fi-om de-
bility and inanition, the exhausted animal sinks to rise no
more.
The seat of Stricture varies. In two cases which
occurred in my own practice, it proved to be the place where
the oesophagus enters the stomach — in the cardia. My
friend, Mr. King, of Stanraore, related a case to me, in
which he fancied there existed a stricture in the middle of
the canal. A very interesting case, published in ' The
Veterinarian' for 1830, by Mr. Cheetham, of Glasgow,
leaves no doubt on this point, and throws fresh light on
several others.
Mr. Nice, V.S., Dockhead, sent an account of a case he
had attended to Mr. Sewell, which will be found in the
' Transactions of the Veterinarian Medical Association.'
The symptoms were, that the horse usually fed about five or
seven minutes at a time, without any inconvenience, when
he would become restless, and exhibit hurried breathing,
and spasmodic action in the oesophagus, during which, re-
gurgitation of food took place through the nostrils. At this
time he would strike his belly, and lay down, and rise, &c.
after which he would continue quiet until feeding recom-
menced. He gradually lost his condition. The stricture
was found, post-mortem, about one inch and a half above
the cardiac orifice : the little finger could hardly pass
through it. The oesophagus was very much thickened
around the strictured part, while the muscular fibres, both
longitudinal and circular, were considerably disgregated,
depriving them of much of their normal action over the
dilated sac. Some of the aliment seemed to find its way
into the stomach, which for awhile sustained him.
Mr. Cheetham Avas called to attend a mare belonging to
an officer of the 4th Dragoon Guards. She discharged
masticated food from the nose ; and on the near side of the
neck there was a swelling, in the situation of the oesophagus,
as large as a person's arm, commencing about six inches
246 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
from the pharynx, and gradually increasing to opposite the
sixth cervical vertebra, and there terminating abruptly.
There had existed a partial obstruction for many months,
which had so increased of late, that the animal had been
obliged to be drenched with water to wash down the contents
of the sac : on other occasions a probang had been used.
After such palliations as these, a blister was applied over the
tumor, and she was turned to grass. While there, it was
observed that food, lodged in the sac of the oesophagus, was
frequently returned into the mouth, and afterwards re- swal-
lowed, and then passed into the stomach. On being taken
from grass, a quantity of corn was given to her, in order to
ascertain if the stoppage still existed. The corn accumu-
lated the same as before. Mr. Cheethara determined on an
operation. He made an incision four inches long into the
oesophagus, opposite the sixth cervical vertebra. The tube
seemed divested of its muscular fibres, and was composed of
cuticular coat alone. The contents of the sac were removed,
and she was drenched with warm water to wash out the
oesophagus. The sac appeared three or four inches in
diameter ; but the opening leading from it, below, was so
contracted, that it only admitted a probang half an inch in
diameter. After the operation the mare drank freely of
warm water, which, by applying pressure upon the wound,
passed uninterruptedly into the stomach, though without the
pressure the greater part escaped. She was bled, and had
an aperient. The wound was fomented, and poulticed, and
dressed, and the mare partook freely of gruel. Some slough-
ing followed, which brought away part of the oesophagus,
after which the wound became healthy. Mr. Cheetham now
introduced a probang, of the dimensions of the first he used,
through the stricture; which operation he repeated twice
or thrice a day for ten successive days, with probangs of
larger size. Thus was the stricture — which appeared to
have been seated at the place where the tube enters the chest
— overcome; and since then the probang has been occa-
sionally introduced by the owner himself. To assist the
mare in swallowing, the sac was aided in its action by
RUPTURE OF THE CESOPHAGUS. 247
pressure, accomplished by a broad breast -plate, furnished ti ith
a pad. The sac gradually grew less; and the mare at length
became enabled to consume her rations, and soon after
recovered all her life and gaiety.
The appearance of the cardiac stricture is this —
The oesophageal orifice at the stomach is contracted to the
utmost degree : in one of my cases, a sharp-pointed instru-
ment was with difficulty introduced. The muscular fibres
surrounding the strictured part are sometimes prodigiously
augmented in volume; though in other cases — as in Mr.Nice^s
— they are "disgregated,^^ and, so, enfeebled in power; and in
addition there is a morbid thickening of their lining, arising
from deposition into the cellular tissue interposed between
the muscular and cuticular coats. The cuticular membrane
is thrown into I'ugse unusually large, and is evidently in-
creased in substance. The stomach itself is not afi'ected.
Treatment. — The two cases that came under my notice
were not unmasked until death had afforded the opportunity
of investigating their nature, and consequently M'ere not
submitted to any specific or appropriate treatment. Were I
to encounter another, I should endeavour to pass a bougie,
of proper size, as far as, or even into, the stomach, with a
view of ascertaining the seat and nature of the obstruction;
which, being ascertained to be stricture, might possibly admit
of dilatation, or of the conveyance of caustic to it. Should,
however, so long a passage for the bougie render it unavail-
able against the stricture, we must do as Mr. Cheetham did,
make an incision through the neck into the oesophagus, and
pass the bougie or probang from thence. A cardiac stric-
ture would, of necessity, prove a very troublesome, perhaps
an intractable, affair : one within the neck, or even the chest,
might admit of being overcome.
RUPTURE OF THE CESOPHAGUS.
This is a lesion we can hardly look for save from violence
or injury of some kind. Mr. Cartwright relates a case of it
in * The Veterinarian,' vol. xxv, p. 545. He was called to
248 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
a mare to whom the groom had been attempting to give a
diuretic ball, without succeeding, who would neither eat nor
swallow, but seemed as if choking, drawing her head towards
her breast and retching, with spasmodic action of the neck,
&c. No obstruction nor enlargement could be discovered.
She retched and coughed occasionally. A sheep probang
introduced stopped at one third of the neck. Water poured
into her mouth in part went down, though most of it re-
turned. Attempted to give gruel, but this produced spasm
and retching. The mare lived eight days. " From eight to
ten inches of the upper portion of the oesophagus was found
very dark-coloured and thickened ; was, in fact, a mass of
decomposed muscle and cellular tissue, in the interior of which
was a cavity eight inches long: the opening into it com-
mencing superiorly over the larynx, and proceeding into the
muscular substance of the superior part of the CEsophagus.
It had evidently been made with some sharp or rough instru-
ment. The remainder of the tube was normal."
Mr. Cartwright remarks, in regard to the case : "From this
rare case we may learn, that the symptoms of such an injury
are not of that violent nature as when there is mechanical
obstruction. This mare lived ten days without swallowing
more, I should think, than a quart or two of water or gruel;
and I fancy she gained little nourishment from the clysters,
as they were frequently ejected after being given. Now,
what produced the injury? The groom acknowledges that
he had been giving a ball the day before, unknown to his
master, but he flatly denies having given it upon the end of
a stick. It is very certain that, if it was net done by such
means, it ivas loilfully done by some one.
CHOKING.
Every now and then it happens that a portion of food, or
some solid body, becomes lodged within the pharynx or
oesophagus, without the horse possessing the power either of
swallowing or disgorging it. Grain, small potatoes, pieces
of turnip or carrot, a ball of large size or hard consistence
CHOKING. 249
or improper shape, even an egg, have all of them proved
causes of obstruction. In vol. xvii of ' The Vete-
rinarian/ Mr. Tennant mentions a case in which grass
" well-masticated/' had become firmly impacted and formed
the obstruction. Horses, voracious feeders, are very apt in
their avidity to bolt their corn whole, and gulp it down so
rapidly that the successive portions, instead of passing on
into the stomach, accumulate within the gullet, and block up
its canal. Only a small collection, or else a large and
expanded one, may in this manner arise before the animal
feels or expresses uneasiness. All at once he leaves off
feeding. Next, he makes every effort in his power to com-
plete his imperfect swallow, and gulp down the cause of his
distress. Should he not succeed, his throat and neck
become, through his gulping and ineffectual efforts at deglu-
tition, spasmodically drawn up ; and probably he gives every
now and then a loud shriek, no less expressive of his own
anguish than excitive of the sympathy of those around him.
Should he attempt to swallow water, the fluid, together with
a quantity of thick ropy saHva collected in his mouth,
returns through his nostrils. There do occur cases, however,
in which such notably characteristic signs are not met with,
or, at least, are not present at the time we happen to be called
in; and there may exist reasons on the part of those in
attendance for concealing what has passed from us. The
refusal of food, with symptoms of apparent sore throat, con-
nected with circumstances of a suspicious nature, are enough
to induce us to scrutinise the pharynx and oesophagus well
with our fingers, in order to detect any tumor or prominence
that may exist ; we may also give the animal water, with a
view of ascertaining whether there be obstruction of any sort
or not. Should the fluid be ejected through the nose, we
are warranted in introducing a probang ; than which, in case
the obstructing body lie below the neck, we possess no other
means so sure of discovering its seat, or any so ready of
removing it, even in any situation. A probang, however, is
an instrument in the possession of professional persons only,
and one, even with them, which often happens to be at home
250 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
at the moment it is wanted, and therefore is one which one
is frequently forced to seek a substitute for, A professional
friend of mine has told me, he has on several occasions, when
the obstruction has existed in the throat, succeeded with the
butt-end of a waggon whip. Cavalry people might have
recourse to a rough-rider^s whip. A stout cane of any sort
might answer the purpose. Whatever is to be or can be had,
no time is to be lost. A draught of water is sometimes
effectual; though the probang is, after all, the proper thing
to be had recourse to. And in the selection of his probang
let the practitioner bear in mind the very pertinent practical
remark of Mr. Cartwright, when he says:^ "As the oesophagus
of the horse is considerably less than that of a cow, it is
highly important to veterinarians to have by them various
sized probangs, and such as are pretty elastic, so as to give the
necessary curve about the larynx.^^ For a very interesting-
paper on this subject, published in ^The VETERiNARiAN,Hhe
profession are indebted to Mr. King, of Stanmore.
Mr. King observes, that choking is common among old
horses whose grinders are imperfect, and whose keen appe-
tites incite them to bolt their corn. He has seen the
oesophagus in this manner distended "almost from the
stomach to the throat :" a case in which recovery is very rare.
Mr. King's practice is to pour down fluids, and press and
squeeze the oesophagus, Avith the view of commingling the
liquid introduced with the masses of corn ; and thus, by
manipulation, has he occasionally succeeded.
The following case shows how much a practitioner may be
led astray by false or imperfect accounts : —
Some years ago Mr. King was called to a horse belonging
to a coach proprietor. The owner said his horse " had a
bad sore throat, and could not swallow,'' Mr. King examined
the throat and gullet, but, finding nothing, suspected
nothing. The horse was blistered and drenched ; but the
liquids all returned, no effort being made to swallow them.
The animal died : and, on examination, was found, within
' In his account of a case of ' Laceration of the (Esophagus/ in the ' Veteri-
narian,' vol. XXX, p. 548.
CHOKING. 251
the thoracic portion of the oesophagus^ a ball composed of
the ashes of tobacco, enveloped in double paper. At first,
all knowledge concerning this discovery was stoutly denied;
but afterwards a confession came, that the ball had been
administered for worms. Had not such delusion been prac-
tised, the probang would have been used, and, Mr. King
thinks, might have proved effectual.
Mr. King also observes, there is a notion abroad that
new-laid eggs will improve the condition of horses ; and the
practice is, to administer them with the shell only starred
in a few places : a practice that has in some instances been
the means of choking the animal.
Mr. King was once called to a horse with a reported " sore
throat.^^ The groom swore he knew no cause for it.
Mr. King, however, had reasons for entertaining doubts of the
man's veracity, and therefore proceeded at once to pass a
probang. On the return of the instrument, the bulb was
found covered with fragments of egg-shell. The horse
speedily recovered. Mr. King has had related to him, on good
authority, two similar cases in cattle practice.
The following irremediable and fatal case of the same
description occurred to Mr. T. Cooper, V.S., Coleshill.
In December, 1834, Mr. Cooper was called to Dunton Hall,
to a bay horse that was taken suddenly unwell. Mr. Cooper
found the animal "^ coughing violently, and stamping with
his fore feet ; with saliva running from his mouth, which he
occasionally attempted to swallow, though the greater part
returned through his nostrils." It was evident there was
obstruction. The horse had been eating Swedish turnips.
Mr. Cooper passed a whalebone down the oesophagus, " and
a rounded substance could be distinctly seen driven before it.
The horse after this appeared to be relieved : he ate some hay
and drank some water, and was left for the night.'' Next
day he was much worse. "He does not cough, but heaves very
much at the flank; refuses all food and drink; is dejected;
saliva with mucus runs from his nose, and much of it he
swallows." He was bled ; took an aperient with digitalis ;
and his throat was blistered, from a notion that " the sub-
25.2 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
stance might have injured his throat/^ Third day: much
the same. " Takes gruel from a bottle, but will not eat."
Mr. Cooper from the first had no hope of saving him, and early
next morning he died. On dissection, a large sized hen's
egg, entirely whole, was found firmly impacted in the oeso-
phagus, within a few inches of its cardiac termination ; the
parietes of the tube around the egg being "much dilated,
and ulcerated nearly through." The groom confessed he
had given the egg a few hours before Mr. Cooper was sent for,
with a view of improving the horse's condition. The balls
which had been given must have passed the egg in a liquid
state, probably along with the gruel. — Veterinarian, 1835.
Mr. George Holmes, V.S., Thirst, Yorkshire, has, in
'The Veterinarian' for 1839, detailed a case of much in-
terest, no less from its pressingly dangerous tendency than
from the prompt and judicious manner in which he treated it.
Mr. H. was sent for in great haste to Ashbury House, to
a horse in a most distressing state, " breathing with the
greatest difficulty, heaving violently at the flanks, with the
countenance exhibiting an expression of the intensest agony.
He was foaming at the mouth, his ears were cold, and, in
fact, it was evident that, unless instant relief were afforded,
he must die; since a ball had been given a little while
before, which had stuck in his throat." Mr. H. could
detect no ball in the oesophagus : he was convinced it
was in the fauces, or pressing against the larynx ; but
the violent heaving, and the instant suffocation that
threatened when he was moved, precluded any attempt to
pass the probang. Mr. H. therefore determined on imme-
diate tracheotomy. This gave instant, but very far from
permanent relief. After a short interval Mr. H. endeavoured
to pass the probang, and, after repeated attempts, succeeded
in removing the ball. The horse was then bled, and
had an aperient ball. Still he breathed high, and his pulse
was 100 : he was, therefore, bled again, and took two scru-
ples of opium, with the same quantity of digitalis : this
admirably allayed the irritation. Fifteen hours after, all
was going on well.
(ESOPHAGOTOMY. 253
These occurrences are exceeding rare in army practice.
I can charge my memory but with one such a case ; and
that originated in some one having clandestinely given the
horse an entire potato to eat. I attribute this exemption to
three causes. First, to cavalry horses being fed four times
a day, and not being allowed above a quartern of oats at a
time. Secondly, to no roots or hard substances whatever
being given them for food. Thirdly, to the balls which are
exhibited being such as are fresh compounded, and con-
sequently not hard. The shape of the ball is also a con-
sideration.i
I quite agree with Mr. King, that, in combination with
the probang, the patent stomach syringe should be employed
in these cases, and no doubt might be Avith very great ser-
vice. The probang we use ought to be a perforated or
tubular one, through which, when introduced, liquids might
be injected without the trouble and loss of time of a fresh
introduction.
(ESOPHAGOTOMY.
When the means detailed under the head of " Choking:^'
prove ineffectual for the removal of the foreign body — what-
ever it may be — -obstructing the canal of the oesophagus, the
operation of cutting into the tube, called cesophagotomy, must
be our resource; unless it happen that the obstruction be
below the neck, within the chest, and then no knife can pos-
sibly reach it. The same operation may likewise be prac-
tised with a view of overcoming impermeable stricture, or
for the purpose of injecting medicinal or alimentary matters
into the stomach when there is no possibility of introducing
them through the mouth. In the hands of a veterinary
anatomist there is nothing to dread in the performance of
cesophagotomy ; although, from the oesophagus lying behind
the windpipe, and much deeper seated, and there being the
jugular veins and carotid arteries, and par vagura, and sym-
pathetic and recurrent nerves, along the sides of the trachea,
' Vol. i, p. 47.
254- DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
the scalpel requires to be handled with considerable caution
as well as skill. Recollecting that the oesophagus, after pro-
ceeding down one third of the neck, inclines to the left of
the trachea, and before it reaches the chest gets quite round
to the left of that tube, had we our choice, we should un-
doubtedly select the left side of the neck, and below the
upper third of it, for the operation. Supposing we take the
middle of the neck, our first incision — on which much of
our ultimate success will dejiend — should be three inches in
length, and be directed along the inferior border of the
jugular vein; which vessel had better be kept distended
the while by pressure from the hand of an assistant. The
lips of the wound being then kept apart by the assistant, the
operator carefully prosecutes his dissection through the cel-
lular tissue with which this hollow abounds, keeping his
knife from wounding the jugular on his right, and guarding
against the carotid artery and nerves which lie enveloped in
the cellular substance contiguous to the windpipe, whose
situation he will best ascertain by feeling for the pulsations
of the artery. His object now is to get behind the carotid,
and there to feel for the windpipe ; and this being found, will
guide him to a firm, chordiform, shining, red substance, in
close apposition with it, which is the oesophagus. In case
any injection into it be required, the oesophagus must be
drawn forward with a blunt hook, and opened by a longi-
tudinal incision, and an appropriate tube introduced. But
where the extraction of a foreign body is our object — a cir-
cumstance that will render the operation much more facile,
the tumor being our guide for incision, — nothing remains to
be done, after this exposure, but to liberate the imprisoned
substance, whatever it may be, and afterwards to close the
wound in the oesophagus with a common continued suture
of silk-thread, and unite the lips of the external wound with
pins and tow twisted round them, in the same manner as the
wound after bleeding is closed ; or, if preferred, the zinc wire
suture may be employed. Lastly, a compress upon the
wound, confined by a roller round the neck, will give sup-
port, and for a day or two, perhaps, be found serviceable.
(ESOPHAGOTOMY. 255
During the healing of the wound the animaPs diet ought to
be liquid, or nearly so : gruel, thick and nutritive, and boiled
roots, with mashes of various liquid-like aliment ; chopped
green meat of any soft and succulent kind, and short-cut
grass are also admissible.
Sometimes it happens, when we come to operate, that the
mucous lining of the tube proves to be ruptured or ulcerated
through, on tlie back side of the obstructing body, and
perhaps too in front, and becomes detached from the muscular
coat, owing, in the first instance, to extreme distension.
This renders the case exceeding troublesome, and even
dangerous, to manage, and now and then proves the cause
of dissolution. An instance of this is related in ' The
Veterinarian/ vol. XVII, p. 36.
The following case is well worth attention, on account
of its showing what may be sometimes effected by simple
manipulation, without going to the extremity of laying open
the oesophagus.
Mr. King was summoned to a horse that had had a ball
administered to him by the groom, wrapped up in writing
paper; since which he had ejected everything he had eaten
or drunk. Mr. King discovered a prominence in the neck, a
little above its middle, and tried all means to force the ob-
structing body onwards ; but without avail. At length Mr.
King determined on cutting down upon the oesophagus; having
done which, without opening the tube, he found the obstruc-
tion arose from the lodgment of the ball the groom had
given. Feeling the tumour soft and compressible, he
squeezed and kneaded it with his fingers and thumb for
some time, and then left it in statu quo. Shortly afterwards,
the ball was by natural efforts carried down into the stomach,
and liquids were taken, and readily passed. It was not for
some time, however, that the animal became enabled to take
solids into his stomach : whenever he swallowed them they
were rejected through the mouth and nose the moment they
had descended so low as the place where the ball had stopped.
Mr. King thought that this must have been owing to the
presence of a stricture, an opinion he conceived warrantable
256 DISEASES OF THE TEETH, ETC.
from the circumstance of the ball being in itself but a small
one, and of soft composition, and incapable of being stirred
by the probang; and I think I may add, that this opinion
has from Mr. Cheetham^s case received additional proba-
bility.
257
SECTION X,
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
GORGED STOMACH.
\_Cominonly called Stomach Staggers.']
TYMPANITIC STOMACH.
RUPTURE.
INDIGESTION.
GASTRITIS AND POISONS.
BOTS.
GASTRIC CONCRETIONS.
GASTRIC POLYPUS.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.
Plain and simple, and little varied, as the diet of the
horse is, even in his domesticated state, one would think
that his stomach could hardly experience disorder; and, in
point of fact, from tlie quality of his food, in our country at
least, it rarely does. But the stomach is liable to abuse from
the quantity of aliment introduced : the domiciled animal
being, so far, very much under the will and caprice of his
master. The stomach of the horse, in comparison with the bulk
of other viscera, and that of his body altogether, is remarkably
small; the principal design of which appears to be, that it
might not be capable of containing such a volume of ali-
mentary matter as would, by its pressure against the dia-
phragm, prove an impediment to respiration, and thus
render the animal either short-breathed, or physically inca-
pacitated from sustaining exertion on a full stomach. The
late Professor Coleman was wont, with truth, to observe,
that the horse is the only animal that can or will exert
himself after a full meal : the dog that has been just fed
will not hunt ; a man is indisposed for work after dinner ;
but as for the horse, he often appears livelier after having
consumed a quantity of food than he was before ; and,
whether he be in reality in a better or worse condition for
work, leaves his stable not only with willingness, but even
with alacrity and cheerfulness. One apparent, if not the
principal, reason for which is, I repeat, that he possesses a
small stomach.
Since, then, the horse's stomach contains less, it is only
II. 17
258 DISEASES or THE STOMACH.
reasonable to suppose that it will require to be filled oftener,
than the stomach of other animals. If a dog be fed once,
or at most twice, within the twenty-four hours, he thrives
and is satisfied. But a horse is not satisfied, nor will he
thrive and do well, unless he be feeding three parts of his time.
A horse at grass is observed constantly grazing : the cow and
the sheep, at intervals, lie down for hours together to rumi-
nate ; but the horse, not a ruminating animal, seldom, if
ever, is seen lying, he is almost always pasturing : not
ceasing when he has filled his stomach, like a man or a dog,
but continuing to feed all day long. In the stable it is
usual to feed a horse three or four times a day with corn,
and twice or thrice with hay or rack-meat : the corn he
speedily consumes, but the hay occupies him many hours ;
and, unless he have sufficient to engage most of his time, he
is very likely to set about eating his litter. For, however
nutritious his food may be, we learn by experience that
qualify Avill not prove a substitute for quantity.
By the laws of physiology, we cannot on a sudden change
the natural habits of an animal, or even of any one of his
constituent organs, for fresh ones, without the risk of en-
tailing diseaoC on that animal or organ : although we may,
by degrees, introduce alterations which become so confirmed
by time and usage as in their turn to constitute in effect the
ordinary and natural habits. " Habit is second nature/^
and long continued, will usurp the place of nature itself;
on which principle alone can we account for the general
healthiness of the horse's stomach, knowing, as we do, how
much his natural habits are altered by art. How often
do we see horses — hunters especially — taken to work at
eight or nine o'clock in the morning, and not returned to
their stables before five, six, or seven o'clock at night ; and
yet how rarely is it that we hear of ill consequences from
all this. I believe, myself, that well-bred horses will endure
long fasting and subsequent repletion with more impunity
than coarse-bred ones and cart-horses : at least, many in-
stances have come to my knowledge of stomach-staggers
. occurring in the latter, but very few in the former.
259
GORGED STOMACH :
Usually denominated Stomach Staggers.
By "gorged" is meant that state of excessive plentitude and
distension in which the stomach loses all power of contract-
ing upon its contents. We have no evidence that the sto-
mach sustains any positive or direct harm from long fasting;
but from subsequent and sudden repletion it is liable to be
put into a condition of the greatest danger : on which
account it behoves us to be cautious how we feed horses who
have gone long without food^ and have returned home with
ravenous appetites. Instead of filling their mangers with
corn and chaff, and other provender capable of being bolted
whole, we should give them but a very moderate allowance
of manger-meat, and rather endeavour to appease their
sharpened appetites by hay and other food which requires a
degree of mastication, so as to afford the stomach time for
performing its duty in digestion, and of ridding itself of part
of its contents before sufficient aliment be swallowed to dis-
tend it beyond its powers. For, as Gibson has truly enough
observed, if a man over-fills his stomach, he has a chance of
relieving himself by vomiting, and so " getting rid of his
enemy :" an alternative more prompt and facile still in a
dog ; but as for a horse, who has " no natural disposition
to vomit^ the only chance he has of relief is " passage down-
ward." An instructive account of the efiects of fasting and
subsequent repletion used to be given by Professor Coleman
in his lectures.
The Professor was consulted about some horses, among
whom had occurred a strange and unaccountable fatality.
On inquiry, he found that the custom of the establishment
was, to keep their horses out at work for ten hours together
without food, and to feed them in abundance on their re-
turn home. The source of the evil at once became evident.
The Professor ordered, for the time to come, that the horses
be fed once in the course of the time they were out, by means
of nose-bags ; and the fresh practice immediately put to flight
a diseasewhich had proved the causeof death of several of them.
260 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
The same disease has often made its appearance in brew-
eries where horses were in the habit of being kept out many
hours without food, and on return to their stables too abun-
dantly supplied with corn and chaff, or roots, or other man-
ger-meat. Wagon and cart-horses are, unless well looked
after by their proprietors, apt to become, out of mistaken kind-
ness, stufled, even to death, by their men. " Wagoners,"
says Mr. Tombs, V.S., Stratford-on-Avon, " are so scep-
tical and profoundly ignorant, that they think, unless a
horse's bowels be filled out so as to be on a level with his
hip bones, they have a mean appearance, and are not capa-
ble of a hard day's work. No persuasion can root out the
strong prejudices of wagoners in regard to feeding horses."
[' Veterinarian,' vol. xxv, p. 437.] The conductors of such
establishments, however, are grown wiser in this respect.
Nowadays, it is seldom we see drays or wagons going out
without carrying with them feeds for their horses. Again,
such cases are of most rare occurrence in the army. Why
are they so ? Simply because the cavalry feed their horses
in stables, four times a day; and when in the field are
always furnished with nose-bags or small corn sacks ; which,
in fact, constitute part of a dragoon's kit.
Mr. Kent, V.S., Bristol, remarks in regard to this dis-
ease— " From what I have seen, I am of opinion that, in
tliose districts where farm-horses are kept on vetches during
summer, more horses die during July and August from
stomach staggers and inflammation of the bowels than
during the other ten months of the year."^
Symptoms. — A stomach simply surcharged with food,
without any accompanying tympanitic distension, does not
appear to occasion local pain, but to operate rather that
kind of influence upon the brain which gives rise to symp-
toms, not stomachic, but cerebral : hence the analogy be-
tween this disease and staggers, and hence the appellation
for it of " stomach staggers." The unnaturally filled sto-
mach produces, for the first time, a sense of satiety : the horse
grows heavy and drowsy, reposes his head upon the manger.
In a ' Case of Stomach Staggers,' in the ' Veterinarian,' vol. xiv, p. 670.
GORGED STOMACH, OR STOMACH STAGGERS. 261
falls asleep, and makes a stertorous noise. All at once he
rouses from his lethargy, and violently thrusts his head
against the rack or wall of the stable, or any thing, in fact,
that happens to oppose him, owing, seemingly, to some strange
sensation felt in his head, and in this posture pawswith his fore
feet, or performs the same action with them as he would
were he actually trotting: evidently all the while unconscious
of what he is about. His eye, which at first was full of drow-
siness, now acquires a wild unmeaning stare, or has already
become dilated and insensible to light. The respiration is
tardy and oppressed ; the pulse slow and sluggish. The
excretions commonly diminished. The bowels are consti-
pated.
Cases there are in which the animal experiences a good
deal of uneasiness, and even pain. The horse, in his gait,
reels or swings about, and either manifests extreme heaviness
and dejection, or exhibits symptoms of pain, with which some-
times he is seized with purgation, as though he had got rid of
his distension of stomach, and had become seized with gastric
irritation.
The Diagnosis must be carefully sought after by making
every inquiry into the history of the case : knowing that
similar symptoms may proceed from an affection of the
brain itself, it is only in this manner that we are likely to
fix upon the true seat of disease. The circumstance of
the horse having gone long without food and afterwards re-
ceiving an abundant supply; or of his being so situated
that he has had an opportunity of glutting himself, and, being
a voracious feeder, would be sure to do it, would constitute a
tolerably unerring director to the stomach in forming a cor-
rect diagnosis.
The Prognosis offers but little hope. Unless we can
hit upon, and put iuto immediate practice, some operation
for relieving the stomach of its burthen, fermentation will
take place, gaseous distension follow, and rupture be likely to
terminate the case.
The Treatment must, therefore, rest upon the means we
possess or can devise of relieving the stomach. Can we vomit
262 DISEASES or THE STOMACH.
the horse? Not, I am afraid, with any certainty or effect.
Tiie stomach of the horse has been known to relieve itself
in this way ; but then its contents have been thrown into
the chambers of the nose as well as mouth, and so endan-
gered life by suffocation. There is, however, yet another
mode of attempting to accomplish the same end, and that
is, by endeavouring to pass a hollow elastic tube down the
oesophagus, into the stomach, and through it, by means of
the stomach-pump, injecting tepid water. The best medi-
cine to administer seems to be aloes in solution. The
decoct, aloes, in combination with sether, is a good formula
providing it be given in such a full dose as will not fail, should
time be allowed it, to produce a cathartic effect. The state
of the brain may render it advisable to draw blood ; while
we shall assist the bowels in unloading themselves by the
administration of copious and stimulating clysters.
A case is given in ' The Veterinarian/ vol. xxi, wherein
the fumes of setlier were inhaled with seeming benefit. In
the absence of any apparatus for the purpose, a linen bag
was procured with a slip-knot around its aperture, by which
it might be closely fitted to the muzzle ; and in this was
placed a large sponge, within a wooden bowl, upon which
Sfcther was poured in sufficient quantity to saturate it. It
was precisely ten o'clock when the animal's head was en-
veloped around the muzzle in the aether bag ; at a quarter
past ten, both motion and sensibility had become momentarily
annihilated : the animal fell at once upon all four legs, and
sunk to the ground (to appearance) a lifeless mass. The
sether was administered four times afterwards, and the
animal in the end recovered.
TYMPANITIC STOMACH.
This is a disease in which the stomach or intestines, or
both, become highly distended with air ; or, at least, in
which gas, in addition to any alimentary matters they may
contain, is the principal cause of the distension. In cows,
this inflated condition of the rumen or paunch it is which con-
TYMPANITIC STOMACH. 263
stitutes tlie disorder in them called hove or hoven, or blown;
the ordinary cause of which is overloading the paunch with
young, succulent, growing herbage, in particular clover, from
whose subsequent fermentation gas is liberated in such
volumes that the animaFs body becomes tympanitic to a most
enormous degree. In the horse, however, who has no
rumen, veritable hove is a rare occurrence ; though it is by
no means uncommon to find him the subject of tympany or
wind-colic. I never, probably, shall see again so many
blown or hoven horses as I witnessed in the march of the
British army from Waterloo to Paris, in 1815. A brigade
of horses had been allowed to feed in a field of growing
wheat, and the consequences were, that several among them
swelled in body, turned almost frantic with pain, and shortly
died. In the stable, tympany is of rare occurrence; unless it be
in crib-biters, who are sufifered to pass their time in suck-
ing in air; and in them the complaint is common enough.
Such horses will gulp down air until their bellies become
swollen to a great extent ; they will then, from experi-
encing some uneasiness, begin to paw and strike with their
fore feet, and lay down and roll, and rise again, as if they
were suffering from gripes. Their complaint is manifest
enough, and rarely requires anything beyond a good smart
trot ; the usual effect of which is, to cause the expulsion of
wind, and more or less dung along with it, i^er anum. Cases,
however, have occurred to me, the subjects of which were
not crib-biters, and yet there was that degree of virulence
and obstinacy in their symptoms which appeared to warrant
the opinion, that there existed something beyond ordinary
spasms or gripes, whereto the symptoms were in all other
respects similar. One of these I will here relate.
A young mare was admitted, Sept. 1824, into the Royal
Horse Infirmary at Woolwich, for " gripes." A gallon of
blood had been abstracted prior to her admission. The
symptoms were of the most violent and alarming descrip-
tion. She sweated profusely from paroxysms of agonizing
pain, worked hard and quick at the flanks, and had a
thready and almost imperceptible pulse. The following
264 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
drench was prescribed to be given immediately : — Tinct.
opii et ol. terebinth, aa |iij. decoct, aloes ^vj. M. In the
course of half an hour this was repeated : but shortly after
she vomited the greater part of it by the mouth and nostrils.
No relief having been obtained, R)xii of blood were taken
from her, and the following drink given : Tinct. opii 5iv.
decoct, aloes 5xij, ol. carui jss, M. A stimulating embro-
cation was also rubbed upon the belly, and large and fre-
quent clysters injected. In another hour this drench was
repeated ; and for the fourth time, during the succeeding
hour ; both of which, before death, she rejected as she had
done the second drink. Notwithstanding these active mea-
sures were promptly taken, she died about three hours after
her admission. Having opened her, we found the stomach
prodigiously distended with air : it was, at least, three times
its ordinary size. When punctured, it subsided to about
two thirds of its former bulk. It contained masticated oats
and hay, swimming in a greenish yellow fluid, which emitted
an offensive odour.
The extraordinary degree of suffering manifested in these
cases ; their resistance to all ordinary remedies ; combined
with perceptible enlargement of the belly, and its evi-
dent tympanitic character, with resonance on percussion ;
with eructations and vomiting besides ; may serve to distin-
guish them from spasmodic colic or gripes. And, supposing
we have been enabled to do so, then comes the question, what
is to be done by way of
Treatment? — Medicine does not seem to offer anything
in the shape of a remedy : the most potent antispasmodics,
and stimulants, and purges, I have given with no avail. In
cattle so affected, the late Mr. Youatt recommended chlo-
rinated lime, in doses from ^ij to 3iv : the compound resulting
from combination of which with the contents of the stomach
is hydro-chlorate of lime, which quickly undergoes solution.
Would the introduction of cesophagus-tube into the stomach
prove practicable, and turn out of any service ? Would the
practitioner be justified in plunging a trocar into the abdo-
men, the same as is done to cattle, though the cases, or at
TYMPANITIC STOMACH. 265
least the subjects, are entirely dijQPerent? Three French
veterinarians — Barrier, Herouard, and Farfouillon — are said
to have performed this operation, and with success. The
place they chose for puncture was the middle of the right
flank, thereabouts being the region of the caecum and colon ;
though in one case the left side also was penetrated.
Should the stomach alone prove the seat of this disorder, it
is obvious that the operation so practised must fail. The
question in that case would be, can we reach the stomach
itself with a trocar ; and if that be practicable, how far
would it be safe to puncture it ? One French veterinarian
proposes we should make use of a curved trocar of extraor-
dinary length for the purpose.
Should the practitioner determine on such an operation
— and certainly the case of tympany, unrelievable by other
means, appears to justify such determination — I would
counsel him to employ a trocar not onl}^ a great deal longer
than is used in the case of hydrothorax, but likewise of
smaller caliber, and at the part he perforates, to draw aside
the skin as much as he can, so as to make his opening a
valvular one. If the trocar be not an unusually long one,
it will be apt to slip out of the stomach or intestine the
moment the latter subsides and recedes from the parietes.
Since these observations were penned, the operation of
trocaring the abdomen has been practised on our own side
of the water by Mr. Stewart, Andersonian Veterinary Pro-
fessor, Glasgow. In a mare, whose case resembled colic,
and in whom there was much tympanitic swelling of the
belly with poignant pain, which medicine and other means
had failed in relieving, Mr. Stewart thrust a hydrocele tro-
car into the middle of the right flank. A large quantity of
air escaped, and the intestine was soon emptied. Although
so much air escaped, however, the abdomen did not appear to
have beeu diminished. Mr. Stewart then made another punc-
ture, lower down, into the caecum — it might be the colon,
for in these cases the bowels never hardly occupy their ordi-
nary relative positions. He was guided in his choice of
place by percussion. On withdrawing the perforator, the
266 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
air rushed through the canula with great rapidity and noise.
The mare hastened its expulsion by frequently straining.
The canula, as the current diminished in force, was several
times plugged up by stercoraceous matters, which were from
time to time removed Avith a probe : at the last a few drops of
fluid came away. The belly appeared reduced to its natural
volume, and was quite flaccid after the operation. The
mare lay for nearly three hours without a struggle. Mr.
Stewart sat up with her, having resolved to puncture again
should it become necessary, and to introduce some hydro-
cyanic acid through the canula into the intestine. From
this time she continued going on well. On the third day
afterwards, however, she had a mild cathartic, and was then
dismissed to her own stable. — ['Veterinarian' for 1836.]
The mare continued doing well for ten or fourteen days.
After that time she ceased to improve, and the groom com-
plained she would not suffer pressure on the right flank.
When examined, tenderness thereabouts was very apparent ;
though there was neither heat nor swelling. Neither stimu-
lants nor a blister did any good. The mare remained thin and
weak, and dejected. There was some mischief going in the
right flank ; but whether from the trocar or gaseous disten-
sion, must be left to conjecture. From the beginning of her
illness the mare could not lie upon her right side ; a fact
Mr. Stewart mentioned in recording the case.
Mr. Stewart has made three other like experiments, from
which he appears to be borne out in drawing the following
inferences in regard to punction of the belly : —
1st. That the operation of paracentesis abdominis is not
likely to do any harm.
2dly. That when the small intestines are the seat of tj^m-
pany, it is not likely to do any good. When much inflated,
the small intestines change their relative position, and the
gaseous pressure is such as to prevent an easy passage from
one convolution to another. It is thus that the trocar
empties only one convolution,- and one convolution holds so
little that its evacuation can afford no relief. — [* Veteri-
narian' for 1839.]
267
UUPTURE OF THE STOMACH.
This may be regarded as the natural termination of the
case, continuing unrelieved,, of gorged or tympanitic stomach.
Up to 1824, the year I published the Second Part of my
Veterinary Lectures, I had not seen a case of this lesion.
Since then three have occurred in my own practice, and
* The Veterinarian' has brought to light many others.
The Cause of Distension, and consequent rupture, may
prove to be either air or food, or both. In one case, which I
did not see until after death, the horse was known to be an
inveterate crib-biter ; and the post-mortem appearances were
such as to render it most probable that his stomach had
burst through the ingurgitation of air. In another case,
surcharge with food had evidently produced the mischief.
The horse — a trooper in the 1st Life Guards — naturally a
ravenous feeder, had stood for eight and forty hours in the
stable feeding upon hay and corn,, and what litter he could
pick up; and the consequence proved to be an attack, on
the second night, of a fit of symptoms resembling colic,
which, the next morning, was succeeded by cold sweats and
tremors of body, quick and small and ultimately imperceptible
pulse, convulsions, and deatii. The accident may happen at
pasture, from the stomach becoming distended with grass,
the same as is the case in hoven in cattle ; of which an
instance is related in 'The Veterinarian' for 1834, by
Mr. Firman Fuller, V.S., March. Another case is given
in 'The Veterinarian' for 1836, by Mr. Goodworth, V.S.,
Driffield, in which eating haws occasioned it.
Copious draughts of water upon a full stomach maj'^
produce it : of this Dupuy mentions an instance in the
' Journal Pratique' for 1835.
Blows, falls, or violent straining, will be apt to occa-
sion laceration at a time when the stomach is full.
Mr. W. C. Spooner, V.S., Southampton, relates the case,
268 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
in ' The Veterinarian' for 1835, of a cart horse, who, after
a hearty meal in the morning, was put to a wagon to go to
Southampton. By the time he had got six mjles, he
appeared in much pain, and wanted to lie down. He was
urged on three or four miles further, was then led into a
stable, and had a drench given him, after which he was sent
home behind the wagon. At this period Mr. Spooner saw
him. There was a dark-coloured offensive fluid issuing from
his nostrils ; he was in a cold clammy sweat ; his pulsation
wholly imperceptible. Every now and then he would stretch
out his fore legs, lean backwards and downwards, until his
belly nearly touched the ground, and then rise up again with
a groan, after which the fluid from his nostrils issued in
increased quantity. In about twenty minutes after (during
which he continued vomiting through his nostrils) he died
in the greatest agonies. The stomach was found extensively
ruptured. The horse was a ravenous feeder, and his diet
mostly consisted of dry bran, which, on mixing with the
liquid in the stomach, no doubt increased in bulk, and caused
the rupture.
Mr, GowiNG, V.S., London, in the course of a con-
versation I had with him on this subject, informed me that,
in the course of about two years, he had had as many as ten
or a dozen cases of ruptured stomach, and that they occurred
for the most part in heavy horses, and particularly in such as
were employed in heavy draught, and who were made to live
principally on manger-meat, having their hay cut for them
into chaff". Such of them as were ravenous feeders would
swallow, and often bolt, food so prepared ; which, from
its undergoing imperfect mastication, would, in the stomach,
be apt to run into fermentation, and generate gas, with
which the organ becomes filled; and, in that condition, on
any inordinate exertion of body, be extremely liable to burst.
HuRTREL d'Arboval givcs the history of the case of a
horse who, after making a full meal and drinking plentifully
at a watering-place, happened to slip up upon his left side in
returning to the stable, and, on recovering his legs, with great
difficulty reached his stall.
RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 269
Some time after he manifested symptoms of uneasiness and
pain, stretching out his legs and arching his back, but ap-
pearing relieved by placing his fore limbs upon higher ground
than his hind quarters. He was evidently experiencing
great pain in his abdomen, and this appeared to be aug-
mented by every movement he made, and by the least
pressure of the hand upon the belly, which was perceptibly
enlarged. Pulse slow and very small. At length, convulsions
ensued; his neck became curved, and his head inverted
between his fore legs ; the pulse imperceptible ; the respira-
tion stertorous; upon which death quickly followed. The
intestines were found distended with gas, and in general
inflamed, as well as the peritoneum ; and efi'used into the
abdominal cavity were twenty pints of liquid, with some
alimentary matters, of which latter there were also some
between the folds of the omentum. Pyloric portion of the
stomach empty ; within the other was food, enveloped in
mucous secretion. At one inch from the pylorus, ex-
tending to the middle of the great curvature, was a rupture
through all the coats, eight inches in length, with borders
thickened and blackish. The other viscera presented nothing
noticeable.
Lafosse has given it as his opinion, that, most commonly,
rupture follows some antecedent disease, some chronic
inflammation ; of which the following cases are adduced, by
Dupuy, by way of proof : —
An entire horse died after a few hours of suffering from
stomach-staggers. The stomach exhibited a rupture around
its great curvature, near the pylorus. The peritoneal coat
was more extensively torn than the muscular, the muscular
than the internal. The omentum retained the extravasated
aliments, and looked like the stomach itself. Liquid was
effused into the cavities of the abdomen and pelvis. In
opening the body of another entire horse that died after
violent convulsions, the rent was found in the right sac of
the stomach, along the great curvature, and close to the
pylorus; its borders were irregular and bloody; the aperture
in the peritoneum was less extensive than in the other
270 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
coats; several bowlsful of alimentary matters were taken
out of the abdomen, of which some had reached the pelvis,
and even the scrotum. A third, a harness hoi'se, who died
from stomach-staggers, presented the stomach torn in the
same part as in the former case ; added to which there was
a rupture in the tendinous centre and left crus of the
diaphragm. On opening an old mare, several pints of
bloody effusion were found, in which floated alimentary
matters, along with a detached shred of omentum. The
right sac of the stomach showed an elliptical rent, seven
inches in length, in a line with the great curvature. This
horse, after having eaten voraciously, exhibited the symptoms
of indigestion.
Duply has not confined himself, however, to the relation
of these cases. He has shown a desire to account, in
another way, for the accident occurring so frequently
among horses, Eor it he mentions two causes — the in-
creased friability of the tunics of the stomach under inflam-
mation, and the practice of giving water after a full meal.
The stomach not being made to hold more than twelve or
thirteen quarts of fluid, if some two or three gallons of
water be drunk after a full meal, the liquid imposes strain
upon the coats, and the consequence is rupture. M. Dupuy
has observed, in a horse that died of colic, the peritoneal
coat lacerated, as well as a portion of the muscular, while
the internal coat remained entire ; although, had the animal
survived, that likewise would have given way. Eor the
rupture always happening in the great curvature, M. Dupuy
accounts by referring to the change of position the stomach
undergoes in becoming distended, and to the circumstance
of the great curvature being the part least supported after
that change has taken place.
Mr. Daws mentions a case in ^ The Veterinarian/
(vol. xiii, p. 540), in which the rupture of the stomach ap-
peared to be referable to gastritis. Mr. Turner, V.S., Mon-
treal, sent also an account to ' The Veterinarian' (vol.
xxii, p. 272), in which the stomach and the intestines too,
exhibited signs of chronic disease, the latter having their
EUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 271
mucous coat much tliickened, and containiug " sundry pints
of white matter," emitting an offensive smell.
Mr. WooDGER, V.S.^ London^ relates an instance in
* The Veterinarian' (vol. xii^ p. 621), of intestinal calculus
being indirectly the occasion of rupture of the stomach. The
mare was attacked with gripes on the 12th of April. She
was relieved, but had a relapse on the 14th, when she
voided a calculus measuring 4 inches by 3. On the 17th,
she experienced another relapse, of which she died. The
stomach was found ruptured. Mr. Woodger remarks, " that
the cause of the first attack arose from the passage of the
calculus voided on the 14th ;" and that the second was owing
" to the stone left behind ; had which been smooth, like the
former, death might not have followed. It was the rough-
ness of its sides, from portions having separated, that offered
such an obstacle to its passage ; and, from the violent
manner in which she fell and plunged about, the stomach,
probably being quite full at the time, gave way."
A PATHOGNOMONIC Symptom of rupturc in the alimentary
canal is, according to Dupuy, the feeling, under the fingers,
of repetition of convulsive movements — tremors — in the in-
ferior coccygeal muscles. " Observation," adds D^Arboval,
" must decide upon the value of this sign." Also, says the
latter, but little confidence can be placed in any pathogno-
monic founded upon "particular attitude" or mode of ex-
pressing suffering. An occasional symptom of ruptured
stomach is vomiting ; and when present it may be said to be
pathognomonic. It would appear to happen during the
violent contractions of the stomach to relieve itself of dis-
tension j and be subsequent to, or perhaps synchronous
with, the rupturing. Crouching with the hind limbs was
observed in a case by Mr. Haycock. By some, sitting upon
the haunches has been regarded as indicative of this or
similar lesion.
Diagnostic — From the circumstance of the extrava-
sated matters having, in some cases, found their way into
the sheath of the horse, it has become a question with
Dupuy, whether the case might not be mistaken for one of
272 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
inguinal hernia. In doubt, he recommends that manual
examination for hernia should take place in the manner
prescribed.^ " It is something," adds D'Arboval, " to steer
clear of error -/' although we still appear to have to regret
that we possess no certain diagnostic of a lesion which,
being necessarily fatal, would put a stop — the case being
once finally decided upon — to all remedial proceedings.
There exist two cogent reasons for wishing to be able to
pronounce at once upon a case of ruptured stomach : the
first is, the preservation, if not enhancement, of the medical
attendant's reputation j the second, the saving of solicitude
on his part, and annoyance on the part of his patient, of
administering anything under such hopeless circumstances.
I remember the late Mr. John Field observing to me one
day, that he never had witnessed a case of ruptured sto-
mach without vomiting occurring prior to death, which he
thought very remarkable. The trooper, however, of my
regiment, who glutted himself with food over-night and
died the following morning, did not exhibit this symp-
tom : though very often present, it is not, therefore, one
invariably so. The questions naturally arise here — Can
vomiting take place after rupture ? Would the rent sto-
mach retain any power of ejection ? Could ejection of
the contents upward be produced by the abdominal muscles
and diaphragm, without the aid of the stomach ? I should
very much doubt it. I should rather feel inclined to the
opinion, that the act of vomiting should be taken as a proof
of the entireness of the stomach. At all events, we may
have rupture happen Avithout vomiting; and, consequent^, Ave
must cease to regard that symptom as alone pathognomonic,
though we may justly consider it, in company with others,
as one throwing much light upon the nature of the case.
Our guides, in the absence of any one infallible pathogno-
monic sign, must be — the history of the case; the subject
of it ; the circumstances attending it ; the inflated or tym-
panitic condition of the abdomen; the symptoms of colic or
gripes ceasing, and becoming succeeded by cold sweats
' Under ' Hernia,' which the reader can turn to.
INDIGESTEON. 273
and tremors; the pulse, from being quick and small, and
thready, growing weak and more frequent, and, at length,
running down and becoming altogether imperceptible ; the
countenance denoting gloom and despondency of the heaviest
character ; looking back at the flank and groaning ; some-
times crouching with the hind quarters ; with or without
eructation and vomiting. I do not think that any peculiar
or strange posture the animal may throw himself into in a
fit of pain can be relied upon as worth much ; and as for
the agitation of the tail — which I suppose to be what
Dupuy means by " des mouvemens convuldfs des muscles coc-
cygiens inferieurs" — it is a symptom which so frequently
portends extreme danger in other cases that I should ima-
gine no especial import can be attached to it here.
INDIGESTION.
Though a word in everybody's mouth, indigestion, in a
medical sense, is a phrase of such compreheusiveness that it
becomes requisite for me to explain, prior to entering on the
subject, what meaning it is my desire to have attached to
it. By some physiologists, digestion is applied exclusively
to the change the food undergoes within the stomach ; by
others, it is extended to every subsequent change the ali-
ment experiences in the course of being reduced to its ulti-
mate states of conversion, viz., chijle or nutritive matter, and
f(Bces or in nutritive matter. In man, whose digestive
organs are in some respects differently constructed from
those of horses, there is much reason for regarding the sto-
mach as the grand agent of digestion; but in the horse,
who is a graminivorous animal, one that is almost always
feeding, and whose food is, for the most part, of a nature to
occupy a large volume notwithstanding his stomach is in
itself but small, the organ appears to do little towards the
completion of the process, leaving much to be done after
the alimentary matters have passed into the intestines. To
say, therefore, that indigestion is owing to some fault in the
stomach alone, is taking much too confined a view of the
n. 18
274 diseasp:s of the stomach.
case. Equally in error should we stand were we to hold
the stomach altogether faultless : the only rational/ or, at
least, likely to prove useful, view we can take of the sub-
ject, is an extended and comprehensive one ; so that, by a
thorough scrutiny into all the circumstances of the case, we
may have a better chance of fixing on the organ or part
whose faulty action is deranging the process, and, by so
doing, defeating its salutary end in the animal economy.
The comparatively short time the aliment continues
within the stomach, and the much that remains to be per-
formed to complete its digestion, after its passage into the in-
tines, accounts for the latter being oftener the seat of indi-
gestion than the former ; though, for all that, the stomach,
as we have already seen, may, by being over-crammed with
food or over- distended with air, become the seat of what
may be regarded as the most dangerous of all kinds of in-
digestioa. To exclude, however, these two conditions of
stomach from our present inquiry, what I mean here by
indigestion, is, the progress of food through the alimentary
passages without its undergoing due or normal conversion ;
without, in fact, the animal deriving that benefit from it
which it was natural or reasonable to expect.
The Symptoms of Indigestion — chronic, as the French
writers call this, in contradistinction to the epithets acute,
gaseous, and vertiginous, which they apply to the other kinds
— though they clearly enough indicate that some one or
other of the operations of digestion are faultily performed,
are not in common such as will enable us to say in what
precise part or organ the fault or defect lies. The horse
does not thrive the same as other horses in the same
stable, nor is he capable of the same work ; though his ap-
petite, so far from being impaired, may be even voracious.
It may be fastidious — good at one time, indifferent at
another. Sometimes it is depraved : the horse will gnaw,
and perhaps eat, almost anything within his reach — dirt or
stones ; even a brick wall, and particularly the plaster or
mortar from it ; or his crib or rack, &c His coat has an
unhealthy aspect ; it is what is called pen-feathered and arid.
INDIGKSTION. 275
and, perhaps^ scurfy as well : nor is it shed at the usual
season. He is likewise hide-bound. His dung has not
the appearance it ought to have : it is either darker or
lighter than is natural, has an offensive odour, and, when
broken, crumbles to pieces, and appears to consist of lumps
of loosely compacted chopped hay, mingled with many entire
or imperfectly dissolved oats, In the stable, the hoi^e is
inclined to be costive ; but, when taken to work or exercise,
may be soon excited to purge.
The Skin will be certain to sympathise with this dis-
ordered condition of the alimentary organs. The coat will
evince this. And, besides, some eruptive or morbid action
may be set up which we shall not get rid of until we have
corrected the digestion. Covered as every part of the skin of
the animal is with hair, we have no very accurate accounts
in what these eruptive or morbid actions, arising from indi-
gestion, consist ; although the trite proceeding in practice of
dispersing them by means of a dose of physic, is as old as
any part of our therapeutics. This is a subject on which
we lack information.
The SEAT OF Indigestion would appear, commonly, to be
the villous lining of the stomach and intestinal canal : both
these membranes furnish secretions indispensably necessary
for the due conversion of the food into alimentary and fseculent
matters, and one or both of them may be functionally faulty.
Independently, however, of any derangement in these mem-
branes, many and various other causes might be mentioned,
sufficient of themselves to account for the incomplete per-
formance of <"he digestive process. Mastication may not
have been duly performed : the salivary secretion may be
bad or defective : the liver may not have done its duty — the
bile may be defective in quality or quantity, or the pan-
creatic juice may; or there may exist some derangement in the
peristaltic action, and consequent irregularity or defect in
the stay or progress of the alimentary matters. In fine, I
repeat, other causes may exist, notwithstanding irritation,
or inflammation, or disorder in some form or other of the
membranous lining of the stomach and bowels, appears to
276 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
be the ordinary one^ and therefore is that to which my
observations in this place are intended to be chiefly confined.^
The ORDINARY Subjects of Indigestion are three, four,
five year old horses, and especially such as have been reared
in low, marshy, cold, poor pastures : the coarse, rank, sour
kind of herbage they eat seems to lay the foundation for
disorder in their bowels, a tendency thereto being pro-
bably created by constant exposure to every severity of
weather. The first impression seems to be made upon the
skin, the bowels becoming subsequently aS'ected, through
sympathy. Commonly, by change of diet, and by being
taken proper care of, with some aid from medicine, horses
outgrow this innate unhealthiness ; though we meet, now and
then, with one to whom it would seem to cling for the remainder
of life. But horses may experience indigestion while living in
stables. Sometimes, among an establishment of horses, one
turns out unthriviug and looking ill-conditioned : without
complaint of his not feeding, or even of not doing his work,
the animal is, to appearance, out of health, and yet we are
unable to detect any positive disease about him. We in-
quire, as far as we are able, into the state of his digestion,
and we find reason to believe that his ill looks and un-
healthiness may be attributable to the imperfect or disor-
dered manner in which that function is carried on. His dung
may show evidence of this. Perhaps, the hay he consumes
appears impacted in the dung-balls, as though it had been
simply chopped up and made up into balls ; or the oats may
appear Avhole or unmasticated in them ; or the dung may
not exhibit its natural colour, appearing lighter than ordi-
nary, or clay-coloured, as though there was a deficiency of
bilious secretion in it. Sometimes, in the worst cases of
this description, the peristaltic action is irregular, causing
the horse to purge at times, on those occasions when he is
much heated or worked.
Treatment. — The ordinary mode of dealing with these
cases is to administer two or three doses of physic, at in-
tervals of a week or so. A preferable procedure to this, is
' For further information, peruse the observations on Gastro-Enteritis.
INDIGESTION. 277
the old one of dividing the purge into two or three doses^ and
giving them at intervals of three or four days : the bowels
being, in many of these cases, in such a state of morbid sus-
ceptibility that a full dose of purging mass is apt to bring
on troublesome diarrhoea. Besides which, I have invariably
found, that keeping up a very moderate discharge from the
bowels is, in the end, productive of more benefit than giving
full doses of physic. When diarrhoea or scouring is ac-
tually present without any medicine having been given, or in
a case where ever so little aloes induces it, I have seen much
good effected by administering hydrorg. c. cretd in doses of
a quarter ounce, once or twice a-day, made into a ball Avith
powdered ginger and syrup. Cases in which, on the contrary,
costiveness is a prominent symptom — there appearing to be a
deficiency of bile — are benefited by the exhibition of a
scruple of calomel once a day, either in combination with a
drachm or a drachm and a half of purging mass, or else
followed up by a dose of physic.
The Plummer's ball, composed as follows, is an excellent
formula for such cases as these :
R Hydrarg. Chlorid., gr. x;
Antimon. Oxy.-Sulphuret., 9j ;
Guaiaci, 3ij ;
Farinae Avenae, 5iij ;
Syrup. Zingiberis, q. s. ut f. Bol.
To be given once or twice a day.
Change of Diet will often much assist in the restoration
of normal digestive functions. When green-meat can be
procured, soiling in the stable will be advisable ; though in
mild weather, particularly in the spring of the year, when
flies are not troublesome, a run at grass is to be preferred :
breathing the open air all day long, with the moderate exercise
the animal takes of his oavu accord, being the change of diet
very conducive to return to health. In the winter season,
carrots are given with advantage : SAvedish turnips are also
recommendable : bruised or scalded oats may also be tried.
278 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
When simply the mastication is found faulty, mingling the
oats with chaff sometimes proves remedial : should it not,
the teeth ought to be inspected. Linseed and malt may be
given in mashes, or the latter may be made into tea; or
hay-tea may be offered ; though the horse is not likely to
drink either of them voluntarily, unless he have been pre-
viously kept short of water. Drink ought, in all cases, to
be given to the full the animal will take : better still, if the
pail be so placed that he can help himself at pleasure. All
this, however, comes within the proper province of horse
DIETETICS : a subject into which inquiries upon a large
scale have proved of the greatest service, at the same time
that they have been productive of interest and satisfaction
to the experimentalist.
GASTRITIS.
Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach is a disease
which in the horse but rarely comes under the veterinarian's
notice. Not that it is so uncommon a disease ; for every
practitioner who has been in the habit of inspecting the sto-
machs of horses after death well knows that nothing is more
common than to find the vascular gastric membrane red-
dened; and in cases wherein medicaments of an irritating
nature have been administered, it is but natural, unless any
very evident cause should exist for a contrary opinion, to
refer this inflammatory appearance to the medicine. I am
so far from denying the existence of even idiopathic gas-
tritis, at least in a chronic form, that I think it not at all
unlikely it may have much to do with indigestion, and, per-
haps, with some other like cases about which we are at present
equally in the dark.^ Admitting, however, that it has a
claim, in the spontaneous or self-originating form, to be
numbered among horse diseases, we are in possession' of no
sure signs to lead to its detection ; at least, I do not pre-
tend to know of any. We appear to pronounce with cer-
tainty upon gastritis only in those cases in which its presence
' Bear this in mind in perusing the account of Gastro-Enteritis.
GASTRITIS. 279
is manifestly attributable either to chemical poison or me-
chanical irritation; and even in these we are commonly led
to the seat of the disease rather by circumstantial evi-
dence than any pathognomonic we are able to glean out of
the case itself.
By CHEMICAL Poison, I mean the irritation and conse-
quent inflammation caused by substances (some vegetal, more
mineral) given either in an improper form or undue quan-
tity; many of which, sufficiently diluted or reduced, we are
in the habit of administering medicinally ; though even in
their medicinal forms are they very apt to leave marks of
irritation, often jimounting to inflammation, upon the
tender villous lining of the stomach. The aloes composing
a common dose of physic does this ; hence arises the nausea
and loathing of food. Gastritis and death used to be by no
means an uncommon consequence of "a dose of physic," when
aloes was wont to be given in large and excessive doses: though
now that the dose is reduced to a proper standard, the oc-
currence be rare, still, now and then, will it happen. Mr. Daws
relates a case in vol. xiii of 'The Veterinarian,^ wherein a
horse, well prepared, took but 5vij of aloes. The day after,
he was seized with pain; his belly swelled; with countenance
betraying intense anxiety, and his body was covered M'ith
cold, clammy sweat. The stomach was found, after death,
in a state of distension of air, with but little food in it ; and
its villous lining proved a sheet of inflammation.
Hellebore, blue vitriol, corrosive sublimate, arsenic, ver-
digris, &c., take a similar but more potent effect. When
any such substances as these are introduced into the sto-
mach in excess, either as regards their quantity or strength,
and in consequence produce a degree of topical inflammation
sufficient to cause pain and arouse fever in the system, we
denominate the substance ajjoison, and feel not more desirous
to investigate the seat of the disorder than to make some
discrimination in the symptoms characteristic of different
poisons, in order that we may thereby be able to conjecture
which kind or one of them has been exhibited.
The Symptoms occasioned by the introduction to excess
280 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
of any of the metallic salts in common use, or the mineral
acids or caustic alkalies, or, in fact, any poisonous agent,
will vary with the dose and virulence of the poison but
otherwise will not be much altered — so far as these three
classes are concerned — by the kind of poison. The symp-
toms most remarkable from the presence of blue vitriol,
corrosive sublimate, or arsenic, in the stomach, are — nausea
and loathing of food, often accompanied by a discharge of
saliva from the mouth. The horse paws ; turns his head
round, and throws a look of extreme distress at his flank ;
lies down ; rolls about the stall ; rises again in great agony
and distress ; heaves quickly and painfully at the flanks ;
and finally breaks out into a profuse perspiration. In cases of
other poisonous substances, or of such as, from their quantity
or indigestibility, act as irritants in the stomach, vomiting will
be present, with eructation, and often extreme distension of
the organ with gas, creating enormous tympany of the ab-
domen. The pulse at first is simply accelerated ; after a
time, it becomes contracted to a thread ; at length, altoge-
ther imperceptible. Prostration of energy and strength now
prevails ; the animal reels about in attempting to Avalk.
His bowels become either violently purged, or else he is
troubled with painful tenesmus, and voids nothing but mucus.
At last, from continual torment, the poor sufferer turns de-
lirious, throwing himself about in such a terrific and heed-
less manner, in his stall or box, that no one durst approach
him, and in one of his truly horrific and perilous precipita-
tions, casting forth a delirious ghastly look, he suddenly
stretches out his limbs, groans, gapes, and dies.
Without any allusion to poison, Mr. Tombs says, that
" the most characteristic symptom indicative of Gastritis, is
incessant eructation, the stench g/ the gas escaping being
intolerable."
The posT-MORTEM Appearances, in cases of death from
the mineral jjoisons before mentioned, are as follow : — The
villous membrane of the stomach exhibits a patchy intense
inflammation : red or purple or black spots — depending on
the intensity — being apparent upon its surface ; it is thick-
GASTRITIS, 281
ened in substance, perhaps coated with flakes of coagulable
lymph ; it may be in places, ulcerated ; it may be gan-
grenous ; it is possible it may have holes through it. The
cuticular portion of the stomach, though not capable of any
vital action in itself, is chemically acted on at times by the
causticity of the poison, and then exhibits black patchy eschars.
In regard to ulceration of the stomach, that excellent
surgeon, Mr. Abernethy, used to observe, how curious it was,
though all the coats were perforated, yet did not the contents
escape. For, as the ulceration proceeded from within out-
wards, the peritoneal tunic became inflamed, and contracted
adhesion either with the contiguous bowel or else with the
walls of the abdominal cavity, by which adhesion the aperture
in the stomach became closed.
The intestines likewise sufi"er from poisons. The small,
and, in some cases, the large guts show marks of violent
inflammation in various parts. When arsenic has been
given, the csecum and colon are not infrequently discovered
to be black and rotten — to be, in fact, gangrenous in places.
One of the best tests, however, of the presence of arsenic in
the bowels is the extremely off'ensive fcctor perceptible the
moment the gas is let out: there is something so peculiar in
this disgusting odour that, once perceived, it can hardly ever
afterwards be forgotten.
Treatment. — " The great object when arsenic ; or indeed
poison of whatever kind, has been swallowed, is to dislodge
the poison as quickly as possible; and of all emetics, the very
best is sulphate of zinc, because it produces full and speedy
vomiting. But there are poisonous substances, such as
opium and its preparations, in which the nervous power of
the stomach is so prostrated, that the sulphate of zinc will
not be so available as other emetics. The stomach becomes
paralysed, as it were, and will not act. The flour of mustard
is the best emetic you can employ in such cases, in the pro-
portion of one tea-spoonful to a tumbler of water, repeated
until full vomiting. The zinc emetic, when used, also
requires repetition.^'
"Are there any antidotes for arsenic ? Magnesia and
282 DISEASES OF THK ST0]\1AC11.
sulphur have been so considered j. but cannot be relied on.
Dr. Pereira, and others, recommend the hydrated sesqui-oxide
of iron, which is easily made by mixing carbonate of soda
with the tinct. of the hydrochloride of iron." — Dr. Seymour's
Clinique, in the Lancet for July 28, 1843.
Were the horse, like a dog or a man, able to vomit, no
sooner would any poison possessing emetic properties be
swallowed than it would become ejected. Unfortunately
for our patient this, is a benefit he cannot receive. What
then is to be done? Undoubtedly, in the present state of
science, the immediate introduction of the stomach-tube into
the stomach, through which, as quickly as possible, warm
water might be injected and withdrawn until we have com-
pletely washed out the stomach. This follow up by throwing
in some bland mucilaginous fluid — starch-water, water-gruel,
arrow-root infusion, or any such composition that can be
at the moment got ready — and then Avithdraw the tube.
Afterwards, the horse ought to be drenched from time to
time with copious draughts of water-gruel. Though, if the
practitioner happen to know what poison it is the horse has
taken, he may bethink himself of administering some anti-
dote after he has effected all he can with the stomach-pump.
We see that the late Dr. Pereira recommended the hydrated
sesquioxide of iron. In the case of corrosive sublimate,
Orfila recommends albumen or the whites of eggs :
these may be given in the gruel. To neutralise blue
vitriol give also albumen, or a solution of soap. Should
gastritis and fever result, in addition ^to all that is to be
done, locally, we ought to bleed largely; perhaps apply
a blister or mustard plaster over the surface of the belly;
and never omit to administer, frequently, copious clysters,
with the intention of promoting a free discharge from
the bowels. If I ventured to give any purge at all, I
would administer a pint and a half of the common or second
olive oil. Castor and linseed oils are both either inert or
dangerous in their operation. Aloes, drastic and irritative
as we know them to be, appear on that account to be hardly
admissible.
GASTRITIS. 283
On this subject Professor Morton remarks, in liis Intro-
ductory Lecture for 1839-40 : "It is true, tlie poisoning of
animals is not of so frequent occurrence, nor its consequences
so awful, as that of our fellow-creatures; nevertheless, from
time to time it does occur, and we ought to be enabled at once
to exhibit an antidote, since delay is too often fatal. In the
horse, vomition cannot be excited; therefore you ought to be
familiar with an agent that will at once arrest the effects of
the poison; or, by decomposing it, will render it innocuous, and
prevent those torturing pangs which always accompany death
by poisoning. For instance, the fatal effects of corrosive
sublimate may be counteracted by the exhibition of albumen
or whites of eggs. The preparations of lead and copper by
sugar; tartar emetic, by astringent vegetables; the antidote
for arsenic is the true oxide of iron, which decomposes
it, forming an insoluble arsenite of iron ; or the solution of
lime may be tried, accompanied with the free use of diluents
and oleaginous purgatives, in order to expel the (poisonous)
agent." In regard to arsenic, I may mention here an
extraordinary instance, where two doses of the mineral
were given, one of 5J, the other of ^iss, with Jss of sub-
limate added, without destroying the horse, to which
end they were administered. — -Veterinarian,' vol. xxii,
p. 29.
Mechanical irritation may produce gastritis, though
there is not half the apprehension of its doing so that people
in common are apt to imagine. For, whatever food the horse
consumes of an asperous or prickly nature, is not only first
well broken and ground by the teeth, but subsequently
becomes triturated within the insensible cuticular pouch of
the stomach, before it be suffered to come in contact with
the sensitive part, and thus, in a measure, is rendered
mechanically innocuous. However, it may and does happen
on occasions that, either from imperfect mastication or tritu-
ration, irritating substances gain admission into the vascular
compartment of the stomach, and there become likely to
' ' Veteriuarian,' vol. xiv, p. 767- To him desirous of pursuing this subject, I
vecommeHd Morton's ' Toxicological Chart.'
284 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
excite an attack of gastritis. The following account is
extracted from some cases transmitted to 'The Veteri-
narian' for 1838, byN. B.: —
Mr. B. (Bean ?) during tlie autumn of 1826, was called
to six cases of gastritis, occasioned by the horses eating haws
from the thorns in the hedge-rows. The symptoms were
similar in them all. Pulse thready, and scarcely per-
ceptible ; extremities cold ; skin covered with dewy perspira-
tion ; respiration remarkably quiet. At intervals, large quan-
tities of fluid were ejected from the stomach, having a pecu-
liar acid odour : medicine in the fluid form was similarly
discharged. Bleeding and medicine proved of no avail: the
animal died six or eight hours after Mr. B. had been called in.
Patches of inflammation appeared upon the duodenum. The
stomach and omentum had a purple appearance ; and, when
the former was laid open, a hard substance was found
within, about the size of a goose-egg, composed of haws and
fragments of thorns, possessing a rough surface. The
villous membrane presented evidence of the intensest inflam-
mation, and around the pylorus were various marks of
laceration caused by the rough substance within. The years
1825-27 produced no such cases: a circumstance that has
since led Mr. B. to connect their occurrence (in 1826) with
the scarcity of after-grass which then existed : the horses
being driven in consequence to browse on the hedges.
Mr. Tombs was called to a horse suff'ering from gastritis,
caused by over and improper feeding. The stomach, after
death, proved inflated to a great degree with gas, and was
"exactly like a blown-up bladder," occupying a large portion
of the epigastric region. It also contained half a gallon of
split beans, but slightly masticated, and not at all digested.
Its villous coat was intensely inflamed in patches.^' — ' Vete-
rinarian,' vol. XXV, p. 637.
285
BOTS.
BoTS — in some parts of the country called maw-worms —
are the little grub-like creatures voided by horses with the
dung, sometimes in considerable numbers^ more in certain
situations than in others, during the autumnal season of the
year, with the appearance of which all horse-people are per-
fectly familiar. These little animals are commonly regarded
and spoken of as ivorms: this, however, is a vulgar error of
which we cannot too soon divest ourselves, and no
longer view them in any other than their true light — as the
la7'va of the oestrus or gad-fly. For a very pleasing and
instructive essay on the bot, from which I shall take the
liberty to make some lengthy extracts, the profession are in-
debted to Mr. Bracy Clark : in so doing, however, let me
strongly Tecommend the work itself to the perusal of every
one desirous of investigating so interesting a subject.
Mr. Clark particularises three species of bots :
they are such, however, as are rather distinguishable from one
another by incidents connected with their natural history
than by any specific corporal characters. The first is the
oestrus equi, the large spotted horse-bot, the most interesting
of the three to us in this country; the second is the oestrus
hemorrhoidalis, or fundament bot; the third, which Mr. Clark
has named the oestrus vetermus, is the red bot.
Of the (estrus-equi, Mr. Clark says, "As it is necessary
to break into the circle of its history at some point, I shall
begin with an account of the egg, and its deposition upon
the skin of the legs of the horse, which is done in the follow-
ing remarkable manner: — When the female has been im-
pregnated, and the eggs sufficiently matured, she seeks
among the horses a subject for her purpose, and, approach-
ing him on the wing, she carries her body nearly upright in
the air, and her tail, which is lengthened for the purpose,
curved inwards and upwards: in this way she approaches the
part where she designs to deposit the egg; and, suspending^
herself for a few seconds before it, suddenly darts upon it,
286 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
and leaves the egg adhering to the hair. She hardly appears
to settle^ but merely touches the hair with the egg held out
on the projected poiat of the abdomen. The egg is made
to adhere by means of a glutinous liquor secreted with it.
She then leaves the horse at a small distance, and prepares
a second egg; and, poising herself before the part, deposits
it in the same way. The liquor dries, and the egg becomes
firmly glued to the hair : this is repeated by these flies until
four or five hundred eggs be sometimes placed on one horse.^^
The parts chosen for the deposition of the eggs are those
liable to be licked by the tongue : the inside of the knee is a
favorite spot, and, next to this, the side and back part of
the shoulder, and, less frequently, the extreme ends of the
hairs of the mane. Now, the common notion is, that the
ova are licked off" the skin, and so carried into the
stomach ; but Mr. Clarke observes, "I do not find this to be
the case, or at least only by accident; for, when they have
remained on the hair four or five days, they become ripe,
at which time the slightest application of warmth and
moisture is sufficient to bring forth in an instant the latent
larva. At this time, if the tongue of the horse touches the
egg, its operculum is thrown open, and a small active worm
is produced, which readily adheres to the moist surface of
the tongue, and is from thence conveyed with the food to
the stomach." And it appears, that the irritation of the
common flies proves the instigation of the animal's licking
himself; not, however, that this is absolutely necessary, for
'' a horse that has no ova deposited on him, may yet have
bots, by performing the friendly office of licking another
horse that has." The larva or worm, being hatched and
lodged in the stomach, immediately clings, by means of its
tentacula — two dark brown hooks, between which is its
mouth — to the cuticular coat, which they pierce, though
they never insinuate their points into the muscular or
sensitive tunic beyond it : in this manner, so pertinaciously
does the hot adhere that, in our attempts to unhitch it, it
will frequently suffer its hooks to be broken, or even its body
severed, rather than quit its hold. Now and then, but I
BOTS. 287
believe very rarely, they are found hooked into the villous
coat; these, however, are nothing more than stragglers —
bots, probably, that had, on their arrival in the stomach, been
hastily carried with the aliment into its vascular part,
before they had the power of fixing their hooks into the
cuticular. Here, then, is a fact which ought to stifle our
apprehensions about the pain and irritation that these ani-
mals are said to occasion : how they can cause either when
they are fastened to an insensible part — to a part as devoid
of feeling in itself as the very hoofs are — I have yet to learn.
On one occasion, I found more bots within the vascular than
cuticular portion of the stomach, and a still greater number
within the duodenum ; and this happened in the month of
January. I have repeatedly found them in the duodenum.
However, I regard these as mere casual facts : their ordinary
and natural nidus appearing to be the cuticular pouch of the
stomach. Farther on, a case will be given in which they
had made their way into the oesophagus. The bot thus
transported — about the latter part of the summer, while
horses are at grass — remains in the stomach through the
winter, unti'l the end of the ensuing spring, when, being at
the consummation of this stage or form of existence, it
spontaneously disengages itself, and passes with the chymous
matters into the intestinal canal j where its stay probably is
but short, since it now lies loose among the alimentary mat-
ters, and is eventually cast out from its animal abode with
the dung.
Now, it has long been a question, and one which is not
yet set at rest, on what these worms subsist in the stomach.
Mr. Clark supposes their food to be the chyme, which, (he
says) being nearly pure aliment, affords probably but little
excrementitious residue. I do not, however, believe that
" nearly pure aliment" — what we understand by chijle —
is found in the stomach, much less in the cuticular part of
of it, where, as far as I have obsen^ed, the food itself re-
mains unchanged even into chyme. But, suppose they
were surrounded by chymous, or even chylous matter, their
mouths, instead of floating in it, are opposed to, if not in
288 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
contact with, the lining membrane of the stomach, and,
consequently, not conveniently placed for such imbibition :
in fact, their mouths must be, I should imagine, enveloped
and concealed by mucus, since abundance of that food is
deposited upon the surface of the alimentary mass, to sheathe
the stomach from mechanical irritation. And, for my own
part, I feel inclined to think that this mucus constitutes
their food ; and this is aliment, probably, which possesses
little or no excrementitious matter, since it is itself re-
absorbed in many parts of the body ; and what favours this
opinion is, that there are hots within the sinuses of the head,
in the skin, &c. of cattle, which can have no other suste-
nance save the secretions of those parts, a fact that Mr. Clark
himself admits : also that worms in the intestines of animals
are nourished in the same way, is rendered highly probable
by the existence of the ascaris within the colon and rectum —
cavities which contain little or nothing else but what is
excrementitious.
About the month of June or July it is that hots, having
quitted the stomach and been transported with the aliment
through the windings of the intestinal tube, become dis-
charged in the faeces ; also at this period it is that people
discover^ for the first time, that their horses (particularly
those that have been at grass the preceding autumn) have
what they call '^ worms ;'' to get rid of which vermifuges all
at once come into pressing requisition. If, however, these
well-meaning people will have but a little patience, their
imaginary plagues will soon quit the bowels of their horses
of their own accord : the time being now arrived for them
to assume other forms, and so answer the remaining ends
of their nature. The larva, being ejected, lies not long ex-
posed upon the ground, or concealed in dung, but quickly
dries up and sinks into the state of chrysalis or grub, in
which torpid condition it continues for a few weeks. At
the expiration of this time, " the superfluous moisture being
removed, and the parts of the future insect being hardened
by drying, it bursts from its confinement, and the fly appears
making its exit at the small end." — " On quitting their
DOTS. 289
shell" (male and female) says Mr. Clark, "they in a few
hours become dry, take wing, and then seek their mates. The
female being impregnated, searches for a proper subject
among the horses, performs with great solicitude and care
her office of depositing her eggs upon the legs of the horse,
in the manner we have already stated^ thus completing the
wonderful round of its operations and history."
The insect of the oestrus hemorrhoidalis or funda-
ment BOT, whose manner of depositing eggs, says Mr. Clark,
has never been described, or known before, chooses the lips
of the horse for this purpose, " which is very distressing to
the animal from the titillation it occasions ; for he imme-
diately after rubs his mouth against the ground or his fore
legs, or sometimes against a tree, with great emotion ; till
the animal at length, finding this mode of defence insuffi-
cient, enraged he quits the spot, and endeavours to avoid it
by galloping away to a distant part of the field ; and if the
fly still continue to follow and tease him, his last resource is
in the water, Avhere the oestrus never is observed to pursue
him. These flies appear sometimes to hide themselves in the
grass, and as the horse stoops to graze they dart upon the
mouth or lips, and are always observed to poise themselves
during a few seconds in the air, while the egg is preparing
ou the extended point of the abdomen." — " The larva or
grub of this species inhabits the stomach as the former,
generally adhering to the white lining, and is disposed pro-
miscuously in dense clusters after the same manner ; they
may, however, be distinguished from them by being in general
smaller, longer in proportion to their bulk, and rounder ; and,
I have thought, of a didler red, or more inclining to a white,
than those of the cestrus equi, for thej'^ differ in appear-
ance in different subjects." These bots quit their habi-
tation in the same season of the year, but are rendered
remarkable by their " sticking more or less within the verge
or opening of the anus, adhering to its soft lining, and pro-
ducing considerable irritation. Indeed, I once well re-
member," continues Mr. Clark, " being on a tour of pleasure
in the Isle of Wight, and experiencing much annoyance from
II. 19
290 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
these larvae The little horse I had hired for the occasion
became so lazy and unwilling to go on, and moved so
awkwardly, that 1 could not keep pace with my company,
and I was at a loss how to proceed ; when, on casually
taking up the tail, I discovered three or four of these insects
hanging to the rectum, and their removal instantly proved a
cure/^ Its change to the chrysalis state, and further trans-
formation into that of insect, which happens in about two
months, is similar to what befals the oestrus eqiii.
Of the (esthus veterinus, or red bot — so designated
by Mr. Clark in preference to retaining the epithet nasalis,
which conveys a false notion of its habitation — the same
historical detail does not appear to be made out ; for our
author commences his account of it by saying, " The mode
of this insect depositing its eggs or nits is at present un-
known. By watching for them on the commons in the warm
days of the sixth and seventh months (July and August) it
might be detected, I apprehend, without very great difficulty.
They, perhaps, deposit them about the lips or legs, as the
former species. The larva of this species is also not cer-
tainly known. That it inhabits the stomach, as the two
former species, there is little doubt ; and I have taken con-
siderable pains to search for it at the slaughter-houses, and
have found a species in the stomach which widely differs
from the equi and hemorrhoidalis, and which I presume may
be the larva of this : though it is possible there may be a
fourth species inhabiting the stomach of the horse, in which
case it may be still doubtful, so that I do not positively
assert it to be this larva belonging to the veterinus.
" This larva, if it is the veterinus, may be known from
the two preceding species, being smaller, of a more tapering or
ohlong figure, and the segments more detached and rounded,
shining, smooth, and of a pellucid red or rulnj colour, more
particularly at the tail or obtuse end."
After having described a fourth species, or what he
apprehends to be so, from some peculiar characters it
possesses, Mr. Clark asserts that he once found the real
chrysalis of the veterinus in the neighbourhood of Worcester,
DOTS. 291
under some horse dung — a drawing of which he gives from
memory.
Summary, — The ovum, uit, or egg of the hot, then, it
appears, being deposited, some time in the autumn, upon the
hair, becomes Hcked by the tongue, by the heat and moisture
of which it is instantly hatched, and its larva liberated
and absorbed. Along with the food, the larva is conveyed
into tlie stomach, where it fixes its residence for the winter,
insinuating its tentacula into the cuticular coat. In the
spring of the year it withdraws its hooks, descends from the
stomach into the intestines, and is carried along with the
alimentary mass to be expelled with the faeces. Its expo-
sure in the dung is quickly followed by its desiccation and
contraction into the state of chrysalis, out of which, in about
two months, it undergoes its last metamorphosis into the
insect called a gad-fly.
Professor Guiseppe Lossona, in contradiction of the
foregoing account, is of opinion that all the alleged kinds
of bots described by different authors, resolve them- •
selves into a single species. His words are — " As to the
number of species of those insects whose larva inhabit the
stomach of monodactyles, contrary to the accounts of Bracy
Clark, INIeigden, Macquarr, and others, in my opinion, there
is but one. Although there exist slight differences in the
colour of the down of the face, in the hair upon the chest, and
in tlie rings round the abdomen of the animal, such varia-
tions arc but accidental, dependent on the locality in which
they happen to be found : having mj self proved that such
insects as come out of larvae that have been lodged in rotten
oak trees are of a darker colour ; while such as come out of
the dust of the poplar tree, or out of sand, are lighter
coloured, and clearer.^' ^
We now come to the
Probable Effects of Bots on Animals : a subject
replete with interest, and one which presents a wide field
for speculation, both to the physiologist and to the natural
historian. By a train of reasoning, interspersed with some
' See the ' Veterinarian,' for March, 1854, vol. xxvii, p. 156.
292 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
(which appear to me to be) singular notions, Mr. Clark en-
deavours to show, that bots exert a salubrious influence in
the stomach of the horse by promoting digestion, acting as
what he calls vellicatories, the same as local stimulants and
detractors, on the principle of counter-irritation. I cannot,
however, acquiesce in these hypotheses, much less admit
what this learned writer has adduced in support of them.
That " children of cachetic habits breed worms faster than
healthy children, which may tend to suppress or moderate
the disease they incline to," is an opinion that obtained with
our predecessors in physic, but one which I should appre-
hend would find few or no advocates among the physicians
of the present age ; and that sheep in low damp situations,
by being infested with ivorms may be preserved from ivorse
disease, seems to me to be equally irreconcileable with the
sound pathology of the day. What Linnseus taught,"that lice,
by gnawing or irritating the skin of the head, excite a sort
of running sores among boys kept in filthy work-houses, or
confined places, and become strumous or swollen by the
confinement, by this excitement are preserved from couglis,
wheezinys, blindness, epilepsy, ^c." might have been per-
fectly consistent with the medicine of his day; but that
Mr. Clark should repeat it to strengthen his opinions in this
more enlightened age of medical science, I must say I feel
some surprise. And when, in proceeding, I find it stated
that it will not be easy to discover how far the access of
murrain in cattle; glanders, farcy, ^c, in horses, may be
prevented; and moon-blindness, inflammation of the lungs,
spasms, splints, i^c, in any degree checked or subdued by the
presence of these local stimuli, — and, in another place, that
his own horse became fatter in consequence of having had ad-
ministered to him about three dozen of bots' eggs, and that
the nasal farcy gleets of horses were cured by stimulation
TO THE STOMACH, from the exhibition of tivo powerful
astringents, cantharides and sulphate of zinc, I must add,
that I depart, toto ccelo, from the views here taken of the
eS'ects, healthful or hurtful, of these little animals ; and I
venture to be the more explicit in my opinions about these
BOTS. 293
remarks^ as Mr. Clark says, he shall not be tenacious about the
permanency of the foundation they may furnish materials
for.
But let us inquire how the operations are to be conducted
to which Mr. Clark attributes such a variety and number of
beneficial effects — hoAv bots ca7i promote digestion, and excite
irritation and issue by vellication. We must not forget,
that bots are attached to a part of the stomach which does
not perform any proper digestive function, and that all stimu-
lants or other substances promotive of digestion must be
applied to the vascular part, the only veritably digestive sur-
face, or else, it is obvious, they can have no such effect.
Moreover, in the cuticular portion of the stomach, which is
inorganic, how can anything like a determination of blood
or issue be produced. Indeed, I do not see with Mr. Clark
how bots can perform the office of stimuli at all, unless it be
that, by some motion they are capable of, they may have any
such influence upon the mucous follicles — placed in abun-
dance under the cuticular coat ; but then, again, we are not
sure that this secretion is necessary to digestion ! Thus far,
however, Mr. Clark and myself perfectly coincide in opinion
— "that the perfect health they (horses) enjoy with them
(bots) is proof sufficient of their innocuous nature and harm-
lessness in a general way." Though I have heard Professor
Coleman say, that he knew of one case where bots appeared
to have destroyed life ; since, after death, the coats of the
stomach appeared eroded in places, as well as the diaphragm,
and some of these animals had made their way into the
cavity of the chest.
Hurtrel d'Arboval asserts, that, so long as bots exist but
in small number, they do no harm and cause no pain ; but
that in a multitude, they occasion sharp pains, and prove
detrimental to digestion by absorbing the greater part of the
juices necessary for that operation. The following case proves
that in numbers they are capable of doing a vast deal of
mischief :
Mr. Cartwright attended a marc who, from being removed
in the autumn to pasture upon wet marshy land, and suffered
294 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
to remain out until nearly Christmas, lost her flesh and
strength. At length she ])ecame worn down to a skeleton,
and, from debility, lost the use of her hind parts ; in which
condition she Mas destro3'ed. The colon and caecum con-
tained liquid faeces, consisting principally of the soil and grit
she had eaten. The lining membrane was in a state of
approaching mortification. In the ileum were many flukes,
resembling those found in rotten sheep. In the stomach
were forty red bots, which had in places almost eaten through
its coats. In the oesophagus were two hundred large white
bots, which in several places had eaten through and buried
themselves under the cuticular coat : the tunic itself was
altogether changed in colour and texture, and stank very
much. There were about twenty pounds of soil in her in-
testines, which had evidently been picked up from the same
soil spread on the field.
Mr. Clark concludes his interesting account of the
bots of horses with some observations on the most effectual
mode of destroying them. He observes — and let this obser-
vation be imprinted upon our mind — that, " At the natural
annual period of their transformation, they come away readily
enough of themselves ; and if it happen at the time that any
medicine is being exhibited, it is considered as proof enough
of its efficacy, and mistaken for the consequence of it : so
easy is it to draw wrong conclusions. Neither opium nor
tobacco given for several days have any effect upon them, as
I have witnessed by opening the stomach after the death of
such, and finding them lively and well. We can, it is true,
force the poison down the horse's throat, but we cannot
afterwards get it into the throat of the worm, who is placed
in his own element, and can refuse the food that does not
suit him. Truly, is it therefore difficult to destroy them
by means of poison thrown into the stomach." — " The wisest
measure,^' continues our author, " for securing animals from
their effects, is, to prevent their propagation or access; and
their habits expose to us an effectual mode of doing this.
The eggs of the oestrus equi, which are very conspicious on
the knee, the mane, and the sides of the horse, may be washed
BOTS. 295
oflF with a brush and warm water, or still more effectually
removed by fi pair of scissors. The same may be done ibr
the hemorrhoidalis from the lips and beard.
*' The other species being smaller, more rare, and probably
less troublesome, require less our consideration.
" In respect to the hemorrhoidalis also, where horses have
been much out to grass the preceding year, they should
occasionally, in the warm months of the next summer, be
examined for them ; when they will be found, as we have
already stated, hanging to the extremity of the rectum, and
should be removed by the fingers. The destruction of a
single one at this season of the year is not only the death
of an individual and its effects, but the almost certain de-
struction of a numerous progeny ; it is also useful in pre-
venting the irritation which the spines of the bot occasioned
to the anus, which irritation becomes very distressing to the
animal if he is used on the road, occasions him to move
awkwardly, wriggle himself about, and to be sluggish, and
though beaten severely he soon relapses again into his
awkward manner of going ; which, as this happens generally
in warm weather, is most commonly attributed to mere
laziness.^'
It has been conjectured that bots might prove service-
able to the animal by aiding the cuticular coat in the
trituration of the food. That Nature should have created
an animal, and designed it as an inhabitant of the stomach
of another animal, without some good, but, I suspect, as yet
unknown end, I think, in unison with others, highly impro-
bable— irreconcileable with her other beautiful and more
readily-explained operations: I am, however, for my own
part, I must confess, unable to lift up the curtain which is
here interposed between fact and design.
Supposing tHxVT Bots do good rather than hurt, surely
we cannot be solicitous about removing them ; since, though
we are unable to demonstrate their beneficial influence, we
may, from all the circumstances we have arrived at a know-
ledge of concerning them, at least assert, that they in general
are not injurious. Howbeit, Me cannot persuade the world
296 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
SO j and therefore we must be prepared to meet the com-
plaints of persons Avho come to us about June or July — and
say that " their horses have ivornis, which must be got rid of^'
— with a remedy for that purpose. Should any other
malady exist at the time, no matter what, its origin will
commonly be traced to the presence of these mischievous
vermin. In all works on farriery we find some recipe extolled
as a vermifuge ; which, unless it contain a purgative ingre-
dient, we may, sans hesitation, expunge as inefficacious : for
we know of no medicine that has the power of destroying
bots in the stomach ; and, if we did, are we sure that, even
when dead, they would become detached from its cuticular
coat : though, should they lie in its vascular part, they
would be subjected to the action of the gastric juice? No
medicine, therefore, not even a purge, can operate as an
(Bstrifuge^ but at a certain season of the year ; when, as I said
before, if we will but suspend its exhibition for a while, the
bots will readily enough come away without our assistance.
Supposing we are forced to prescribe something to expel
them, we have no medicine so suitable as a common purge :
a dose of aloes is all that is required, though it is usual to
combine it with calomel, which may render it more expellent ;
wherein, I believe, resides all the (imagined) specific virtue
of the latter medicine as a vermifuge.
GASTRIC CONCRETIONS.
This forms part of a subject which stood much in need
of scientific veterinary investigation, in our own language,
when, in the year 1844, Mr. Morton, of the Royal Vete-
rinary College, read two papers on it, to the Veterinary
Medical Association, which he afterwards collected into
adistinct work, entitled, " On Calculous Concretions in
the Horse, Sheep, and Dog;" from which I shall in this
place make a few extracts. Mr. Morton arranges these con-
' I introduce this term to make a distinction between vermifuges and boi
fxpellents.
GASTRIC CONCRETIONS. 297
cretions under three heads : — Alimentary, urinary, and
casual or occasional. In the first class he places stomachical
or gastric concretions, and intestinal ; in the second, renal and
vesical; in the third, salivary, hepatic, &c. In regard
to gastric concretions, he observes — " Horses affected with
bulimia will eat earth, stones, and various other matters ;
but such substances do not constitute true calculi, nor will
they ever become converted into them. Millers^ horses are
said to be very liable to calculous concretions in the stomach,
arising from their being fed on refuse bran or pollard;
their nuclei consisting of pieces of granite or grit from the
mill-stone, or of some adventitious substance which has been
swallowed.^' Mr. Stanley, V.S., Leamington, sent Mr.
Morton an account of a miller^s horse he attended, with
paroxysms of pain, Avho voided no faeces for six days, though
on the seventh he did ; and all was thought " going on well :"
when, next day, he died. Two large calculi were found in
the stomach, one weighing 41bs., the other 51bs.; the latter
being "wedged in between the pylorus and duodenum,causing
inflammation and death. ^^ — " I believe the existence of tivo
such calculi in the stomach to be rare."
"It is no uncommon circumstance for hard substances to
be found within the stomachs of horses. I have seen several
specimens. They were chiefly calcareous. The largest I
ever saw was taken from a horse of my father's that died of
old age, after having worked in a clay-mill for a number of
years. I think this was nearly as large as an ostrich's eg^,
and not very dissimilar in appearance ; it was of an argilla-
ceous nature, and was, douljtless, formed of the fine dust of
the clay which the horse was continually imbibing with his
food. Its nucleus was the large end (about half) of an old
nail. I believe they are always found to contain a nucleus."
Thus much, on the subject before us, writes a correspon-
dent, who signs himself J.F,, of The Hippiatrist for 1830.
In The Veterinarian for 1837 is to be found the case of
an Andalusian horse, reported by M, Blavette, V.S., who
was, in addition to being a notorious crib-biter, a depraved
feeder. " Neither manger nor rack, nor the fragments of
298 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
the bars, escaped him : he gnawed his halter, and licked the
walls, and ate up all the earth he could get at; and was a con-
firmed roarer." For many years he had been subject to
violent colics, which became latterly more and more frequent.
In one of these paroxysms, at last, he died. There was
found in his stomach, after death, four pounds and a half of
earth and sand. He had, as was learned afterwards, escaped
from his groom on the morning of the day he died, and
galloped to the riding-school, Avhere he was found eating the
earth and sand composing the floor. A brass wire, about
the size of a knitting needle, and eight or nine inches long,
was found sticking in the intestines, through whose walls it
had penetrated and had run into the lumbar muscles.
In the same Journal for 1849, is related a case of
gastric calculus, by Mr. Bulman, V.S., North Shields, of
very extraordinary character. The horse was the property
of N. Morris, Esq., of Blue House, Usworth. The animal
had experienced some attacks of what appeared to be colic,
and relapse had occurred after long intervals of perfect
quietude and apparent health of a week and upwards;
although, at the same time, the symptoms were not alto-
gether precisely those of ordinary " gripes." Mr. Bulman
found her in her first attack after his summons, " sitting
upon her right haunch, turning up her upper lip, neighing,
and looking around her in a wild and indescribable manner,
and occasionally turning her nose close into the region of the
heart. He raised her up, when she shook herself, and seemed
quite free from pain." Mr. Bulman gave her purgative
medicine. Three weeks after this attack, having experienced
one relapse in the interval, Mr. Bulman was summoned with
the message that the mare was " ten times worse than ever."
He at once told the man " that there must be something
seriously obstructing the passage of the food from the
stomach into the intestines, and that if flatus was com-
menced she would be dead before thetj could arrive." This
prediction proved true. " The escape of air from the
stomach was tremendous. The stomach was torn in all
directions; the whole of its contents floating within the
GASTRIC CONCRETIONS. 299
abdominal cavity." And, " half-protruding through an aper-
ture in the stomach, was a huge calculus, or bezoar stone, of
the enormous weight of 121bs. loz. avoirdupois.^'
Mr. Morton observes, that '' the composition of these con-
cretions enables us to trace them to their source. In the
cereal plants, certain of the phosphates are met with, and in
somewhat considerable quantities. It is, then, to the food
that we are to look for their origin, coupled with the morbid
state of the digestive functions, by which it does not undergo
the necessary change ; probably, from the succus gastricus
not being sufficiently powerful to dissolve these phosphates,
in which state they must be before they can be assimilated.
A foreign body being now taken into the stomach, which may
be a nail, a piece of wire, or a pin, or a portion of granite,
quartz, glass, or any other substance, it serves as a common
centre, around which the phosphates arrange themselves in
their turn, and by the exertion of the force of attraction ;
and in so doing they blunt that which, by its sharpness,
woukl wound the lining membrane of the alimentary canal,
or by its asperities, excite in it a high degree of inflamma-
tion.'^ " By my analysis of the stomachical (or gastric)
concretion, the phosphates will be seen to be those of mag-
nesia and ammonia ;■*' and Liebig states that "phosphate of
magnesia, in combination with ammonia, is an invariable
constituent of all the grasses." " If, from its magnitude, the
calculus is unable to pass through the pylorus of the stomach,
then that organ becomes its residence, where, by gradual ac-
cumulation, it acquires bulk."
Cases such as these are not only undiscoverable, but
hopeless. The history and habits of the animal may lead to
conjecture ; the symptoms may lead to suspicion ; but, after
all, we remain in uncertainty and practical impotence.
GASTRIC POLYPUS.
Mr. Brown, V.S., Melton Mowbray, has a preparation of
a polypus which was taken out of a horse's stomach.
The subject of it — an old brown horse, Sheffield — was
300 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH.
found, early in the morning of the 1st of May, "labouring
under an attack of the bowels." The animal experienced
great pain, cold sweats, quick pulse, &c. No veterinarian
attended. Oily purges and frequent clysters were exhibited
without giving relief. The horse died on the fifth day from
the first attack. About fifteen inches in extent of "the first
small gut were mortified." — " The stomach was full, but its
contents were liquid, and at the lower extremity there was
a pendulous substance, which was plugged into the gut,
totally obstructing the passage. I am informed that the
animal was a remarkably healthy one, and apparently
suffered no inconvenience from the polypus, until it hadformed
a mechanical obstruction to the pylorus. The pedicle is
rather tortuous, with an artery and two veins in the centre,
having an expanded origin, which becomes converged into a
firm cord, one inch in diameter and three long, terminating
obliquely in the body of the polypus, which is a firm flat
substance, weighing seven ounces and a quarter."
301
SECTION XI.
DISEA.SES OF THE INTESTINES.
GA.STRO-ENTERITIS.
SPASMODIC COLIC.
TYMPANITIC COLIC.
ENTERITIS.
VOLVULUS.
INTUS-SUSCEPTION.
CONSTIPATION.
INTESTINAL CONCRETIONS.
WORMS.
DIARRHCEA.
DYSENTERY.
HERNIA.
INGUINAL.
SCROTAL,
UMBILICAL.
VENTRAL.
DIAPHRAGMATIC.
PROLAPSUS ANI.
HEMORRHOIDS.
The intestines of the horse are more obnoxious to disease
than his stomach : they are greatly more voluminous ; the
part they have to perform in the process of digestion is
more complex ; the aliment remains for a much longer time
within their cavities^ so that any thing hurtful it may contain
has more opportunity of developing its deleterious efiFects;
added to which, from the extreme length, tortuosities, and
irregularities in shape and volume of their canal, concretions
are more likely to form within them and obstruct their
passages. Moreover, the intestines, in the performance of
their functions, have entailed upon them a motion from
place to place — one of a vermicular description — in the
course of which it occasionally happens that one of them
gets twisted or tied in some indissoluble kind of knot,
wherefrom obstruction and consequent loss of life are likely
to ensue. Several of the intestinal diseases are of a nature
highly acute, rapidly destructive, and require correspondent
activity of treatment ; others there are so insidious in their
course, that, unless special attention be drawn to them, they
will exist and depart without our knowledge ; or, they will
run into a stage in which they become out of the control
of medicine before our attention be attracted to them. In
making these observations, I feel I am approaching the con-
302 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
sideration of a disease which in our own country has had too
little notice taken of it ; while our professional brethren
across the Channel have ascribed an importance to it pro-
portionate with the reputation of the physician who first
obtained a place for it in human medicine, — the celebrated
Broussais, Without going the length of this medical
philosopher, who asserted that four fifths of diseases consist
in irritation of the intestinal mucous membrane, and that
therein resides the essence of fever, we may, for some con-
siderable way, accompany our fellows, the French veteri-
narians, and with them admit that it is a disease which has
been much overlooked. To Girard, Dupuy, Bernard, and
Leblanc, are veterinarians indebted for excellent accounts of
it ; and as these authors have been freely drafted from by
D'Arboval, I shall take the liberty of transcribing from the
work of the latter, in order that my reader may have the
very best observations on the subject laid before him for his
future consideration and guidance.
GASTRO-ENTERITIS.
In animals affected with this disorder, the local phenomena of inflam-
mation are unappreciable during life, in consequence of their inability to
express any sense of the inward pain or heat they may and do assuredly
feel. We can only suspect their existence by making pressure upon
divers parts of the abdomen with more or less comparative force, and
thus guess at the principal seat and extent of the inflammation. When
the disorder sets in rapidly, it is indicated by dejection, dulness, slight
anxiety ; head dependent and heavy, and hanging in the manger ; infiltra-
tion of the eyelids, which are half closed ; reddening with yellowness of
the conjunctiva ; tearful eyes; deep and jerking respiration. Soon the
mucous membranes acquire the same hue as the conjunctiva, and are at
times infiltrated and tumefied. To these symptoms, are joined — loss of
appetite, often sudden ; a dry, clammy, foul tongue, red at its upper part
and around the borders ; more or less thirst ; stiffness of the spine and
hind legs, with difficulty in moving, and swelling of the latter, and stagger-
ing in the gait ; weariness ; alternate heats and chills about the ears.
Pulse at the commencement full and strong, and quick ; afterwards small,
hard, and thready. The belly becomes tense, but has rather a tucked-
up than an inflated appearance. On some occasions the attack is so
GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 303
sudden that the horse, saddled or harnessed to go out, experiences all at
once a remarkable heaving of the flanks, dilatation of the nostrils, depen-
dence or incurvation of the head, griping pains, partial tremors of the
muscles of the shoulder and stifle, staggering, sometimes squatting upon
the haunches or falling down, and reposing the head upon the ground.
Most horses cannot lie down ; many maintain the erect position evidently
with pain : others fear to move lest they fall. The vital powers seem to
concentrate themselves inwardly ; the skin becomes insensible ; the coat
loses its gloss, and turns dry and pen-feathered ; prostration supervenes ;
the discharges are rare and scanty ; the dungballs small, dry, blackish,
and coated ; the urine, equally scanty, is at one time reddened, at another
limpid and crude, and not expelled without eflfort. Most horses, during
the height of their complaint, will at intervals grind their teeth ; all
experience considerable heat under the foretop, across the whole parietal
region.
The horses most predisposed to sudden attacks of gastro-enteritis are,
the young, vigorous, sanguineous, and irritable ; in particular those over-
well fed in proportion to their work.
Duration. — When rapid in its progress but simple in its form, present-
ing no other than symptoms of gastro-intestinal ii'ritation and disordered
digestion, with little or no sympathetic re-action, it takes five or six days
to acquire its height. Debility then more undisguisedly shows itself; the
tongue becomes greatly more loaded and fuliginous ; the hind legs swell
more, and the fore ones begin to fill ; the hair comes out with the least
traction : at certain times of the day some experience dysentery ; in all
there is an exacerbation towards evening.
The termination is by resolution, or by passing into the chronic form,
or, after a sharp conflict, by death.
• In another form, the symptoms, less intense, develop themselves, and
succeed one another more tardily ; indeed, in most cases, they are ushered
in after the same manner as all the phlegmasia?. Some days before the
attack, the horse grows slack in going, insensibly loses his accustomed
gaiety, has no longer the same appetite, feeds tardily, sweats easily, stales
often ; passes hard, black, shining dung. After this, his appetite grows
worse ; he seeks to refresh his mouth by licking anything cold within his
reach ; he likes to plunge his nose into water, and as yet drinks freely ;
at length he refuses his corn and part of his hay, and prefers cold water;
and begins not to lie down. In the beginning, the diagnosis is uncertain :
it is only well characterised when the other symptoms have shown them-
selves and confirmed the attack. The symptoms are better marked in
the evening and during the night than in the morning or in the day : at
these times, besides such as are seen In a rapid attack, we have rejection
of all food ; either a pressing thirst or else a refusal of drink ; phlogosis ;
304 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
reddening of the conjunctive and pituitary membranes, whose vessels are
injected. The pulse, at first full and hard, becomes feeble and accele-
rated. These symptoms often endure two or three days Avithout any
great accession : afterwards they daily appear more marked, and, when
once they have acquired their greatest intensity, the dejection and heavi-
ness becomes extreme ; the heaving of the flanks hurried ; gaping and
grinding of teeth frequent ; coat dull and on end ; mane and tail easily
plucked out. After a time the mucous membranes change their red for
a livid tint, and emaciation ensues.
Complications. — With these phenomena become united, in both forms
of the disease and in every case, more or less disorder of the functions of
other organs. Divers phlegmonous complications make their appearance
in other parts of the digestive apparatus and its dependencies — in the
mucous membrane of the air-passages, in the brain, in the urinary passages,
in the organs of generation, and even at times in the skin. The sur-
excitation of the mucous membrane of the mouth may be regarded as
sympathetic, for it increases or diminishes in the same ratio as the gastro-
enteritic disorder itself does. According as the attack is sudden or pro-
tracted, this membrane is dry or clammy : the tongue rarely preserves its
natural complexion and humidity ; it has a more or less bright red aspect,
particularly towards its point and border ; its papillae and mucous follicles
are more or less developed ; its siirface blanched, white, or yellowish, is
covered with a blackish epidermoid crust ; the organ acquires volume
and firmness, and exhibits sometimes along its under surface p}ilycte7ice ,
or else ulcerations more or less deep and extensive. In opening horses
that have died, points of inflammation have been detected upon the
pharynx and oesophagus ; sometimes even aphthae are found at the bottom
of the mouth : I have seen them in many horses. The large intestines
are sometimes inflamed, and even on some occasions the margin of the
anus may be observed to have grown red. The liver, with its peritoneal
covering and excretory ducts, participate in this sur-excitation. Gastro-
enteritis rarely exists in intensity for any time without re-acting upon the
mucous membrane of the respiratory passages, producing that sympa-
thetic phlegmasia which is known by a sort of rale, by a painful state of
throat and upper part of the windpipe, by embarrassed respiration, by
dilatation of the nostrils, by accelerated heavings of the flanks, by a short,
dry, hollow cough, by shakings, and occasionally by a discharge from the
nose of frothy mucous matter, sometimes, but rarely, yellowish. Inflam-
mation of the lungs may also be a complication : then the expiration
becomes more frequent, the respiration short and quick, the expired air
hot, and the pulse strong. Peritonitis and nephritis may likewise prove
complications. In the first case, the horse experiences abdominal pains
and rubs his lips ; in the second, there is inflexibility of the spine about
GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 305
the lumbar region, and the animal evinces pain when pressed over the
kidneys : the urine is also redder and less in quantity. In fine, when
gastro-enteritis is most intense, the consequent uneasiness and fatigue
are often attributable to the brain ; the derangement of which is indicated
by the extended neck, the heat and heaviness about the head, the droop-
ing attitude, the resting point that he makes of the manger, and the
di'owsiness he evinces. At the same time, the sight and hearing become
affected ; the conjunctiva looks red and injected, or it assumes a purplish
hue, which at the bottom often turns yellowish, and exhibits plilyctence ;
the eyeball is inflamed, and the eye obscured ; the muscles of the face are
irregularly contracted ; there is grinding of the teeth, often symptoms of
vertigo, and sometimes to that degree that some veterinarians — among
others, Dupuy — have regarded the gastro-enteritis of 1825 as a form of
vertiginous affection. This combination is especially fatal, and quickly
so, and particularly in old horses and such as are oppressed with work
beyond their powers, or otherwise debilitated. Phlegmasia3 sympa-
thetically developed in the urinary passages and organs of generation,
will account for the changes in the urine before mentioned, for the agita-
tion of the tail, the frequent desire to stale, the erections of the penis of
the stone-horse, the outstretching of the legs of the gelding, the reddening
of the mucous membrane of the vulva of females, and the sense of heat in
introducing the hand into the vagina. The skin will not prove exempt
from becoming sur-excited, as will be evinced by its elevation of tempe-
rature, its state of dryness or sweat, the slight adherence of the hair, its
dull and rough aspect ; and, moreover, in some epidemics, by the buttony
eruptions manifest upon it. At the last, swellings rise upon the hind
legs or hocks ; cedema appears upon the belly, sheath, and breast ; the
scrotum becomes covered with a dried matter in place of the natural
unctuous secretion ; or else phlegmonous tumours form upon divers parts
of the body : some we have observed upon the parotids and breast.
Autopsies. — Post-mortem inspections have shown different and various
diseases, according as gastro-enteritis has set in more or less suddenly,
been slow or rapid in its course, and more or less complicated with the
inflammation of some viscus or other part, besides the stomach and in-
testine ; for it is to be remarked, that constantly one oi'gan is especially
attacked, and exhibits disease violent in proportion as other organs are
slightly affected. The mucous membrane lining the stomach is more or
less reddened, particularly the portion within the right sac, the entire
surface of which sometimes appears so. Besides which it is injected, and
in some places ecchymosed. The red colour, proof incontestible of the
existence of inflammation during life, appears under a great variety of
shades. The deep brown tint shows gangrene, a change also indicated
by the friability of the part and its speedy progress to putrefaction after
" II. 20
306 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
death. Patches of redness are also visible in different places upon the
membrane (the mucous follicles being larger than common) ; sometimes
superficial ulcerations, petechige even, and gangrenous eschars, which may
be nothing more than ecchymoses. Similar appearances are found in the
small intestines, whose mucous membrane in many parts is reddened, in-
jected, softened, and studded with assemblages of pointed eruptions : a
grey, thick, glairy mucus and some petechial spots are also visible. In
some cases, the matters contained in the small intestines are solid, and
look as though they had been dried ; though this is an appearance more
common in the large guts, unless there happened to have existed diarrhoea
before death : in the caecum we almost always find this, and for some
way also, though in a less marked degree, within the cells of the colon.
More or less inflammation is observable in the mucous membrane of the
fauces ; the sides of the tongue are covered with ulcerations resembling
aphthse ; and the surface of the pharynx, which is more or less deeply
reddened, sometimes presents a cribriform or worm-eaten appearance.
Its follicles also often acquire such considerable development that they
might be mistaken for buds with their orifices wide open. Some of these
alterations are perceptible at times within the oesophagus. When the
disease has proved complicated, we also find after death alterations in
those organs which have shown a disposition to partake of it. The liver
is often tumid, its veins are gorged with blood, and its substance is pale
and without firmness : in some subjects ecchymoses and recent adhesions
are apparent upon its exterior, evidently the consequences of inflamma-
tion. The lungs at one time are simply engorged ; at another, within the
anterior apj^endices and extremities of the lobes, they exhibit the red in-
duration ; or they are hepatised in places, or inflamed around their peri-
phery, and contain spumous blood. In certain subjects, the pleurse are
reddened and thickened, and covered with layers of albumen, a part of
which forms false membranes and points of adhesions to the walls of the
thorax. Effusion is rare ; notwithstanding, it has been observed by me
in two instances, and in one of them so considerable was the quantity that
the case nowise differed from hydrothorax. According to M. Girard,
whose observations we are now borrowing, the heart is the organ most
and oftenest affected. The pericardium, commonly infiltrated in substance
with yellow fluid, contains more or less serosity, sometimes bloody, and
affords evident marks of acute inflammation. In many subjects, the heart
is twice its natural volume, its substance pale and discoloured, and, void
of tenacity, rends with facility: its exterior, in a state of inflammation,
exhibits black spots, the effects either of ecchymosis or gangrene (most
probably of the former). Its cavities always contain black thick blood,
semi-coagulated ; and often yellow, consistent, fibrinous, albuminous
concretions. These productions, large or small, exist sometimes, says
GASTRO -ENTERITIS. 307
M. Girard, in the right cavities, sometimes in the left, and sometimes in
both right and left at once : they always occupy the auriculo-ventricular
opening, and more or less completely £11 it. Such appearances would
have escaped observation both in men and animals, had not M. Girard
pointed them out in horses in the gastro-enteritis, called the epidemic of
1825. Do they form during or after life? The former Director of the
Alfort School entertained the first hypothesis, and thought that the con-
cretions in question might prove the cause of death, by producing that
suffocation which he had observed in horses who died suddenly, and in a
manner asphyxiated. Supposing it were so, adds M. Girard, we should
obtain an easy explanation to the obstruction of the lungs, the engorge-
ment of the liver, the phlogosis of the air-tubes, and the presence of
frothy mucus within them. According to the same authority, the internal
surfaces of the cavities of the heart present vestiges of sur-acute inflam-
mation ; the redness is most remarkable in the tricuspid and mitral
valves, and extends into the arterial and venous trunks ; though it is not
equally perceptible in all the cavities of the heart, or within the venous
and arterial trunks. * * * * In general, little alteration is visible
in the brain ; though in some subjects the exterior presents marks of in-
flammation. M. Girard once observed inflammation in the right lobe ;
and M. Rainaud speaks of the injection of the veins of the brain, of
efiusion into the lateral ventricles, of slight yellowish infiltration, and of
concretions of the same hue in the choroid plexus. When the urinary
apparatus participates in the inflammation, the kidneys are redder than
ordinary, and their tissue is extremely lacerable ; the bladder exhibiting
red spots, and the urine being safiron or brick-dust coloured, In some
instances the whole of the sub-cutaneous, cellular, and muscular tissue is
infiltrated, and its areolte are filled with yellowish fluid : an appearance
most remarkable in the breast, scrotum, and sheath, when such parts have
proved oedematous during life.
Such were the principal signs of disease observed in the horses who
fell victims to the gastro-enteritis of 1825. The principal and most
constant lesion, however — that which constituted the disease, and from
which all the others were derived — was inflammation of the mucous
membrane of the stomach and intestines.
The Diagnostic, from the number and confusion of the symptoms pre-
sent, is often difiicult as regards the organ essentially diseased, though
there is no mistaking an acute attack of gastro-enteritis.
The Prognosis must depend upon the number and intensity of the
sympathetic phlegmasiae present, their extent and probable termination,
as well as upon the gastro-enteritic aflection. In general, horses die
from the fourth to the seventh day ; the fifth day is commonly most
critical ; the ninth day that after which the natient is regarded as safe.
308 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
The disease rages most in low wet situations, upon the borders of rivers
and in valleys. In cases of relapse, it is the fifteenth or twentieth day,
or later, before convalescence commences ; and sometimes so much
debility is left that the horse when down cannot rise without help. And
as sequdcB, on some occasions, we have swellings in different parts, or
swelled legs, or lameness (rheumatic ?), first in one limb, afterwards in
another. Time must cure all these anomalous affections : it is seldom
we can do much for them by medicine.
Hygienal Treatment. — Under circumstances where there is reason to
apprehend an attack of gastro-intestinal inflammation, we may hope to
do much by way of prevention by attending to little affairs of manage-
ment— change of diet — the substitution of good straw for hay — the with-
drawal of corn altogether — sprinkling the provender with salt water — or
should the season and weather permit, turning the horses to grass ; not
however doing this, as too frequently is done, without some gradatory
preparation ; nor suffering them to remain out in cold nights. To such
as appear at all predisposed, it will be proper to give white water for
drink, and, in lieu of their oats, a mixture of bran and barley-meal soaked
in water slightly nitred or acidulated, and to administer occasional
clysters of warm water, without keeping them from work, though that
may be diminished. Good grooming is absolutely necessary ; and care
ought to be taken not to walk the horses into water on return from
work. Should the animal be young and vigorous, a small bloodletting
may prove advantageous, and especially in a case in which some other
disease already exists.
Curative Treatment. — In determining the treatment of gastro-enteritis,
either on the eve of its attack or after it has commenced, regard must
be paid to the nature of the causes which have produced it or may be
continuing it, to the degree and extent of the inflammation constituting
it, to the number and intensity of the diseases with which it is compli-
cated. Among the therapeutic combatants for it, the most useful are
bloodlettings, diluents, emollients, mucilaginous applications, with a
proper regimen. The regimen must be severe, consisting of chilled water,
very slightly nitred, whitened with barley-water, and mixed with linseed
mucilage, providing the patient likes it ; and it may be sweetened with
honey or treacle. This is all the aliment to be allowed, unless indeed
the disease be but slight, in which case a little green-meat may be given,
or chopped roots, such as turnips, caiTOts, or beet roots ; but it is better
to abstain even from them. We must never forget that the digestive
organs are not in a condition to digest, however light the aliment.
Should the animal refuse the drink offered him in his pail, drenches of
linseed tea, a pint and a half each, may be given four or five times a day.
By way of stimulating the skin, the horse ought to be well wisped, or
GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 309
brushed, or curry-combetl ; and clothed warmly, particularly when he
feels cold and shivers ; and should the weather prove fine, he may be
walked out a little. In case the urinary and fecal excretions appear pent
up, the hand, oiled, is to be introduced, per atium, and the rectum emptied,
and afterwards a clyster given, composed of gruel, or linseed-tea, or
mallow-decoction.
In the country, where in regard to bloodletting we are not wont to be
scrupulous or apprehensive, four or five pretty copious bleedings at the
beginning of an attack may be found requisite. We have frequently
pursued this practice, and by it have appeared to prevent many of those
sympathetic phlegmasias which accompany and aggravate the gastro-
enteritic affection, and to have subdued an acute inflammation, particularly
when this has been associated with an attack of the pulmonary or cerebral
apparatus. We drew from the two jugulars of one of our own horses,
attacked in 1825, eighteen quarts of blood in twelve hours; in fact, we
continued the bleeding until the fulness and hardness of the pulse gave
way, without which we are persuaded we should have lost the horse. It
is only, however, in cases manifesting decisive inflammation that such
large and repeated bloodlettings can be permitted ; and in such as these
we are not to be deterred either by the first signs of prostration or the
fear of adynamy: we are to use little hesitation under such circumstances,
though much caution is to guide our practice in this respect when the
inflammatory symptoms are but slight. The state of the pulse, the con-
dition of the patient, his age, strength, and form, and the degree and
extent of the inflammation present, must regulate our proceedings. [To
this let tlie author add, that bloodletting in large quantity or to great
extent, is forbidden by more recent experience.]
Local Bloodletting. — As far as concerns the mucous membrane itself of
the alimentary canal, it must be borne in mind that these general bleedings
exert comparatively but little influence upon it : a large quantity of blood
withdrawn from the jugular takes but little away from this membrane,
and this large abstraction may occasion a debility which is not compen-
sated for by the decrease of the gastro-enteritic inflammation. On this
account, after a time, it becomes advisable to draw blood locally. As a
substitute for leeches upon the epigastrium, which are applied with so
much advantage in human medicine, we make punctures near together
into both the subcutaneous thoracic veins, in a direction towards the
diaphragm, and repeat these emissions at short intervals. Vapour baths
directed upon the openings, or cupping-glasses placed upon them, may be
employed to obtain more blood. The second case we had was bled but
twice, and both times from the thoracic vein ; and venesection could not
have been carried further without harm. These local emissions are
especially useful to stay an incipient gastro-enteritis. The nearer the
310 DISEASES Oi' THE INTESTINES.
punctures are made to the epigastrium or umbilicus, the more efficacious.
This is a bloodletting easy enough practised on the ox, on account of the
large size of the subcutaneous abdominal vein ; but in monodactyles this
vein is less developed, on which account it is found more convenient or
facile to open the thoracic vein at the place where it divides into two
branches, from which spring the ramifications spread over the surface of
the belly. It is always best, however, to open the abdominal vein; and,
therefore, supposing on account of the fatness of the horse or other
circumstances one cannot get blood enough from it, scarifications may be
made, and upon them either cupping-glasses applied, or mustard poultices,
made with vinegar. This quickly produces a tumefaction, by scarifying
which lightly, and subsequently fomenting it, the coagulation of the blood
is prevented, and thereby a sufficient emission obtained.
Medicine. — The mucilaginous drenches already prescribed will not be
requii-ed should the patient drink the white water prepared for him ; but
then he must not be allowed to drink much at a time, and particularly
when the abdominal heat is considerable. With this regimen we may
with advantage give a mixture of liquorice root and mallows in some
gummy solution. In the gastro-enteritis of 1825, benefit was found from
the administration of drenches composed of linseed oil (olive or almond
oil being too dear), honey or treacle, and vinegar, in equal parts. To
horses with constipated bowels, or who staled but little, we gave at first,
In their drink every morning, two ounces of cream of tartar, and added
for other cases nitre to the water : vapour baths and emollient fomenta-
tions prove also of great service. When horses are of great value and
have much care bestowed upon them, we have suspended under their
bellies, so as to be quite near without touching the skin, bags containing
bran and linseed meal poultices, and renewed them every two hours,
keeping the animal the while well clothed. Unfortunately, this remedy,
one of the best we possess, is not practicable upon a large scale : in the
case of our own two horses, we attributed success to this and to blood-
letting. We have never found anything necessary for the removal of
constipation beyond emollient and oily clysters.
Complications. — Whatever may be the number and intensity of the
sympathetic phlegmasise accompanying the gastro-enteritic Inflammation,
the basis of our curative treatment must be the same. We must do all
we can to forestall these satellitic diseases ; and if, in spite of us, some do
manifest themselves, we must attack them in a manner and with means
specifically appropriate to them.
Such is D'ArbovaFs exposition of gastro-enteritis, enriched
with all his gleanings on the subject from the best French
authorities ; and such is an account of a disease which
GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 311
appears hardly to have found a place in British veterinary
rnedicine. Under my own observation, gastro-enteritis has
proved anything but a disease evincing activity or imme-
diate alarm of symptom. The horse evinces, soon after
attack, extreme dulness and depression; manifests indifference,
indeed aversion, to every kind of food, though he drinks ;
the coat loses its shining aspect and becomes lustreless and
dead ; there is general coldness of skin, with cold ex-
tremities ; the mouth is moister than usual, having a soapy,
sh Vc-iy feel, and shows a kind of dull red, yellow aspect, as
though the membrane was injected in part with bile; the
tongue is brown and dry upon its dorsum, but grows red
and moist along its borders and towards its tip ; the same
yellow-red condition is manifest in the conjunctival mem-
branes, as in the buccal, and also in the Schneiderian as
well ; in some cases there is swelling of the legs present ;
the bowels may be constipated rather at first, but the
smallest dose of aloetic medicine sets the patient oflf
purging ; diarrhoea follows, in which the discharges are,
though at first sparing, of the consistence and appearance
of cows^ dung, though very nearly or quite liquid, and of a
peculiar dirty dark-brown colour, and, though not at the
begining, j;owards the latter stages, fetid in their character :
indeed, at this time, the mouth also becomes fetid, and
sometimes extremely so. The pulse will rise to 70
or 80. The respiration is not at first disturbed, though it
may turn so before death, which is but too apt to be the
termination.
PosT-MORTEM. — Wc find the mucous lining of stomach
very much inflamed, and of a Modena-red colour ; the same
lining of the small intestines slightly affected, but the colon
generally intensely so, though in some cases tlie inflammation
of the stomach is greatest. The liver is pale and clay-coloured.
The thorax is free from any diseased appearance connected
with the complaint.
The Treatment of such disease I have always considered
to be best conducted on principles of caution, without
running into any danger of doing harm by depletion, or, on
312 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
the other hand, overdoing the astringent and tonic plan, I
have, for the most part, treated the symptoms of the
disease, rather than dare to combat with its nature, when I
felt myself unable to comprehend in what it consisted. The
diarrhoea, when it has presented itself as a formidable symp-
tom, I have opposed by doses of Pulv. Cretse c. Opio, given
in gruel — Sj of the powder to a pint and a half of fluid.
Further than this, the proportion of powdered opium (which
in the compound powder is veiy small) may be, if necessary,
augmented ; or, when the diarrhoea appears mitigated, one
may give, with prospective advantage, drachm doses of Hydrarg.
c. Creta, in combination with half a drachm of Ipecacuanha
in each dose, made up with bark and treacle. Liniment to
the belly, or even blisters or mustard plasters, are always
recommendable ; and attention ought to be paid to diet,
which should be good dry hay and corn, with good gruel or
linseed tea allowed for drink.
How is all this ? Is it really so rare a disease ? Or,
have we, when it has been present, called it — or rather
miscalled it — by any other name ? by fever, or in-
fluenza, or some other? From its mostly occurring
in the epidemic form, it was natural enough for us
to give the disease the name of influenza ; but, if this
prove the cause of leading us to commit such gross mis-
apprehensions, the sooner we get rid of — or, if that be
impossible, the less we use — such an unmeaning, or all-
meaning term, the better. I believe, many of the cases
presented to us about the spring and fall of the year will be
found to possess the gastro-enteritic character; and this
being once recognised, we shall, in acting in accordance
with such a supposition, find ourselves pursuing at least
some rational course of practice, and no longer, like grooms
and farriers, be blundering on, right or wrong, in wild
empiricism.
SPASMODIC COLIC. 313
SPASMODIC COLIC.
The nosology of farriers furnishes no appellations so
vaguely comprehensive in their meaning, or so likely to
mislead, as those of colic, gripes, cramp, fret, &c. By such
persons they are used, synonymously, to denote an assem-
blage of symptoms which experience has taught us are pro-
duced by some painful disease of the bowels, but of what
nature or in what part, they leave us totally uninformed.
We hear of flatulent colic, stercoral colic, calculous colic,
nervous or spasmodic colic, verminous colic, inflammatoi^y
colic, and we- are continually called to cases of " gripes,"
which turn out to be anything save what we who restrict
the meaning of the phrase can regard as such. In fact,
while farriers^ colic leaves us to guess whether the disease
consist in wind, in dung, in spasm, in calculi, in worms, or
in inflammation ; farriers' gripes merely signifies that the
animal is labouring under some acute pains which are pro-
bably connected with bowel-disease, though now and then
the case turns out to be a pleurisy! In order to guard
against all this looseness of expression and the danger it
may create, the best way will be, probably, to pay no
attention to the appellations colic and gripes, save so far as
they are used to denote what, in truth, is the veritable gripe,
or grip, or grasp, viz., spasm of the bowels, or, spasmodic colic.
Spasm consists in a contraction of some portion or portions
of the intestinal tube. The tube, by virtue of its muscular
coat, possesses a power of contracting its canal, which con-
tractile property it is that enables it to press the alimentary
matters onward from the stomach until they arrive at their
ultimate destination — the anus. This muscular tunic, in
common with other muscles, is liable to spasm or cramp ;
Avlien which takes place, the intestinal canal is locally con-
tracted to that degree that the aliment is, at the place or
places of spasm, arrested in its course, and the pain, while
the cramp or gripe continues, proves of the most exquisite
and poignant character.
314 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
The Symptoms of colic are similar, with two or three
notable exceptions, to those denoting painful bowel-affections
in general. The attack is sudden. The horse appears to
he, all in a moment, seized with a sharp pain in his belly.
He commences violently pawing and stamping, and striking
his belly with his hind feet. Then, after a few times bending
his knees and crouching his body, and advancing his hind
feet underneath him in attempts to lie down, he at last drops
rather than lies down, issuing a sort of grunt from the fall,
and following that up by rolling upon his back, and
endeavouring every time he turns up to balance himself in
the supine position ; though generally he is unable to ac-
complish this until his legs in rolling happen to come
against the side of his stall or box. When once he has
succeeded in getting upon his back, he will, with his feet
drawn downward upon his belly, and his head and neck,
perhaps, curved to one side, remain quiet for a minute or
two together : this posture appearing to afford him tem-
porary relief. On other occasions, after several ineffectual
endeavours to roll upon his back, he will suddenly rise again,
and, having given himself a shake, as it were to get rid of
the straws or dust about him, stand so quiet for a time that
he appears by his rolling and struggling to have rid himself
of his pain. Soon again, however, he averts his head and
anxiously looks back at his flank, with his ears down and an
expression in his eye, seeming to say, " Tbere lies my pain,
and now I feel it returning again.^^ Each successive fit or
paroxysm turns out commonly to be longer and more violent
than the one preceding. Early in the disease, the re-
missions from pain, or intervals of ease, are evident enough ;
but as the case proceeds, the paroxysms growing longer and
the remissions shorter, after a time they become altogether
unobservable. The unremitting pain the animal at this time
is suffering, occasioning continual action and convulsion of
body, sets him heaving at the flanks, and causes him to
break out into a profuse perspiration : drops of sweat stand
upon his brows and eyelashes, and every hair in his coat
becomes wet through it. The next change, should his
SPASMODIC COLIC. 315
torture continue unmitigated, is one bordering on delirium :
he grows heedless of all around him; his eyes turn wild and
frantic ; his violent precipitations render all approach to him
perilous ; cold sweats bedew his body ; tremors succeed ; he
falls or throws himself down^ maddened and exhausted with
pain, and in convulsions probably expires. The pulse at the
onset of the disease, and during the remissions from pain, is
but little altered ; but while the paroxysm endures it grows
frequent, and becomes contracted to a thread ; indeed, at
times is so indistinct as hardly to be felt at all. Under ex-
tremity of suffering, its quickness, and with that its strength
and perceptibility, become augmented. The belly grows
tense, sometimes perceptibly swollen, and commonly very
tender to pressure. The bowels are constipated, though
oftentimes dung will be passed on the eve of the attack and
some time afterwards ; and this is a circumstance the tyro
in practice must take care not to suffer himself to be deceived
by. I have known a horse have three evacuations after
being attacked, and, after all, die of unopened bowels. In
the height of his pain the animal will not unfrequently void
his urine.
Diagnosis. — To this, as enabling us to distinguish spas-
modic colic from enteritis, great importance, by the generality
of practitioners, has been attached, on the score of the
remedies prescribed for spasm being, of all others, the most
improper ones for inflammation. I was once of this way of
thinking myself; but I find, as I grow older in experience,
that my practice is becoming of a kind suitable to both cases,
and consequently that such diagnosis with me is losing
much of its interest. In the year 1824 I first made the
experiment of combining my antispasmodic with a cathartic,
and I became so satisfied with the result that I have, from
that time to the present, continued the practice, and, I may
add, with the happiest consequences. Still, it is proper that
we should be made acquainted with the best diagnostics
between colic and enteritis, and, according to my observation,
they are as follow : — 1st, colic is not ushered in by any
antecedent indisposition, or any cold, or hot, or shivering
316 ' DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
fit ; on the contrary, its attack is both sudden and violent :
2dlj, when the disease has set in, the expressions of pain
are stronger, and come on by fits and starts : 3dly, the purely
spasmodic affection is marked by remissions — intervals of
freedom from pain and of quietude; and yet all the while may
be observed that watchfulness about the patient which
clearly shows him to be in momentary expectation of another
paroxysm : 4thly, the state of the pulse is characteristic ;
while the paroxysm is on, it is (spasmodically?) contracted to
a thread, perhaps is quite imperceptible, and yet not ex-
ceeding 50 in a minute. Professor Coleman was wont to
attach much import to the circumstance of the horse rolling
and reclining upon his back : for my own part, though I
admit it to be in many cases a very prominent symptom,
yet it is one I have seen present when no spasms have been
noticeable. I ouce treated a case the subject of which lay
on his back for upwards of a quarter of an hour at a time ;
and yet, when we came to open him — for he died — we found
no spasms, but a tympanitic stomach, and an intense inflam-
mation of the jejunum and ileum. Might not spasms,
however, have existed during life ? Some affirm there is
manifest heat of abdomen to be felt in enteritis, and lay
great stress upon the observable difference there is in the
manner of lying down : while the enteritic patient lies down
quietly and with a degree of caution, the colicky horse drops
down on a sudden, and flings himself about immediately
afterwards in violent commotions. "
The Cause of colic, very often, is a draught of cold
water, especially while the horse's body is heated. Water
from certain mineral springs has been — apparently from its
impregnations — noted for having this effect. Sudden chill
of the skin is said to have produced gripes. A common
dose of physic will now and then occasion it. I have wit-
nessed the most violent spasms from both linseed and castor
oils. Vetches and other green-meats will at times, especially
when very early or very late in the green-meat season, gripe ;
and so will new straw, and particularly wheaten ; and like-
wise peas I am informed : in fact, any irritating or acidulous
SPASMODIC COLIC. 317
matters in the bowels may have this effect. Now and then,
spasm is brought on by costiveness, and by stercoraceous
and calculous concretions. Crib-biting gives rise to attacks
like colic, from distension of the bowels with air ; but this is
a case which, like many others causing similar symptoms,
requires a modification of treatment.
The Seat of spasm, ordinarily, is the small intestines ;
in particular, the jejunum and ileum. I have seen the
duodenum, however, contracted as well; in one case, a few
inches from the stomach, its canal appeared to me perfectly
impassable. I have also, in three or four instances, met
with spasm in the large guts : in one, all three of them
exhibited evident marks of spasm ; the caecum was exceed-
ingly distorted by contraction, and, instead of being full of
water, contained dung-balls ; even the rectum had manifestly
been spasmed. Usually, the intestinal tube is contracted to
a third or fourth or more of its original volume, with inter-
spaces of two, three, and four inches, and, in some cases, even
a foot or more in extent : on one occasion I met with con-
tractions, one measuring two feet, another a yard in length ;
the intermediate parts preserving their natural appearance.
The parietes of the gut, in the contracted places, feel, from
the condition they are in, thickened, when compared with
other parts; added to which, they are in a remarkable
degree whiter than the healthy portions. Sometimes it
happens, in consequence of the confinement of alimentary
or fluid matters between two of these contractions, that the
intermediate portion of gut becomes distended to that degree
that congestion — even in progress to gangrene, as I have
seen — ensues. In one case of death from unrelievable
spasms — found afterwards to exist in the jejunum and ileum
— I discovered the carotid arteries to be — spasmodically (?)
— contracted to half their natural caliber; though nothing
of the kind was perceptible in the aorta. During life, in
order to obtain blood — not being able to procure sufficient
from the jugulars — I was compelled to open the submax-
illary arteries, and from these vessels even, owing to the
contracted state of the carotids, the streams vvere nothing
318 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
compared to what they would normally have been. In a
case of extravasation of blood upon the cerebrum, I found
the small intestines evincing in divers places contractions as
great as though the horse had died of spasmodic colic ; and yet
he never had shown a single symptom of gripes : a circum-
stance that might be referred, perhaps, to the purges he had
taken. Another instance, however, of the same appearances
happened to me in a horse I had been treating for a fistula
of the worst description, who had not taken any medicine
for some days before death. These observations would lead
one to believe that contractions in the intestines may exist
without necessarily causing the animal pain.
Duration. — Unless some decided check — if not a satis-
factory arrest — be put to the progress of the disease within
the first half-a-dozen hours, we may begin to harbour appre-
hensions about our success. Ordinary cases are relieved by
a single dose of medicine; many without any medicine at
all. Cases which run on unrelieved, to dissolution, seldom
exceed twenty-four hours in duration.
In Stone Horses, particularly in such as have raced or
been in training, or have been kept as covering stallions, an
attack of colic or enteritic symptoms is on all occasions to
be viewed as, possibly or probably, connected with hernia.
The scrotum should be examined without delay, and all
inquiries made relative to the existence of rupture. Should
the symptoms continue unrelieved, we must not rest satisfied
with this even; but proceed to an examination of the
inguinal canals and abdominal rings, in order that we may
be sure that no knuckle of intestine lies incarcerated any-
where.^ For the want of such thought and precaution
several valuable horses* lives have been lost, some of whose
cases stand recorded on paper, while others only exist in the
mortified remembrances of those to whom they have unfor-
tunately happened.
Relapse. — There are horses who, from some peculiar
susceptibility of the intestinal tube, are particularly obnoxious
» For the method of exploring the inguhial canal and abdominal rings, turn
to the aii-icle ' Inguinal Hernia.'
SPASMODIC COLIC. 319
to this disease. In such subjects, a potation of cold water,
in particular when the body is at all warm, is almost certain
to induce spasm ; green-meat also, and physic, will be likely
to occasion it ; and, therefore, all these things ought to be
avoided : for these repeated attacks become not only exceed-
ing annoying, but, in the end, dangerous ; so much so, that
one would feel inclined to counsel an individual possessing
such a horse to take the first opportunity of disposing of him.
I attended the same horse for one attack of gripes in
March, 1826 ; for another in April ; a third in June ; and
a fourth in August, all of the same year : of which last, after
having experienced relief for some hours, each time, at three
separate intervals, he died ; as, indeed, I had predicted he
would on the occasion of his surmounting, with much diffi-
culty, the third attack. In addition to the ordinary con-
tractions discovered in his small intestines, his stomach
proved tympanitic.
The Treatment of an ordinary case of spasmodic colic
is, in the notion of almost every one who pretends to the
possession of any horse-knowledge, an aflPair of such sim-
plicity and obviousness that it is seldom deemed requisite to
call in professional assistance. Every farrier and groom,
every horse-dealer and horse-keeper, fancies himself quite as
competent to treat the case as the most skilful veterinarian ;
and, in point of fact, providing the disease be purely spas-
modic, his remedy is likely to prove in the first instance
quite as effectual as ours : it being notorious that almost all
kinds of strong spirits and aromatics possess antispasmodic
properties. The groom, being well convinced of their
efficacy from experience upon his own person, as naturally
runs for gin and pepper, or peppermint water, or some such
not disagreeable compound, for his horse when " griped,'' as
he does for some agreeable spirituous compound for himself;
or he probably possesses some nostrum, which he declares
and believes to be superior to every other, and, as an incon-
trovertible proof of it, asserts, that it " never fails" to cure.
And, given at the instant, perhaps, it very seldom does ; for
it imports less what we give than when the remedy is ad-
320 DISEASES or THE INTESTINES.
ministered : that wliicli is given at the outset appearing to have
a decided advantage over anything exhibited late in the
attack.
Bracy Clark prescribes for colic a tincture of pimento,
with the following directions for its composition and use : —
" Infuse Ibj of pimento in Oiss of water, and the same
quantity of spirit, for several days ; strain the infusion, or
let it stand until it be required for use. Give four ounces
of it, mixed with common or peppermint water, immediately,
and repeat the dose in half an hour, and every succeeding
hour until the symptoms be relieved.^'
Professor Coleman's specific for colic used to be, oil of
turpentine, given in doses of two ounces in a pint of tepid
water, beer, or gruel, two or three hours, according to the
demands of the case.
My Father's favorite remedy was, one ounce of lauda-
num combined with two ounces of oil of turpentine, in a
pint of some tepid bland fluid.
Other Practitioners are very fond of the aethers. For
my own part, I must say I think a combination of sulphuric
sether and laudanum, in from two to three ounces each, in a
pint of warm water, forms a potent and eff'ectual antispas-
modic drench;, at the same time I am quite ready to repeat
what I said before, that it matters less " ivhat we give than
when we give it." And, furthermore, I can affirm, I have
in numerous instances seen all these various remedies suc-
ceed, and on some few occasions have been present when
one and all of them have totally failed to afford relief. I
consider that opium holds the first place among antispas-
modics ; and I put more trust in it when given in substance ;
though the objection to this is, the greater length of time
required for such effect to manifest itself, and its consequent
unfitness in such form for the urgent necessities of the case
before us. A very effectual antispasmodic ball, combining
the three properties, narcotic, stimulant, and terebinthinate,
which I keep made up for the use of non- professionals, is
composed of one drachm of opium, of two drachms of Cayenne
pepper or half an ounce of ginger, and of a sufficiency of
SPASMODIC COLIC. 321
Venice turpentine and meal to make a moderate sized ball ;
which, however, requires at the time of its administi'ation,
to have been fresh made up_, or, at all events, to be soft and
readily soluble.
My own Practice has, since the year 1824, consisted in
the combination, in all save trifling cases, with the antispas-
modic, of a full dose of cathartic medicine ; imder the im-
pression that, by so doing, I did not certainly detract from
the power of the former in relieving spasm ; while, should
the case hold out long enough, I had employed a powerful
auxiliary under whose operation all spasm, and flatulent and
fecal obstruction, would be likely to succumb.
A case of pure ordinary colic may be relieved in a
variety of common-practice ways, such as walking or trotting
the horse about, administering to him a common clyster, or
giving him any common stimulant, either alone or with some
sedative and more potent antispasmodic. In this manner,
or even when nothing whatever is done, ordinary or true
" gripes'^ occasionally passes off" spontaneously ; should the
symptoms, however, not in this way die away of their own
accord, or should relapse take place, it becomes both duty
and policy to give the case every attention. The first step
to be taken, is to give the horse this drench :
R Decoct. Aloes C, 3IV ;'
Tinct. Opii, 3ij ;
Sp. ^ther. Sulphuric, ^iv;
Aquae Tepid., 3viij. M. ft. haust.
Let this drink be followed, if it have not been given before, by a clyster.
A sufficient interval ought to be allowed for this dose to
afford relief — say a quarter or half an hour, in which time,
' The decoction is made as follows : —
R Aloes Barbad. Pulv., jiiss ;
Potassae Bicarbonat., Jij ;
Acacias, 5ij ;
Aquae Bullient., Oj. Solve et misce s. a.
Should this be required to keep, two ounces or more of some spirit must be
added.
II. 21
322 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
should the pain not abate, but, on the contrary, the disease
appear growing worse, blood ought to be let in quantity
regulated by the consideration of the condition and
strength and age of the patient. Two gallons, or but one,
or any less or intermediate quantity may be drawn, according
to the exigencies of the case.
Two hours after the first drench, a second one of the same
composition may be exhibited ; and a couple of hours after
the second^ a third ; which altogether will amount to (since
every ^j of the decoction contains ^j of aloes) |iss of Barba-
does aloes, ^xj of laudanum, and Jxij of ether, swallowed
by the patient; quite a sufficiency, in my opinion, to
counteract and allay spasm, if not by a direct antidote at
once, at some future period through purgation.
Should the decoction of aloes — that admirable formula —
not be at hand, we must content ourselves with a simple
solution of aloes in hot water; bearing in mind that the
dose in the whole is meant to amount either to twelve drachms
of Barbadoes aloes, or to two ounces of Cape. In a horse
who was often " subject to colic," and in whom none of the
ordinary antispasmodics, or olive oil, or nitre, or emetic
tartar, did any good, Sig, Cantiello, veterinary surgeon to
the Queen of Naples, succeeded perfectly by exhibiting half
an ounce of the extract of belladonna; and this is what I
would strongly recommend the trial of. (Vet. for 1839,
p. 487.) I have given chloroform in lieu of ether without
success.
Exercise. — The common practice, supposing the attack
to have just commenced, is to give an antispasmodic drink
or ball, and immediately after, to send the horse out to be
exercised for twenty minutes or half an hour; the old rule
in regard to pace being, that he may be trotted, but not so
as to be made to perspire. I feel quite persuaded that
exercise, taking it for granted that the case is one of genuine
colic, is often productive of a great deal of benefit; and
therefore I am not so scrupulous about the pace (though I
do not approve of sweating) as some are : it increases the
peristaltic motion, causes often the expulsion of air and
SPASMODIC COLIC. 323
dung, and so tends rather to relieve than to augment the
spasm. For all this, I do not mean to say I would violently
urge on a reluctant or unwilling patient with whip or spur :
far from it, should he appear to be in such pain as to render
him almost unable to move, I certainly would be the last to
compel him.
Bloodletting is not needed until we have had a fair trial of
the antispasmodic medicine and of exercise. The case growing
desperate, our remedies must be potent and impressive. A
large bloodletting is very often succeeded by a copious sweat ;
and so desirable an effect should be as much as possible
encouraged, in the present instance, by warm clothing, &c.
Should the case continue unrelieved, another venesection
may be called for ; but at what time and in what quantity
the practitioner in attendance can alone determine.
The French veterinarians, though not in general advocates
for bloodletting, are very loud in their praise of venesection
in colic. ''We have seen (says the Compte Rendu for
Alfort, for 1841-2) horses in an absolutely furious state
from an attack of colic, whom we have been compelled to
shackle while bleeding, on account of their precipitate and
dangerous movements, become calm and quiet after the ab-
straction of about twenty or twenty-five pounds of blood.
[Veterinarian for 184-3.] And in the same Report for the
next year, we find the following : —
This practice (bloodletting), long adopted in our hospitals,
is based on this incontestable fact, that, whenever the in-
testinal pain announces itself by any violent movements,
there is one or another of these causes, either congestion in
some isolated part, or extending through the intestinal
canal. {Ibid.)
Clysters. — A clyster composed of two ounces of Cape
aloes dissolved in six quarts of soap-water or gruel, may be
administered after trial of the simple soap and water clyster ;
or one in which a pint of oil of turpentine is substituted for
the aloes may be given with a view of relieving the spasm.
But what, in a case of any danger, is better than either, is
the clyster of tobacco, either in the form of infusion or
3:24 DISEASES of the intestines.
smoke, the latter being, from reason of its more penetrating
nature, and the length of time Ave are enabled to persevere
in it, I believe, the best. The infusion of tobacco is made
by pouring upon =ij of common shag tobacco, a gallon of
boiling water, and covering both down in a closed vessel,
and suffering them to remain until of a temperature for use;
then decanting, and straining, if necessary, the liquor off.
This altogether will take about half an hour.
The Enema op Tobacco Smoke is managed very well
with the one of Read^s patent syringes used for common
clysters. It is only necessary to have made a metallic box
for containing the tobacco, with a cribriform plate across the
inside, for transmitting the fumes, which, as they rise, are,
with only force enough to raise and depress the piston of the
syringe, pumped into the rectum, and continued to be so
during the whole time (about a quarter of an hour) that the
tobacco remains in ustion. Occasional discharges of the
smoke from the rectum take place during the operation,
with sometimes emissions of faeces, for which latter, but not
for smoke alone, it will be right to withdraw for a moment
the clyster-pipe. In this manner have I, before now, elicited
fseculent discharges when all other means have totally failed.
I have found, however, that, providing no effect be produced
at first, it is of no use persevering, at least beyond the
second or third injection, since further than that, tobacco
appears to lose its power of stimulation.
A Warm Bath would certainly prove a most desirable
situation for our patient, could one be procured. In
the absence of it, Mr. Wardle, in a moment of danger,
plunged his patient into a dung-heap, the result of which
was complete recovery after having been buried twenty
minutes. A sackful of hay, dipped in water nearly boiling,
and bound upon the belly, can be easily managed, and
would be likely to relieve him.
Cold Affusion has achieved wonders in human medicine;
but, though I have practised it, I cannot yet speak of its
efficacy in veterinary. Buckets of the coldest water to be
procured may be dashed upon the belly with some force
SPASMODIC COLIC. 325
even Avliile tlie horse is standing, and with a great deal more
facility and effect while lying.
Fatal Cases. — The following relation will show that
cases of pure colic will every now and then occur, baffling
all ordinary treatment, and calling for measures of the most
desperate kind we are able to employ.
In March last, a troop-horse, who from some idiosyncrasy
had been the subject of two or three very violent attacks of
spasmodic colic, which induced me to say, that some day he
would die of the disease, returned to the infirmary w itli — I
forget whether it was a third or fourth — " fit of tlie gripes/^
Knowing my subject, I at once proceeded to the most prompt
and energetic treatment : but, this time, in spite of all that
could be done, my patient, unfortunately, verified my pro-
phecy. He was attacked at three o'clock p.m. on Wednesday,
and died at nine o'clock a.m. on Saturday.
Autopsij. All sorts of morbid appearances usual on such
occasions had, in visions, run through my mind in the course
of ray attendance. I imagined there might be some volvulus,
or knot, or intro-susception, or calculus ; but then, no symp-
toms of mortification had come on, nor were there such
decided signs of fever as we expect to find in inflammation.
It had all along appeared a case o^ pure colic, accompanied
with complete stoppage in the bowels ; and such it proved.
The opening of the abdomen exposed the bowels of their
usual white glistening colour, and entirely free from inflam-
mation. At least a dozen places in which the gut was con-
tracted, from four to six inches in extent, appeared in the
length of the jejunum and ileum; and so close and firm
were these contractions, that even after vitality had left
them, did some of them resist the insufflation of air through
them; blowing through a pipe, as I did, with all my force.
The stomach was very much distended with air : and how
could it be otherwise, when not a particle of it could per-
meate the spasmed intestines? But the intestines them-
selves— the uncoutracted portions of tliem — were, likewise,
tympanitic. And, as for all the medicine that had been
given, none of it appeared to have reached beyond the ex-
tent of fourteen inches along the duodenum.
326 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
Here is a case foe reflection — a case showing that,
even in pure spasm, under certain conditions, dose the
suflFering animal with what we may, httle benefit can be
expected to result. I do not beheve that all the medicine
in Apothecaries' Hall would have caused relaxation of this
horse's cramped intestines. What then would ? — I cannot
say. I can only repeat, do not exclusively rely upon inter-
nal antispasmodics ; but, from the moment they appear to
fail, have recourse, at once, to such remedies as will be sure
to make such an enervating impression upon the system as
will tend to diminish the force of muscular contraction. If
requisite, bleed until the patient actually falls prostrate from
loss of blood ; and as soon as he has recovered the effects of
that evacuation, exhibit tobacco-enema, potent enough and
copious enough to make him reel ; and dash buckets of the
coldest water that can be procured, with as much force as
can be used, against his belly. These are the remedies, in
my opinion, most likely to succeed in such case : if they do
not, recourse may be had to mercury, for the exhibition of
which directions will be given under "enteritis ;" a disease
which the colic by this time has very likely run into.
TYMPANITIC COLIC.
Flatulent or wind colic — not so frequent in its occur-
rence as the spasmodic — has already, in one of its forms,
viz., that of tympanitic stomach, come under consideration;
and, while treating of that, the present one has necessarily
had notice taken of it — the two being essentially the same
disease. The symptoms likewise they occasion, so much
resemble those of spasmodic colic, or "gripes," properly so
called, that, were it not for the marked remissions attendant
on the one, and the distension of belly which characterises
the other, we should find it impossible to diagnosticate be-
tween them. The patient's abdomen is visibly blown out —
inflated all round the inferior and lateral parts, which are
distended like a drum ; the condition, in fact, we every
now and then observe in inveterate crib-biters.
ENTERITIS. 327
The Seat of Inflation is the large intestines — the
csecum and colon : were it the stomach alone, we should
have no such outward and visible signs of the distension.
And the
Cause of it, is either indigestion or crib-biting. It may
result — and I believe often does — from spasmodic colic :
the spasmed condition of the intestines interfering with the
passage through them, and consequently with the process
of digestion.
The Consequences of this inflated bowel may be such as
to place the horse in the same perilous state as the hoven ox,
an extreme case that will, perhaps, warrant the employment
of the same remedy ; though it must be borne in mind, that,
as the two animals have differently constructed alimentary
apparatus, an operation which may prove quite harmless in
one might be attended with great danger, or even loss of
life, in the other. This, however, in the present instance,
we are assured is not the case. Both in France, and in our
own country, the abdomen has been trocliared, not only Avith-
out that danger which might have been anticipated, but with
such results as would lead, in all hopeless cases at least, to
a repetition of the operation. Of this, an account has been
already given under "Tympanitic Stomach" (at p. 265-6). I
may here repeat, that the trocar used for the intestine, ought
to be not larger than that used for hydrocele by surgeons,
but, at least, twice as long. Sir Henry Marsh has relieved
cases of exeessive distension of the abdomen from flatus, (in
the human subject,) by introducing ?i, fine trocar.
ENTERITIS.
The intestines are composed of three layers of substance,
called coats, any one of which may become the seat of in-
flammation, to the exclusion — although all three are inti-
mately connected — of the other two ; or, at least, so far to
their exclusion that the others appear to be but secondarily
and comparatively mildly affected. Enteritis consists in an
inflammation of the middle or muscular coat — that which
338 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
forms the principal substance of the gut. We have evidence
of this when we come to slit open an enteritic intestine :
although the exterior looks as red as scarlet, the interior is
found to be hardly flashed. And even the aspect of the
exterior is likewise illusive ; for, if we now strip off the ex-
ternal or peritoneal coat, we shall discover that the redness
is underneath, the raised membrane being in itself trans-
lucent, with only a red blood-vessel to be seen here and
there, instead of such crowds of them as appear in the
muscular tunic.
The Symptoms of enteritis are, very many of them, so
far as regards the expression of suffering, the same as are
present in spasmodic colic. Indeed, it frequently occurs
that inflammation and spasms are combined ; though when-
ever inflammation by itself is present, in some stages it
seems hardly less painful than the paroxysms of spasmodic
colic. Want of appetite, dulness, and feverishness, com-
monly usher in an attack of enteritis. Should the disease,
however, set in suddenly, still, it rarely manifests itself with
the same precipitousness as colic. As soon as inflammation
has taken hold, spasm, though not constant, may on occa-
sions seize the bowel as well ; and this must tend, for the
moment, greatly to augment the pain. As in colic, there-
fore, the horse paws and stamps the ground; strikes his
belly ; cringes his body ; makes feints to lie down ; lies down ;
rolls, and, perhaps, upon his back ; rises again ; casts a
dolorous look at his flank ; pants, and blows, Tind sweats
from pain. In some cases, pawing with one fore foot is so
prominent a symptom that the horse will stand with his
head directed into one corner of his box, and do nothing else
but incessantly keep pawing the ground for hours together;
having all the while a most anxious expression of pain in
his eye ; casting, ever and anon, doleful retrospects at his
flank. His belly is tense, and painful to pressure, to-
wards the flanks drawn up ; and nothing is voided save a
few hard, angular, dark-coloured dung-balls, and they com-
monly at the commencement of the attack.
In enteritis there is not that interval of quietude or remis-
ENTERITIS. 329
siou from suffering so remarkable in colic ; while the pulse
(instead of at one time being contracted to a thread, at
another relaxed, and in number all the time natural) is full
and firm in its beat, and from first to last accelerated, even
to a high degree — to double, and in the latter stages, even
treble its natural frequency. The continuance of his tortur-
ing pains drives the animal to a state not merely of extreme
restlessness, but of real distress : he is either pawing, or re-
peatedly lying down and rising again ; or else he is walking
round his box, breathing hard, sighing, and, perhaps, occa-
sionally snorting. At length, his respiration becomes hurried
and oppressed ; his nostrils widely dilated ; his countenance
painfully vigilant, expressive of his sufferings ; his body
bathed in sweat, at one time hot, at another cold, and occa-
sionally seized with tremor ; his tail erect and quivering ;
mouth hot and dry; and (as Mr.Atcherley,V.S.,Bridgenorth,
remarks) the tongue becomes "peculiarly dry and contracted,"
such as it does in no other inflammation.
The last stage borders on delirium. The eye acquires a
wild, haggard, unnatural stare ; the pupil dilates ; his heed-
less and dreadful throes render approach to him quite
perilous : in short, he has become an object not only of
compassion but of apprehension, and seems fast hurrying to
his end; when, all at once, in the midst of agonising tor-
ments, he stands quiet, as though every pain had left him,
and he were going to recover. In this state, sometimes he
will make an attempt even to feed, and will drink fresh cold
water. His breathing becomes tranquillised; his pulse sunk
beyond all perception ; his body bedewed with a cold clammy
sweat ; he is in a tremor from head to foot, and about the
legs and ears has even a death-like feel. The mouth, also,
feels deadly chill; the breath becomes tainted or absolutely
fetid ; the lips drop pendulous ; and the eye seems un-
conscious of objects. In fine, death, and not recovery, is at
hand. No dung has passed of any account. Mortification
has seized the inflamed bowel ; pain can no longer be felt in
that which but a few minutes ago was the seat of exquisite
suffering. Should the horse be down at this time, he may
330 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
still muster strength enough to rise. Again, at the last, he
becomes convulsed, and in a few more struggles, less violent
than the former, he expires.
It does not invariably happen that a patient in whom the
disease has terminated in mortification sinks immediately.
I had, not long ago, a remarkable instance to the contrary.
A horse of the Queen^s Guard was seized with enteritis at
half-past one o^clock in the morning. No medical aid was
sought for him (and nothing, in fact, done for his relief)
until half-past eight the same morning ; at which time all
convulsion from pain had subsided. Four quarts of blood
were then abstracted; and afterwards I saw him, and ordered
some opium in an aloetic drink to be given. At ten o^clock
he walked, without apparent pain or difficnlty, from the
Horse Guards to the Regent Park barracks — a distance
of upwards of two miles. On his admission into a box, his
body was found cold, his mouth cold, his extremities very
cold ; his pulse small and quick ; such as indicated to the
feel '^ running down,^^ or '' sinking.^' He manifested no
pain ; but stood quite still, hanging his head, and looking
hopelessly depressed and ghastly. He continued standing
until four o'clock in the afternoon, every effort to warm his
body having proved ineffectual. All at once his legs failed
him, and he fell with his head twisted under his shoulder,
and would, had not a man been in attendance, in that posture
have died, strangulated. He rose once more; but shortly
afterwards sank down a second time, and, after a struggle
or two, expired. From three to four yards in extent of the
ileum were found in a state of mortification.
The SUREST Diagnosis between colic and enteritis is to
be found in the history of the case — in particular, in the
manner of attack ; in the intermissions ; in the state of the
pulse ; in the progress of the case : all which sufficiently
appear from what has been already stated. When the pa-
roxysms are not such as properly characterise sjaa^wioc^icco/ic —
not so violent, nor the pulse thready ; but, on the contrary,
the fits of pain, though but occasional, are comparatively
light, simple twitchings or nippings of the bowels, and the
ENTERITIS. 331
pulse is full and strong, but not rapid, I suspect stoppage
of bowel from some mechanical obstruction, such as length-
ened constipation, calculus, volvulus, &c. At the same
time, it must be borne in mind, that colic, should it prove
obstinate or protracted, is very likely to turn to enteritis ;
and that enteritis does not often run its course without
occasional spasm.
In former days, vital importance was attached to the
diagnostics between colic and enteritis, and there are prac-
titioners still who hold the distinction of great consequence.
I believe I di(f so myself at one time, but experience in
practice has altered my notions. I now, when the attack is
violent and sudden, do not take much trouble to ascertain
whether it be spasmodic or inflammatory, but at once make
a quick and copious abstraction of blood, give the " gripe
drench," and administer an enema. Supposing it is enteri-
tis, there may be spasm present, and whether there be or
not, the opium and ether will do no harm so long as it is
combined with cathartic medicine ; neither will the drastic
purgatives augment inflammation or irritation in the niuscula?'
tunic of the bowels so long as the mucous lining intervenes ;
but, in the end, by the copious efflux it is likely to produce,
confer a vast deal of service.
To the above observations I may add, that my present
plan is to give : Decoct. Aloes, C. ^iv. Spt. ^Ether. Sulph.
— Tr. Opii, aa 5ij, Aquae Bullient. Oj. M. ft. In two
hours^ time, supposing no change or relief, I give the same
drink, with only 5ij (instead of ^iv) of the decoction; in two
hours more, symptoms continuing, the same drink as before :
in two hours again repeat the same drink. This makes
^x of Barbadoes Aloes.
The Causes of enteritis are both numerous and various.
We have seen that colic may give rise to it. Constipation
may be viewed in the light both of cause and efl'ect in
relation to it. Collected hardened fseces must naturally
prove not only of themselves irritative, but obstructive and
subversive of the functions of the bowels ; and, in either one
or the other way, may lay the foundation for an attack of
332 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
inflammation. Certain kinds of indigestible food, calculous
bodies, irritating matters of any sort in fact within the
bowels, may cause an inflammation of them. Obstruction
of any of their passages — whether it be from the lodgment
and immoveableness of the matters they contain, or from
entanglement of the intestines, or intro-susception — must,
in the end, occasion inflammation. Over-fatigue, and
consequent excessive irritation of bowel, will bring it on.
Now and then, it will supervene upon a hard day's work,
such as hunting; though this is a case in which the symp-
toms will be less violent, and yet often equally dangerous.
Cold — from exposure, with skin wetted while hot, to a
current of air — is commonly entered high up in the list of
the causes of enteritis, and perhaps with propriety ; though,
for my own part, I must confess I have not met with so
many cases from this as from other causes.
Hernia, as in the case of unrelieved colic, must here
also — should the patient be a stone horse — become an
especial object of inquiry.^
The Duration of enteritis, in all the intensity I have
described it, cannot but be short. Destructibly violent and in-
sufferably painful asbowelinflammation is,neither the part nor
the constitution can withstand it for long : in from twelve
to twenty-four hours, after it has once fairly set in, a decisive
change may be expected : too often that change is — and
but too likely is it to prove to be — dissolution.
Uelapse has sometimes occurred, after the primary attack
has been subdued, and the animal considered to be out of
danger. I have seen the disease return a few hours after
all had been put an end to through copious and timely blood-
letting, &c. ; and tiie second attack, in spite of all that
could be done from the moment it set in, prove fatal. On
this account, I recommend a second bloodletting, in cases
even where the first has proved successful, two, or three, or
four hours after apparent recovery, should the pulse appear
at all to warrant it.
' For the mode in which this enquiry is to be conducted, consult the ac-
count of ' Inguinal Hernia.'
ENTERITIS. 333
Terminations. — Enteritis may end in resolution, or
rather in eiffusion. According to Hurtrel d^Arboval, it may
terminate in hsemorrliage. Its too common termination is
in gangrene or mortification : indeed, this is the inevitable
termination M^hen the disease is the result either of stricture,
entanglement, or mechanical obstruction, unrelieved, of any
kind. The small intestines — in particular the jejunum
and ileum — are the common seat of the inflammation,
when it has arisen without obstruction, or has followed
spasm. The affected parts exhibit various patchy shades of
redness, from the pink or scarlet to the purple, and even
black hue; the last indicating that the part has become
mortified, as, indeed, its softness and rottenness of texture
satisfactorily demonstrate. This portion of the gut com-
monly contains air, and now and then exhibits, when cut
into, masses of dark-coloured congealed blood. At the same
time, it is common to see effusion of water into the abdo-
minal cavity.
On occasions it happens, when the case prove protracted,
that the inflammation subsides, a passage becomes restored
per anum, and all appears to be going on well, save that
the animal evinces a difficulty of moving his limbs, his fore
ones in particular; and perhaps his legs swell from his re-
fusing to lie down. When this is the case, be very sus-
picious of the inflammation having, by metastasis, settled in
ihafeet, (the fore ones most likely, though the hind ones may
be affected likewise,) and laminitis be the result. Such an un-
expected termination as this, has, before now, led ignorant or
fault-finding owners of horses to accuse the veterinarian, in
attendance on the case, of want of knowledge of his profes-
sion; with the gentle inuendo, that he had thought the disease
was in the bowels, when it had turned out to be in the feet!
Mortification may ensue in eight or ten hours. —
The case related at p. 330 warrants this conclusion. The
horse was attacked at half-past one o'clock in the morning ;
at half-past eight o'clock all convulsion from pain had ceased
— he had become quite tranquil. This rapid and destructive
course of inflammation seated in the bowels must be borne
334 DISEASES OP THE INTESTINES.
in memory, as a fact forcibly impressive of the extreme im-
portance of putting what we determine on doing for the
animaFs relief into immediate execution. This leads me to say,
The Treatment of a case of inflammation of the bowels
requires, on the part of the practitioner, no less promptitude
than judgment : without the one, the other will, indeed, avail
but little. The rapidity of the inflammation ; its tendency to
mortification ; and the poignant pain and irritation, and
consequent fever, the animal all the while is sufiering, ve-
hemently urge us to the adoption of measures, not only of
ready application, but of speedy eff"ect. The first and grand
thing to be done, is to let blood from the jugular vein to
the utmost extent the patient will bear : the blood-can
ought not to be taken from the neck until evident prostra-
tion demands it. Should this come on prematurely — should
the horse stagger and appear faint from loss of blood, al-
though but a few pints have flowed, pin up the vein, and
administer to him his drench, and an injection ; and then,
should his strength seem revived, have recourse once more
to the fleam ; for blood he inust lose, and in large quantities
too, since upon that mainly depends his recovery.
Medicine. — There used to be — I believe there still exists
— scruples about exhibiting aloes in enteritis ; although
on all sides it is admitted that it is a case that calls most
loudly for medicine, cathartic ; or, at least, for a complete
evacuation of the bowels; and no one denies that it is the
muscular, and not the mucous, coat of the bowel which is
the seat of the inflammation. For my own part, I no
longer hesitate to prescribe aloes in solution, in combina-
tion with opium, the narcotic being now considered by
the best veterinary practitioners to be the appropriate remedial
agent we possess for colic, and certainly not an inapplicable
one for enteritis. I would therefore give, in a pressing case
immediately, the following drink : —
Decoct. Aloes, Oj;
Opii. 5J ;
Aquae Bullient., Oss. M.
Dissolve the opium in the boiling water, and add the decoction.
ENTERITIS. 335
In regard to the administration of oil in this disease,
I do not myself hold with such practice ; simply, because I
view it, on one side as next to inoperative or inert, and, on
the other, should it come into action, as dangerous. Olive
and castor oils are little worth as horse medicines ; and lin-
seed oil, in the dose to ensure its effect — a pint or a pint and
a half — is not exhibited without incurring danger from its
'operation. Barbadoes aloes is incomparably the most safe and
efficient cathartic we possess for horses ; and I can, for my
own part, see no objection whatever to its employment either
in colic or in enteritis.
Clysters constitute an important part of the treatment.
The common soap and water enema may be commenced
with ; and this, followed up by an aloetic injection ; or, in
case of emergency, by the tobacco enema, proves very eflFec-
tual : in fact, should the tobacco smoke enema, after two or
three administrations, be found to fail of affording relief,
clysters may be abandoned as powerless in the disease. The
prescribed forms for them will be found under " Colic" at
p. 324. The prussic acid enema, made by mixing from '^i
to fij of the acid with a gallon of water, may be made trial
of, if thought prudent.
Other Remedies. — The next thing required to be done,
is raking — removing, as far as the arm will reach, every
portion of faeces from the rectum; and this should be imme-
diately succeeded by the injection, with the patent syringe,
of copious aloetic clysters.^ Hot flannels wrung out from
boiling water may be attempted to be applied to the belly,
or a sack or bag filled with hay, and dipped in scalding hot
water, may be bound up close against it, or a sheep-skin but
just flayed is a good application, providing it can be confined
upon the surface : but, unfortunately, there is generally
much difficulty in accomplishing these soothing remedies,
and sometimes considerable danger, to the persons engaged,
in their application. A mustard embrocation — made by
' Vide the clyster ordered for colic. The first time, give the purging
clyster ; after effect, the soap and water, without the aloes ; in extremities, the
tobacco-enema.
336 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
pouring boiling vinegar slowly u]>on mustard, and stirring
them together to a proper consistence — can at all times be
rubbed on ; and I am not certain that it is not in the end
more serviceable than temporary heat. A terebinthinate
tincture of cantharides — made by steeping an ounce of
bruised cantharides in half-a-pint of spirits of turpentine, in
a stopper bottle, and kept ready for use — may be employed
instead of the mustard : it is calculated to relieve, not only
as a blister, but as an instantaneous counter-irritant. Some
dash boiling water upon the belly. The late Professor
Peall used to recommend that the surface be cauterized with
a broad flat firing-iron. Mr. Hales, of Oswestry, has a
warming-pan full of hot coals passed over the belly. Mr.
Atcherley used the actual cautery to the abdomen " in the
form of a large shovel, made red hot," in the last stage,
with success. Three or four hours after the first blood-
letting, should no change or abatement take place, a second
venesection, though not to the same depressing extent as
before, followed by the exhibition of another opiate drench,
(the aloes, after the first one, being omitted,) will probably be
called for; and a couple of hours after that, even a third
repetition of the opium : all this, however, must so entirely
depend upon circumstances, that no unalterable rules can
possibly be laid down.
A DERNIER Remedy we still possess, should the case
prove protracted enough to admit of its trial. Several years
ago, from knowing the extensive and advantageous use
surgeons in their practice applied Calomel and Opium to, I
resolved to give it a trial in our own ; and I feel now some
pride and much satisfaction in being able to add, that the
experiment turned out of good account. The moment other
(foregoing) remedies seem to be wanting in any good effect,
I commenced employing Opium and Calomel, giving the
following ball every four hours : —
Be Hydrarg. Chlorid. 9ij ;
Pulv. Opii, 9j ;
Far. Avense, 3iv;
Terebinth. Vulgar, q. s. ut. f. Bol.
VOLVULUS. 337
Under its administration the mouth will require watching.
The first sign of its entering the system will be tainted or
fetid breath ; the next^ reddening of the gums. There is
no need, in fact it is not prudent, to push the mercury to
salivation; indeed, it not unfrequently happens tliat before
the mercury can be traced coming, constitutionally, into
action, the disease is found giving way under its influence ;
when it is advisable altogether to discontinue its exhibition.
As for FOOD, the horse will take none; and even were he
so inclined, he should not be allowed any. He will, pro-
bably, drink; and he may, with advantage, be suffered to
drink as much gruel or white water, or even plain water
providing it be chilled, as he pleases : fluids will assist in
bringing on purgation. Let simple soap and water or gruel
clysters be frequently repeated. Also, repeat the embrocation
or blister to the belly, should it not be found taking effect
in six or eight hours.
VOLVULUS.
Lengthy and loose and convoluted as the horse's intestinal
tube is, it need raise no wonder that portions of it, on occa-
sions, become twisted or entangled ; on account whereof
all passage through its canal is arrested. Some highly in-
structive cases of this description have appeared in ' The
Vetekinarian :' indeed, enough of them have of late years
come to our knowledge, to convince us, that such mishaps
are of less rare occurrence than some twenty years ago we
seemed to have had any notion of. The case which, from
its comparative frequency, has attracted the most notice, is
that where a new-formed body growing from the mesentery
— commonly a globular adipose tumour — has, by means of
a long chordiform pedicle by which it is attached, wound
itself around a portion of ileum, doubled in a manner to
form a sort of knuckle, and so has strangled the intestine.
An instance of this occurred in my regimental practice in
1827. In 1829, the particulars of a similar one were
published in 'The Veterinarian' by Mr. AV. Goodwin,
II. 23
338 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
accompanied with an illustrative engraving, which represents
more naturally the state of the parts than anything of the
kind I have met with. Mr. C. Percivall has related, in
' The Veterinarian ' for 1830, a case, in which the ileum
proved to be in itself " twisted and thus strangulated, close
upon its termination in the csecum/^^ This is a favorite
spot for volvulus to happen in.
The Symptoms this internal stricture and strangulation
of intestine produces are, in general, violent to a degree,
though similar in many respects to those resulting from
colic, or, rather, enteritis. The poor sufferer paws, and lies
down, and rolls, and looks at his flank, and pants, in horrible
agony ; his belly becomes tense and tympanitic ; his pulse is
quick and small — 70 or 80 — but not thready; at least, I
have not found it so. For the first half a dozen hours, all
that we do appears of no avail. Afterwards, a calm takes
place, and we are apt to. think our remedies have induced
it; let us, however, but examine the pulse and we shall
find our patient is evidently sinking ; perhaps, at this very
time, is all over in a tremor and cold sweat ; and this
deceitful calm proves nothing but the too certain precursor of
mortification. The animal commonly dies in convulsions.
Duration. — Two of the cases to which I have alluded
survived forty-eight hours ; the other sank in six hours after
the attack.
Rupture of the Intestine has followed entanglement.
A curious and interesting case of this description^ happened
in the practice of Mr. Pritchard, Wolverhampton.
A cart-horse continued experiencing fits of gripes every
three or four days, which were sometimes relieved by
' A fatal case of volvulus occurred to me, in which a knuckle of the same
portion of the ileum was found insinuated and strangulated within the peritoneal
passage through which the duodenum crosses the spine ; the horse, with violent
symptoms resembling " gripes," having so great a propensity to lie down that he
could not be kept upon his legs at exercise. Remedy of all description failed to
afford him permanent relief; the tobacco enema seemed to give him temporary
ease. He lived nearly forty-eight hours; but an hour before death appeared
to have become free from pain.
^ Detailed in the ' Veterinarian,' vol. iii, p. 95.
INTRO-SUSCEPTION. 339
medicine ; at other times worked their own rehef. The
attacks afterwards became more alarming ; the animal lost
flesh, and was no longer capable of work. In December,
he died. On opening the body, a strange "scene of entangled
intestines'' presented. Many of the convolutions of the small
intestines were " entangled by three distinct cords, consisting
of torn portions of omentum, which membrane was very
much thickened." Though " so much fettered,'' no strangu-
lation appeared. A strong, dense, firm ligature, of a dark
colour, enfolded the base of the caecum, which was formed
by the mesocolon. " Between this ligature and the caput
coli, to the left side, was a rupture, two inches in diameter;"
through which quantities of liquid feculent matter had escaped.
INTRO-SUSCEPTION.
Intus or Intro-susception means the slipping of one
portion of intestine into another — commonly into the one
behind it. In the human subject, especially in children,
this appears to be an accident by no means uncommon, and
one that happens and rights itself again without any
knowledge on the part of the subject in whom it occurs. I
would not take upon myself to say that such vagaries were
not played among the bowels of horses; though it seems
unlikely that they often occur from the circumstance of our
meeting so rarely with anything of the kind in our post-
mortem inspections. Foals are most liable to it. Mr.
Cartwright attended one, five weeks old, for quick respiration
and pulse, and dropsical swelling of one arm, of which he
appeared to die. On opening the abdomen, however, Mr. C.
was surprised to find extensive intro-susception of the ileum.
The small intestines are oftenest intro-suscepted : the French
veterinarians have recorded some cases. In another case
mentioned by the same gentleman, the small intestines
were found thickened in substance, and were " in twelve or
fifteen places intro-suscepted." A third case, of a foal only
" a day old," in which, about four yards from the stomach,
" a foot of small intestine was drawn completely into another
portion of gut. It had descended from above into the
340 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
intestine below. The parts were almost " sphacelated."
Mr. Cartwright is inclined to think " that this was originally a
case of spasmodic colic ;" and that in the fit " one portion
of gut had been drawn into the other," ('Veterinarian/
1845.) In ' The Veterinarian ' for 1813, Mr. Walker,
V.S., Southam, mentions a case of a cart-colt, five weeks
old. The animal suffered much with enteritic symptoms
for several hours ; after death it was found that " a portion
of the ileum had passed into the same intestine situated
posteriorly to it, to the extent of more than two feet.
And this was in a state of decomposition, &c." But
Mr. Hales, of Oswestry, met with an instance of the whole
of the CEecum being inverted and received within the colon,
the former being in a state of inflammation bordering on
mortification. This horse suffered violent paroxysms of
colic for four days. The late Mr. Turner, V.S., Montreal,
sent a case to ' The Veterinarian ' in 1849, in which " no
less than sixteen feet four inches of the ileum had become
inverted (invaginated)." Mr. Dunsford, V.S., London,
attended an aged horse for influenza, who the following day
was attacked in Mr. Dunsford's own stable with sudden
violent colic pains. He died in ten hours. And there
appeared — besides " considerable inflammation" of the peri-
toneal coat of both large and small intestines, more
especially of the caecum and colon, which were in an active
state of decomposition — protrusion of the ileum for eighteen
inches into the caecum. (Veterinarian, 1842.) In cases of
obstructed bowels, the pain is less acute and violent than in
colic, though there may be, and generally is, I believe, inter-
missions of freedom from pain, which again distinguish the
case from enteritis, wherein the pain or suffering is constant.
Again, when the case becomes protracted to three or four,
or more days, it is pretty certain it is not colic ; and as the
expressions of pain, and the pulse are at times quiet, it is
equally certain inflammation is not present, {Vide 'Vete-
rinarian,* 1843, December.) Sighing is often a prevalent, and
I believe ominous symptom, in hopeless cases. We have little
else to lead us to a suspicion^ of these and such-like internal
INTRO-SUSCEPTION. 341
accidents during life, but the extraordinary violence of the
symptoms, and the total iuefficacy of all the means we employ.
Pathology. — I have long imagined — and I find I am
far from being singular in entertaining such a notion — that,
on occasions, it happens that cases such as I have been
describing are the result of common colic ; that, in the
commotion excited among the intestines, some of them get
twisted, entangled, or intro-suscepted, or worm themselves
into situations from which they cannot withdraw themselves
again. Still, however, many cases occur in which, from the
change of structure apparent, as well as the adhesions
present, it is evident that the contrary is the correct
pathology ; and that the mishap, whatever it may be, has
existed for some considerable time before.
The Morbid Effects consequent upon these internal
strictures are, inflammation in its various forms and stages,
from the pink hue of the peritoneum, and of such intestines
as are remote from the place of stricture, to the black and
gangrenous condition of the parts immediately implicated.
The intestines not only exhibit these various shades of
redness ; they are often found to be actually of different
colours, some being red, some green, some black, while
others remain unchanged — white.^ Those guts that are
anterior to the stricture are commonly distended with air :
the rest are flaccid. The coats of such of them as are
involved in the stricture are often enormously thickened
from interstitial effusion. In Mr. Goodwin's case, the coats
of the colon proved " almost three times their natural
thickness ;" also a great deal of blood — sometimes congealed,
sometimes fluid — is occasionally found in their cavities. In
the case related by Mr. C, Percivall, and in the one
mentioned of intus-susception by Mr. Cartwright, the
strangulated gut presented the appearance rather of a mass
of extravasated blood than intestine. In addition to which,
in Mr. Percivall's case, there were from three to four gallons
of fluid within the cavity of the belly.
' Care must be taken not to confound with these the changes of colour which
ensue after death.
342 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
Diagnosis. — The only distinguishing symptoms I have
been able to detect in such cases as volvulus or intus-
susception, are — instead of the animal lying down and
rising continually, and pawing and stamping, and evincing
all that restlessness he does in colic and enteritis, he
generally manifests the greatest propensity to lie down :
lying down and remaining down, only trying from time to
time various new postures for relief, such as lying now upon
his side, then rolling upon his back, and afterwards by
stretching out his fore legs, placing himself upon his belly,
and from thence raising himself upon his hind quarters like
a dog ; groaning all the while, and casting many a dolorous
look backward at his belly. He will seldom rise of his own
accord; but you may rouse him up: no sooner, however, is
he up, than he begins turning himself round, with his nose
poking down, looking about for a fresh place to lie down
upon. The pulse is not quick, but soft : and nowise
thready or contracted.
Treatment. — In the beginning, these cases either really
are, or are to be regarded as, ^' gripes ;" and as, nominally,
such are to be treated. A-fter the lapse of some hours, finding
our patient not amending, and the symptoms manifesting ex-
traordinary urgency, we for the first time, probably, entertain
suspicions that entanglement, or intus-susception, or internal
stricture, or obstruction of some kind or other, must exist ;
but of what nature, or whereabouts, we are, and are likely to
remain, in complete ignorance. In this state of mystification
what is to be done ? Some farrier of olden days answers —
" thrust an eel down the patient^s throat, in order that it may
crawl through tlie interrupted passages, and thus right them ! "
Human physicians of former ages recommended that mercury
should be poured down the throat, with the intention that,
through its weight, it might penetrate from the stomach to
the anus, and in that manner permeate the passages : and
did the intestinal tube pursue a straight line through a
man^s body, the project would be feasible enough. As
matters stand, I know really of nothing that can be done by
way of remedy, unless we adopt the forlorn expedient of
CONSTIPATION. 313
Fromage de Feugre, of making an opening into the flank
sufficiently large to admit the hand, and, with it introduced,
endeavour to rectify whatever may be found amiss. I much
doubt whether a horse would survive such an operation . Even
supposing there was a chance of the animal's survival, however,
such cases as these are ever enveloped in so much obscurity
and doubt, that I do not think the operator with his groping
hand at all likely to discover their true nature, even should
he feel out the seat of the mischief.
CONSTIPATION.
Nosologists have varied in opinion in their views of this
pathological condition, some regarding it as a state or genus
divisible into kinds or degrees, others looking upon it as
but one distinct order of disease. It may either proceed
from habit, or be the result of some other disease proving a
cause of obstruction. Some writers have, and with reason,
made a difi'erence between costiveness and constipatioii .-
the former being but a temporary or slight obstruction, and
one originating in habit, or in faulty digestion of some kind ;
while the latter is apt to be enduring and permanent, and
may proceed from causes of difficult or impossible removal.
Costiveness is a condition of bowels not uncommon to
horses standing constantly in stables, highly fed, and in
high condition, and especially when their provender consists
in a great measure of grain and pulse, such as old beans,
while their work or exercise is incommensurate with the
heating properties of such high feeding. Increase of walk-
ing exercise given to horses so disposed, or the substitution
of mashes for their night^s feed, twice or thrice a week, will
serve often to counteract the febrile disposition induced by
such keep; though, should it at any time amount to anything
approaching to constipation, cathartic medicine ought to be
employed. Dr. Cullen was of opinion that costiveness, in the
greater number of cases, arose principally in consequence of
the absorption of the more fluid parts of the alimentary and
fiecal matters ; and there seems reason, when one comes to
consider the quantity of fluid ordinarih^ taken in with the
344 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
ingesta, to regard this as the correct view; and what tends
in measure to confirm it, is the deprivation or shortness of
supply of water many highly-conditioned and highly-fed
horses are doomed to undergo — a practice originating in
false notions about giving but a certain or regular quantity
of water at niglit-feedlng , a time when the supply of drink
to every description of horse ought to be unrestricted.
Constipation, truly or pathologically so-called, may
be said to arise from causes which call for the interference
of medical aid for their removal. Inveterate costiveness
may at times become so prolonged as to produce a state
of constipation (as it is sometimes called obstqjation) arising
either in accumulated quantities of retained faeces, owing,
perhaps, from some torpidity of function in the bowels, more
probably of the larger than the smaller guts, and in parti-
cular of the colon, which is the common bed of lodgment
of such accumulations. Collections of dung detained for
any unusual period in capacious chambers like the colon,
become dry and hard, and ultimately caked and matted
together by the secretions so as in the end to form what
are called dung-balls : occasioning obstruction, which, unre-
lieved, grows dangerous in the extreme. Should attention
not be attracted to the horse, owing to the constipated state
of his bowels, after a time inflammation will be liable to
seize the distended bowel, which speedily hurries on even
to sphacelation, or to a state of ulceration, with mortifica-
tion, giving rise at first to symptoms of colic, though, subse-
quently, to those of deceptive ease and quiet, notwithstanding
the case is at this very time hastening to its end.
It is possible, such lengthened constipation may, with
other circumstances, lead to some suspicion or demonstra-
tion of the plugged and loaded bowel. I remember hearing
the late Mr.King,V.S., Stanmore, state, that, on one occasion,
being called in to a case of this description, and feeling as-
sured that the cause was an obstructed colon, he, as a dernier
resource, made an opening with a scalpel into the flank,
introduced his hand, and broke down the mass of obstruc-
tion, which was followed by copious emission of fseces. The
CONSTIPATION.
345
remedy, however, proved no less fatal than the disease. A
good deal of information is to be obtained in such a case as
this by a thorough examination of the rectum : this, in con-
junction with inspection and feeling of the abdomen, will
now and then aftbrd a clue to the nature of the existing
stoppage, and thus offer some prospects, faint though they be,
to the solution and recovery of the case. By means of an
elastic (bougie-like) tube, which through its pliability, may
follow the flexures of the gut, and penetrate farther along
the canal than an inflexible clyster-pipe, clysters may after-
wards be forced up to reach nearly, or quite as far as the
obstruction : and above all injections, tobacco-smoke will
be the most likely to permeate to such an extent. This
smoke enema may be administered through the same appa-
ratus (Read^s syringe) as the ordinary clyster is : the syringe
requiring only, for the ignition of the tobacco, a metallic
cylinder or box to be fixed to the nozzle of the syringe.
The annexed woodcut will show the method of applying
the apparatus. Two men are wanted to work it properly.
346 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
In regard to internal medicine, none is worthy of greater
reliance than doses of aloes in solution, repeated as often as
seems required, and can be borne. That failing, croton
powder, which is more effectual than the oil, may be given,
either in ball or floating in powder upon the aloetic
solution.
Constipation being an ordinary symptom in enteritis,
our remedies to relieve it must be directed to the inflamma-
tory disease causing it, rather than to the constipative con-
dition itself: and between such morbid states, we ought to
be early in making satisfactory distinction. When dung-
ball, or other kind of intestinal concretion is present, filling
the cavity, we shall, in general, in vain use means to relieve
the case : it is but too surely fatal in the end to admit of
any hope or possibility of relief.
INTESTINAL CONCRETIONS.
Concretions or " stones" are found in the stomach as
well as in the intestines : of which we have recently seen
recorded cases, such as no longer leave room for doubt or
further question on the subject. Within the intestines
they are oftentimes discovered at the slaughter-houses, and
by the knackers are brought to us for sale ; in which way
we may soon make a collection, though, probably, without
being able to glean the history of hardly any one of them.
Commonly, they are found in the large guts ; sometimes,
in the small : their ordinary place of lodgment appears to
be the colon. Mr. Karkeek reports a case in ' The Veteri-
narian' for 1836, whose history he obtained from a farrier, in
which the " stone'' was said to have been lodged in the point
of the caecum. Mr. Goodwin mentions an instance of the
small intestines being obstructed by calculus.
Number, Magnitude, and Weight. — There may exist
but a single stone ; there may be several : or, like pebbles,
calculi may and do occasionally collect in very consider-
able numbers. I have seen hundreds of small stones taken
INTESTINAL CONCRETIONS. 347
out of one horse. Their magnitude bears much relation to
their number. I had one that measured eight inches in
diameter when sawn asunder ; and it weighed forty ounces.
Opposed to this, I have possessed numbers not weighing
as many grains each. One brought by Trump (a farrier of
the 1st Life Guards) to show me (at Hyde Park Barracks,
in May, 1843), weighed 211bs.,^ and measured in circum-
ference, lengthwise 27 i inches, crosswise 25 inches j and
was of the hard lamellated description — the ammoniaco-
magnesian phosphate.
A calculus of thg same description (viz., hard and lamellated
— the ammoniaco-magnesian phosphate), brought to Regent
Park Barracks, June, 1851, by the foreman to Trew, coal
merchant, weighed 171bs.,^ and measured in greatest circum-
ference 26 inches, and in greatest diameter 9. In shape it
was a flattened oval.
In Form and Colour calculi also vary a great deal.
Every stone possesses a nucleus of some kind, or central
part, around which the calculous matter collects, and this
ordinarily regulates the form it is to take. Any hard body
the horse happens to swallow may become such nucleus :
pebbles, portions of grindstone, grit of any sort, &c. I
had a stone in which a horse-nail formed the nucleus, as its
external shape, indeed, would have led any one to imagine.
Sometimes, however, the shape of the calculus will be de-
termined by the place in which it happens to be lodged :
many found in the colon are lobulated, like collected dung-
balls, from having taken the form of the cells of the gut.
Their colour depends, for the most part, upon their compo-
sition. The hard stones are generally white, or white
streaked with red. The softer ones are dung-coloured, or of
a dirty-black hue.
There are Three Kinds of intestinal concretions. One
is hard and exclusively earthy in its composition, bearing
much resemblance externally to our common pebble ; though
when fractured it is found to be made up of thin fragile
strata, arranged after the manner of the several concentric
' Calculi lose their weight from age, by loss of moisture and desiccation.
348 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
lamellse of an onion. The earthy matter has been found by
Fourcroy and Vauquelin to be an ammoniacal magnesian
phosphate. Girardin examined one, which he found to
consist of : —
Ammoniaco-phosphate of Magnesia . . . .48*
Phosphate of Lime 19*
Water of Composition 14'
Animal Matter "80
Soluble Salts, &c 6-60
Extractive Matters 4*
Fatty Matter 7-
Loss •. . -60
100-
The second kind, soft, loose, friable, and without dis-
tinguishable lamellae in its structure, appears to be a compo-
sition of earthy and mucous and stercoraceous matters min-
gled together.
The third kind consists of dry hardened dung, and masses
of imperfectly changed hay and corn, and, perhaps, straw as
well, agglutinated together by the mucus of the bowels.
There is a fourth kind — a ball composed of hair ; but I am
not so sure about this being found in the horse : in cows,
who lick themselves, the production is common enough.
Why Calculi should form in a horse's bowels has no
right to surprise us, when we know that, on occasions, not
only is much dust swallowed with his food, but that the
voracious feeder is disposed, whenever he has the opportu-
nity, to lick up and swallow a great deal of dirt. Horses
picquetted while troops are encamped, will commonly first
tear up and consume every blade of grass or weed within
their reach, and afterwards will eat the roots, even the very
earth in which they grow ; a propensity not, perhaps, natural
to them, but one engendered from being dissatisfied with
their scanty rations, as well as from having nothing else to
divert attention when their food is consumed. Even in the
stable, dusty hay is often given ; and oats full of grit and
fragments of stone. Millers' horses are said to be especially
INTESTINAL CONCRETIONS. 349
subject to these formations, from the circumstance of their
food consisting principally of bran and mill-dust. The mill-
stones must necessarily impart more or less of their sub-
stance to whatever they grind into dust or meal, and this
gritty or calculous matter it is which becomes afterwards
the principal component of the concretion.
Symptoms. — Numerous instances have occurred of nothing
having been known or suspected of the existence of calculi^
until they have been accidentally discovered after death.
Indeed, from what knowledge we possess of them in living
bodies, it would appear that they rarely trouble the animal
in any way during their collection or formation ; not at all,
indeed, until their volume proves such as to block up the
passage ; and then (the same as an internal stricture)
they bring on inflammation of the bowel, mortification, and
death. It is possible they may, however, without obstruct-
ing, irritate the bowel, and in that manner occasion the
horse paroxysms of pain, giving rise to symptoms indis-
tinguishable by us from enteritis. Mr. Hurford, V.S., 15th
Hussars, remarks to me, it is surprising what a quantity of dirt
(gravel and clay) the horses in India, picquetted out in the
open air, will eat ; he has seen tlie mucous lining of the
colon coated with mud. In another case, which recovered,
Mr. Hurford weighed the quantity of gravel passed daily
with the dung, and found it in the end to amount to
121bs. lioz. ! When the bowel becomes obstructed,
the horse is attacked with what is supposed to be ordinary
" gripes ;" and treatment in accordance with such belief is at
first instituted. The pulse, however, does not become
thready, as in colic, neither is there any excitement in its
beat denotive of inflammation. But the pains grow sharper,
and continue undiminished, without any decided or lengthened
remission of them as happens in colic, and they in this
manner continue until inflammation, which has now attacked
the gut, has ended in mortification of the obstructed parts
of it ; and then they all at once subside, and are apt by their
cessation to give rise to the deceptive belief that the animal
is about to recover. All the while there is, of course.
350 _ DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
unrelieved constipation : sucli dung as passes^ coming from
the passages only which are posterior to the obstruction :
there also commonly is a good deal of flatus discharged, ac-
companied mostly with tympanitic distension of the belly.
Effects, — It is surprising what a length of time these
cases will endure before death, which, though from the first
inevitable, comes to put an end to their sufl'erings. One
case' I had lasted thirteen days ; another, eleven. These
days are critical. The colon is the seat of obstruction in
almost all such cases, though occasionally the rectum has
proved to be so. Sometimes it happens that, before death, a
passage of faeces takes place ; which appears to be owing to
relaxation of the spasmed intestine, around the calculus, prior
to dissolution.
Treatment. — Supposing, from the animaFs habit of
feeding, or from some calculous matter having been observed
in his dung — circumstances both very doubtful in respect
to their presence or coming to our knowledge — we had some
reason to suspect the existence of stone, I hardly know how
such stone could be removed, unless it should so happen that
it lay in the rectum within reach of the hand. A brisk purge
might be tried ; but if the stone happened to be large and
heavy, this would not be likely to expel it. Strong acids
would dissolve the stone out of the body; but, in the strength
in which one would dare to give them inwardly, they would
certainly lose much, if not all of their power, by dilution and
neutralisation, before they arrived at the calculus.
Hardened Masses of Dung have been known to collect
within the colon, and block up the passage through it as
effectually as though there had been a calculus; which,
purges and clysters, and every medicinal means that could be
devised, have failed to remove. As was alluded to on a
former occasion, Mr. King, of Stanmore, had a case of this
kind. Nothing had passed through the horse for thirteen
days ; and he had strong reason for believing that such was
the nature of the stoppage. The animal's fate was sealed.
Mr. King determined, as a last expedient, to make an open-
' Published in the ' Veterinarian ' for 1852, vol. xxv, p. 177.
INTESTINAL WORMS. 351
ing through the flank. He did so ; and, introducing his hand,
found what he expected — hardened fseces collected; which
he squeezed and broke in pieces. The operation was followed
by abundant discharges of dung. But relief had arrived too
late : the animal already had sunk to a state of depression
past recovery.
INTESTINAL WORMS.
Out of the many kinds of worms inhabiting various parts
of the bodies of different animals/ we in general reckon four
— though some writers mention a fifth — as claiming for their
abode the intestines of the horse. Another description, named
by Professor Joly, the hypoderma equi, inhabits the skin.
For an account of it see ' The Veterinarian^ for December,
1850, vol. xxiii, p. 607. This account is carried to
" Diseases of the Skin,^^ vol. i, of this work. That one
animal should be destined to spend its life within the body
of another, and be so completely dependent for its existence
upon the one affording it a nidus that it can neither
live out of its body nor survive its death, is one of those
phenomena appearing to us like a freak of Nature, at the
same time that, in a philosophical point of view, it turns
out, on examination, quite beyond our comprehension. A
fact even, perhaps, still more curious than this is, that the
same variety of worm which inhabits the body of one species
of animal will not live — at least, so we have a right to
suppose from its never being found — within the body of an
animal of another and different class : as with lice and fleas,
so it seems to be with worms; each kind having not only its
appropriate part of the body as its nidus, but likewise its
particular species of animal to infest.
Origin. — Hurtrel d'Arboval has been at the pains to review
some out of the divers hypotheses which have been framed
1 Those found in the skin, in the eye, and other parts, shall be noticed in the
disease of such structures. In an operation for castration, Mr. Cooper, V.S,,
Berkhampstead, discovered on laying open the cavity of the tunica vaginalis
several worms floating about in the aqueous secretion contained therein.
352 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
in answer to the obscure questions — hoiv do ivorms get into
the body ? or, hoiv are they bred there ? The ancients
entertained notions that they were bred therein through
corruption and putrefaction of various matters: such changes
as these, however, we now know within a Hving body can
never happen. A more reasonable hypothesis is, that
numberless forms and kinds of worms are diffused throughout
nature which only await time and place to develop them-
selves : this is comparing the worm to the hot, and without
the support of any evidence to show that the former, like the
latter, undergoes any transformation — that they ever exist
in any other than the state of worm ; or, indeed, have the
power of existence at all out of the body. What also
operates against this notion is, that worms have been seen
in the sucking foalj nay, in the foetus even. Linnseus
imagined that both water and earth contained these forms.
Some have conceived that animals might transfer worms from
one to another through cohabitation. Velisnieri says,
animals are born with worms, and that all have them ; but
that the development of them requires a concurrence of
favorable circumstances. The worms found in foetuses have
been ascribed to hereditariness : in which case the parents
must be shown to have some of the same kind ; and, after
that, a way must be discovered for them to get from one to
the other.
The theory most in favour at the present day is that which
ascribes to them spontaneous and unassisted generation ;
though this seems one hardly more susceptible of proof than
some of the others. There are, however, some ingenious
arguments advanced in support of it, such as, worms existing
prior to birth ; their incapability of living out of the body ;
their presence in diflferent parts, even in parts the most
profound and impenetrable ; the animal's total unconscious-
ness of their presence; each animal having its particular
sorts of worms; and the worms themselves differing in
structure from any out of the bodj^, and not being able to
subsist on anything but digested alimentary matters and
secretions. Now, as hydatids exist which are incapable, for
INTESTINAL WORMS. 353
want of sexual organs, of propagation, is it an impossible
thing for particles of matter to coalesce and form worms,
and thus become animate, like as the hydatid does? Is it
not in some such manner as this that the chyle nourishes
and regenerates Hving fibre ? To these questions, indeed, to
the theory altogether, Hurtrel d'Arboval has made some
plausible enough objections, for which I must refer my
render to his work, not having room for them here.
Production. — Pecuhar states of body — certain external
circumstances — either conduce to, or else are consequent on,
the presence of worms. Poverty of body appears to be
favorable to their generation; the common notion being
that the worms themselves reduce an animal's condition;
though it is one that will, I believe, be found but in com-
' paratively few cases to be true. Long residence on pasture
in marshy or other wet grounds has been observed to be
followed by worms. Stagnant water and miasms of various
kinds have also been thought to give rise to them. It is
certain that young animals are much more frequent subjects
of worms than either adults or such as are declining in
years; and that the more weakly and unthriving such animals
appear, the more likely they are to be or become verminous.
It is difficult to extract any principles, or even any plausible
theory, out of these several commonly admitted facts.
Hurtrel d'Arboval imagines that the development of worms
is connected with an excited or irritated condition of the
alimentary passages — a condition in which their mucous
secretion is augmented; one, he says, remarkable enough,
consequent on or connected with those states of general
debility so frequently accompanied by worms. He cannot
pretend to say whether the redundance of mucous secretion
be the cause of their production, or whether it may not be
owing to their presence and irritation ; but he feels himself
warranted in asserting that their presence is always an-
nounced by signs of " sur- ex citation" of the mucous mem-
brane itself.
Propagation and Development. — Intestinal worms, we
learn from Rosen, are all oviparous; but there are, fortu-
II.
23
354 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
nately, many obstacles in the way of all their eggs hatching;
for if such did not exist^ the animal would probably be
*' eaten up'^ by worms. For their germination, certain de-
grees of heat and repose become absolutely necessary ; and
both these, in particular the last, the ova are not always in
situations to receive ; besides which, many of them are car-
ried away with the excrement, and expelled joer miuni ; in ad-
dition to others, which, from various causes — morbid secre-
tions, gases, deleterious matters in the aliment, &c. — turn
out to be rotten. Once hatched, the intestinal worm grows
the same as other worms, deriving its aliment by suction from
the animal liquids and solids, and such secretions as seem
especially adapted for its support. From the circumstance
of their dying at the time the animal containing them
dies, it would seem as if they did not and could not subsist
upon the mere alimentary matters in the intestines ; or else,
that they died from loss of that genial warmth, together with
the nutriment, furnished by vitality. Instances have been
known of their becoming numerous enough to cause the
destruction of the animal they inhabited ; but such cases
are very rare. In the opinion of Hurtrel d^Arboval, in all
animals they do more or less harm. Their end may be,
expulsion from the body alive, or they may die, and after-
wards become voided, and still entire and perfect : though,
should they remain in the bowels any length of time after
death, they would undergo change and decomposition, and
be voided as what is vulgarly called corruption.
The Symptoms assigned to the presence of worms are so
numerous that one would think there could be no difficulty
in pronouncing upon them ; and yet, after all, how stands
the matter of fact ? Why, that in no one, nor even in all
of them together, can we place such implicit evidence as is
furnished by the actual expulsion of one or more of the
worms themselves, along with the faeces. Those enumerated
by different authors are, — expressions, more or less violent,
of colicky pains ; attended with unusual whisking about of
the tail ; tenesmus ; and frequent discharge, per mmm-, of
mucus, or else of dung, enveloped in glairy mucous matter;
INTESTINAL WORMS. 355
au oscillatory motion of the tail, even when no colic is
present ; and, owing to the continual itching about the anus,
a disposition to rub the root of the tail or the rump against
anything within reach; the appearance of exsiccated matter,
in the form of a white or else a yellow powder, about the
fundament; the horse licking the white-washed wall, and
nibbling the manger, and even parts of his own body as
well ; eating any earth or clay or chalk he can get at, and
being, as it is said, fond of salt in particular ; raising his
upper lip and rubbing it against the wall ; his coat being
dry and rough, and remaining on in patches long after it
ought to have been shed ; his skin tight and bound ; lean in
condition, and unable to be got to thrive : added to which,
there is a feverislmess about him ; his pulse is small and
accelerated ; his mouth unusually dry and warm ; and his
appetite fastidious, as well as vitious. After all this detail,
hoAvever, as I said before, I should advise that practitioner
who sets a value on the correctness of his judgment, to give
but a dubious opinion until such time as a worm, or some
fragment or evidence of one, shall appear in the fteces.
Kinds. — Of the genus of worm called ascaiis there are
many species. Rudolphi reckons seventy-eight : of them,
two inhabit the intestines of horses; viz. the ascaris liimbri-
coides, and the ascaris vermicularis. There has been also
found, on rare occasions, the strongulus, and the t(snia ; and
some^ say, the fasciola.
The Ascaris Lumbricoides, or lumbricus teres, is the
long round worm we most frequently discover in the dung
of horses living in stables. In form it much resembles the
common earth-worm, being cylindrical, about as large round
as a woman's little finger, and in length varying from three
to four inches to a foot. Two years ago I had one brought
me that- measured thirteen inches in length and one inch
around its middle : another, the same year, that measured
ten inches in length. Gibson says he has seen them " about
eighteen inches long,'^ and^ " larger than a man's finger."
August 24th, 1843, G 31, while at the forge, voided one
' Chabert and Girard both testify to having seen fasciolae in horses.
356 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
thirteen inches long, but not above half an inch around
the middle; and on the 10th of December following, the
same horse, (G 31) now four years old, passed a Avorm of
the same kind, measuring twenty-seven inches in length,
having, in the course of the same week, voided 150, varying
from six to eighteen inches long, of the same family. The
worm is largest around its middle, from which it tapers off
regularly towards either extremity, becoming at both ends
pointed. In general, they are white ; sometimes they have
a red cast. It mostly happens that a single worm is passed,
which would incline us to believe they were solitary
within the bowels ; however this may be, we know, occa-
sionally, they have been found not only congregated, but in
vast numbers together. Chabert tells us he found fourteen
pounds (French) of them within a horse's small intestines !
Their usual place of residence is the small guts ; though I
have discovered them coiled up together into a sort of ball
within the stomach — at the same time that bots were clinging
to its vascular part : rarely are any discovered within the
large intestines. Be where they may, they are enveloped in
mucus : seeming as if they preferred those situations in which
that secretion was most abundant. Hurtrel d'Arboval has
observed, that in the places where they are lodged in any
numbers, the mucous membrane is wrinkled and reddened ;
sometimes he has found it exulcerated, and covered with a
sort of fungus : all which he adduces as evidence of what he
endeavours to prove is of the nature of an accompanying
gastro-enteritis. In the spring of the year I have seen these
worms full of young ones, looking like tangles of white
or yellowish- white thread, within them.
The AscARis Vbrmicularis. — ascarides, commonly so
called — is the small, needle-like, lively worm we occasionally
find in vast numbers within the large intestines ; and parti-
cularly within the blind pouch of the cjecum. The worm
is commonly semi-transparent, or, when dead, opaque white —
though, I have found a black variety, from half to one inch
in length ; and is at one end obtuse, which is the head of the
worm ; at the other, sharp-pointed, which is its tail. It is
INTESTINAL WORMS. 357
au exceedingly lively and agile little creature — in liquid of
any kind coiling and frisking about after the manner of an
eel. On occasions it is detected making its escape from the
anus. It appears to be the most destructive species of worm
the horse harbours. I have heard and read of several
instances of its pernicious operations : two or three I have
myself witnessed. One I will relate here :
My father possessed a horse between four and five years
old^ that never looked well, and yet he did his work, and was
a voracious feeder. In October 1829, being at the time con-
ditioning for hunting, instead of gaining he gradually lost
flesh, although in other respects he seemed healthy, and was
sleek in his coat, and undepressed in spirits, while his pulse
and breathing were normal, and he fed well. One thing
appeared remarkable — that ever since he had taken to lose
flesh he had not lain down. Added to which, latterly, his
appetite failed; and he was observed to be continually licking
and nibbling the rack and manger, as well as his legs, shoul-
ders, and body : a propensity which had become so strong
that nothing we could do would conquer it. Being
now reduced to the lowest ebb of emaciation, he was de-
stroyed. The villous lining of the colon, and caecum and
its appendix, exhibited a dark-red colour, indicative of ap-
proaching mortification. Its surface was covered pretty
uniformly with clusters of ascarides. There was no ulcera-
tion or abrasion. The inflammation seemed to be the result
of the constant irritation of the worms. I had a case, some
short time ago, of the kind, in which the intestines were
similarly afl'ected. In both instances I regarded intestinal
disease to be the cause of death.
The Strongylus is very apt to be mistaken for, or con-
founded with the ascaris : I begin to think I must have
committed this mistake myself, or probably should have
noticed it earlier than I did. It is a slender worai, from
two to four inches in length, in size similar to the red or
blood worm used by anglers, and consists of two distinct por-
tions : — a body, constituting not quite one-half of its entire
length, rather smaller than a crow-quill ; to which is ap-
358 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
peiided a contracted thread-like pointed part^ which is the
tailj making np the remainder of its length. When first
voided; the body appears black ; the tail, and at times the
head too, transparent ; to the naked eye they have a sort of
pied or black and white aspect ; but through the microscope,
their bodies appear beautifully striped and spotted; their
head somewhat smaller than the body, out of which projects a
sort of proboscis or horn; while the eye and mouth bothof them
appear to be very small. No sooner are they taken out of
the dung than they vomit up their black contents, which
has the appearance of so much black ink ; and then their
heads and bodies, like their tails, become pellucid. In those
I examined, this ejectment seemed to be their last act of
life, for they never moved afterwards, but gradually shrunk
and dried up to almost nothing. Numbers of them were
voided by a young horse under the operation of physic, who
had given us no reason to believe he harboured worms of
any sortc Girard, fils, mentions a case of paralysis, in which,
after death, he accidentally discovered two strongyli within
the pharynx and oesophagus, and two others within the
stomach.^ In the case of a horse (H 20) six years old, who
had been admitted for the purpose of watching the effect of
the Butea (troudosa) given as directed by Mr. Western, very
many lumbricoid worms were brought away from him by
the operation of the physic with which tlie fourth dose of
the Butea seeds were combined, with a considerable number
of the strangylus worms as well, which latter had not been
observed before : he only being complained of for having the
long ivhite or lumbricoid worms.
The TiENiA, or tape worm, used to be designated by the
French surgeons, ver solitaire, from a notion they entertained
that never more than one was found : of late, however, our
neighbours appear to have ample reason to change their
opinions ; since Chabert has reckoned 227 tape worms in a
dog ; 91 in a horse ; 19 in an ox ; and 12 in a sheep. The
singularity of this worm, both in its appearance and struc-
ture, is too striking to be once seen without ever afterwai'ds
' Article " Paralysie." (' Diet. Vet. de Ahorva!, edit, ii.)
INTESTINAL WORMS. 359
bein- immediately recognised. It is white, flat, tliin and broad,
and tope-like in its shape, and of extreme length, divided at
regular intervals by articulations or short joints. It is said
to have measured twenty feet and upwards in length. It
inhabits the small intestines, occupying from its great length
a very considerable extent of their canal. The head, which
is tuberculous and placed at the slenderest end of the body
is said to be always directed towards— now and then indeed
to be actually within— the stomach. Tape-worms are fre-
quently found in, occasionally are vomited up by, dogs : but
in horses their presence is extremely rare : only one instance
is recorded in the Sick Journals of the Royal Horse In-
firmary. I never met with the worm in my own practice.
Remedies for Worms are numerous enough, and so
various that we shall find a diflaculty in choosing; and a
still greater difficulty in selecting one of any real service. In
England we have for a long while been in the habit of
pursuing the plan of treatment laid down by Gibson-
indeed, many still continue the practice— of giving what are
called mercurial purges; i.e., of exhibiting one or two
drachms of calomel one morning, and the next, admimstermg
a strong purging ball, with a view of bringing away in its
operation the worms which the mercury is supposed either
to have destroyed or else detached from their holduig
places : or, the calomel and the aloes are sometimes mixed
together in the same ball, in the proportion of one drachm
to six or seven of purging mass. Gibson recommends « a
course of these mercurial purges;" and directs us to follow
them up with the administration twice or thrice a week of a
drink composed of rue and chamomile and horehound, &c.
Antimony.— The same author informs us that " most of
the preparations of antimony are efi&cacious for destroying
worms." And this is a hint upon which we of more modern
times have also acted. Many practitioners— myself for one
— often prescribe tartar emetic with the intention of
destroying worms. I will not aver that it has such an
effect; but will honestly confess I, for my own part, have
used the remedy rather from repute than any conviction of
360
DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES,
its efficacy. I have commonly given drachm doses of it
for several days together, and then administered a full dose
of physic.
French Remedies. — Chabert, who has experimented by
plunging worms of various kinds, taken out of the body alive,
into different medicaments, has come to the conclusion that
nothing destroys them so speedily and effectually as the
animal oil of Dippel, which he calls empyreumatic oil ; next
to this, he ranks winter savoury, an infusion of which he
used by way of a vehicle for the oil. He exhibited this
combination of his two most powerful vermifuges to animals
who manifested signs of worms: it did not in all bring away
worms; but he concluded, nevertheless, that it had destroyed
them, from the circumstance of the animals from that period
recovering their health and embonpoitit. The dose of the
oil is from half an ounce to one or two ounces, according to
the age and strength of the patient : and this is given every
day on an empty stomach.
A NEW View of the Treatment. — Hurtrel d^Arboval,
with some reason, remarks, that those who have written
treatises on, and presented us with remedies for, worms,
have — Chabert among the rest — neglected to notice the
condition of the passages co-existent with the worms, and on
which their presence, for au^ht they knew, might depend.
To complete the pathology of the case, this undoubtedly
ought to be taken into the account. For, should there be
reasons for supposing that the worms, by long and constant
irritation, had created much or extensive inflammation of the
mucous membrane of the intestines, it would certainly become
a question, whether we should be warranted in giving
anthelmintics at all ; or, at all events, such of them as were
of a nature in the least stimulant or irritative. Aloes, in
an especial degree, and also calomel and antimony, and even
castor oil, would become, in this point of view, inadmissible.
What, then, is to be done ? D'Arboval sagaciously re-
commends that we should look to the apparent origin or
cause of the worms, aiul see if we cannot, by adopting
another mode of living, feeding, &c., enable Nature herself
INTESTINAL WORMS. 361
to get rid of her enemies ; and^ at the same time^ by an
appropriate diet, by soothing drinks, gruel, linseed tea, &c.,
followed up by bitter tonic drinks, rid the intestinal mem-
brane of its inflammatory irritation, and afterwards restore
its healthy condition. Which done, we may, if necessary,
have recourse to onr anthelmintics. These "ideas,^' which
D^Arboval modestly submits to our consideration, sous la
forme dubitative, are well worthy of our attention. Hitherto,
as we all indeed know, little enough has been effected by
medicine in this department: these novel views may possibly
lead to the accomplishment of something more satisfactory.
My present treatment for the ascarides and strongyli
consists principally in the administration of enemata : one
of the most efficacious I find to be the
Terebinthinate E?iema, which, for horses, I compound as
follows : —
R 01. Terebintliinae, 3VJ ;
Vitelli ovi, liy ;
Decoct. Aveiise, Ovj.
Tere Terebiuth, c. Vitello donee l)erie incorporantur deinde adde paulatira de-
coctum.
This injection may be repeated at the end of a few days,
or continued twice or thrice a week, the interval being
occupied in giving smart doses of cathartics. An unexpected
occurrence followed the exhibition of a clyster of this
description. The horse had had a free discharge after the
clyster upon some granite pavement (in Nuedton shoeing-
yard), and a little while after Mr. C. Sturt came to me in
the surgery to observe, how what the horse had voided had
brought the earth-worms out of the ground, through the
interspaces of the pavement. There were above a dozen
good sized worms crawling about in the liquid dung (and
some ascaris with them), which former, though lively at first,
appeared soon much less so, and to have lost all power of
entering the earth again, and in about two hours were found
dead.
Should the terebinthinate enema not prove effectual, 1
362 DISEASES OF THK INTESTINES.
would without hesitation have recourse to ati injection of the
Infusum Tabaci; for the formation for which turn to page 323.
Seeds of the Frondosa — an Indian plant has recently-
been brought under my notice by Mr. Western, V.S.,
Madras Horse Artillery, as a potent anthelmintic, in doses of
5ij. for three successive days, and a fourth like dose on the
fourth mornitig, in combination with a dose of physic.
DIARRHCEA.
DiARRHCEA AND Dysentkry are the technical and special
appellations for what we commonly call looseness, purging,
scouring, ^c, meaning thereby a frequent discharge of liquid
excrement, which in the worst cases is dark-coloured and
offensive. The former, the mild kind of disorder, may exist
either as an
Idiopathic or a Symptomatic Affection : i. e,, the
purging may be either a spontaneous eff"ort of the intestines
themselves to throw out something proving obnoxious to
them, or it may be the effect of hurried action of the canal,
or of a degree of relaxation in its tone ; or else the diarrhoea
may be dependent upon a morbid or inflammatory condition of
the intestinal canal, or of some organ immediately connected
with it.
Any kind of food or water, or any medicinal substance
which proves offensive or irritative to the mucous lining
of the intestines, is likely to be productive of purga-
tion; which, in the first instance, is nothing more than an
effort of Nature to get rid of the offender. Green food of
all sorts, as well from the water it has in its composition as
from its acidulous properties, has this tendency; the horse
is said to be " soiled^^ by it, and in consequence — according
to the groom^s notion — to be cleansed of all that is impure
and " humoury " in his blood : an old-fashioned doctrine, in
which there is a great deal of practical truth, though it be
somewhat "humorously'^ expressed. This "green doctor,'^
a vulgar a})pelhition such green regimen sometimes goes by,
may be pursued to an injurious extent. Cold, wet, rank
DIARrvHCEA. 363
pastures are^ by long continuance in tliem, exceeding apt to
generate diarrhoea ; and this of such a nature as is very likely,
in the end, to run into the worst form of this disease, or what
is called dysmtery. Even simple water, given at an improper
time and in an improper quantity, will be productive of
purgation, which may run into a diarrhoea. Every traveller
knows, that if his horse gets a pailful of water before he starts
on his journey, or while on the road, it will be likely, after
exertion, to throw the animal into a profuse sweat, and set
him violently purging. Independently of which, there are
waters possessin|* peculiar properties or impregnations, such
as take a peculiar or diarrhceal effect on the bowels.
As for medicinal substances, there are manj' that will
excite purgation simply on the principle of causing irritation ;
but there are some few which have this property resident in
some peculiarity of composition : these we denominate pvryes,
of which one of our most potent and efficacious ones is aloes.
There was a time when the veterinarian was indebted to
the groom and the horse-dealer for most of his cases of
diarrhcea — when from one to two ounces of aloes, and calo-
mel besides, Avere given indiscriminately to young horses, on
their arrival out of the country. Such practices, however,
are in a great measure discontinued; and for humanity's
sake, it is a fortunate thing they are, as the consequent
super-purgation was occasionally attended with such intense
inflammation of the mucous membrane that the death of
the animal became an almost inevitable sequel. Even blue
vitriol, which we regard as a tonic, will very often, in large
continued doses, give rise to purgation. Indeed, this is by
no means an uncommon effect of any medicament, when
once it is carried to a harmful or poisonous extent. The
horse is seized with griping pains ; gurglings are heard in
his inside ; and he continues to express painful uneasiness,
until, on a sudden, a copious emission of liquid dung and
flatulence bursts from him, when he becomes as suddenly
relieved, and remains so for a short interval ; when his
gurglings and pains become renewed, and end, the same .is
before, in alvine and flatulent discharge, and an interval
364 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
again of ease. The early discharges consist almost entirely
of liquid dung : those that succeed are frequently inter-
mingled with mucous and gelatinous secretions from the
lining membrane of the bowels. The emissions also vary in
colour; and in some cases, though not usually, have an
offensive foetor.
Increased Pertstaltic Action will, by hurrying the
alimentary matters through the intestinal canal while yet in
a state of fluidity, likewise induce purgation ; and especially,
as I noticed before, in a body in which these matters have
already become reduced to copious liquidity %j a large ingur-
gitation of water. And this is an effect more easily producible
on a certain kind or make of horse — a make we vulgarly
call ivashy — than on one of a different conformation. These
washy (watery ?) horses are, in general, found to be loosely
made, slack in their loins, hollow-backed, high-hipped, and
pot-bellied ; and very commonly are of a light chestnut or
bright bay colour, Avith white legs. There seems to be a
want of brace or tenacity of fibre in such horses, in their
inward as well as in their outward parts ; which, added
to a peculiar nervousness and irritability they in general
evince, will serve in a great measure to account for their
liability to diarrhoea — at least from the causes just men-
tioned.
A Congested or an Inflammatory State of Mucous
Membrane may exist in company with, or in consequence
of, some of the causes already particularised ; or it may arise
independently of them. Irritations of all kinds will natu-
rally tend to the production of inflammation in it; or the
same may be caused by Avet or cold applied to the skin, by
suppressed perspiration, metastasis, &c. I have known a
horse to be attacked with diarrhosa after travelling by rail-
way during very cold weather, he having been known to
have sweated much (from agitation) during his journey, and
then to have been suffered to grow dry of himself. This was
the case with the four-year-old mare Captain Lowther bought
for the regiment, and sent up per railway. In fact, what-
ever tends to throw the current of blood upon the bowels.
DIARRHOEA. 365
and thereby to augment their serous or watery secretions,
may be considered as a cause of diarrhoea of a serous
character.
Inflammation, however, may rapidly seize the membrane,
and increase to that degree that its serous secretion, in-
stead of being augmented, may become diminished or even
altogether arrested; and there be effused ia its stead
flakes or strings of coagulable lymph, which, along with
the mucus issuing from the follicles of the membrane,
clings to and envelopes the dung-balls; and, in consequence,
they come away enveloped in those glairy gelatinous coat-
ings farriers and grooms so familiarly recognise under the
appellation of molten grease. Over-working, or " over-
marking," as it is called, is a common cause of this inflam-
matory condition of membrane, one which often creates a
great deal of constitutional irritation, so much on some
occasions as to end in death : though a frequent and natural
result of it is diarrhoea, which appears to be the most favor-
able turn the disease can take. It not unfrequently happens
that the mucous follicles participate in the inflammation —
though they may be excited to increased secretion only ; in
which case ulceration of those parts is very likely to follow,
and thus becomes laid the foundation for a painful and
troublesome form of diarrhoea, or rather, I would say, for a
dysentery. At other times the inflammation pursues a more
directly destructive course, and speedily ends in mortifica-
tion of the membrane and death of the patient.
Disordered States of the Liver, Mesenteric Glands,
&c., may give rise to diarrhoea, either from the irritation
caused by unhealthy secretions, or from functional connec-
tion, by sympathy. Green-meat, especially the spring and
late autumnal productions, appear to have considerable
eff'ect in augmenting the secretion of bile, and thus to give
rise to a sort of bilious diarrhoea : new hay likewise has the
same tendency. Of the pancreatic juice, and its uses, we
know so little, that we are without the power of patholo-
gysing on this part of our subject. But in respect to the
mesenteric glands, as we shall learn hereafter, diarrhoea is
366 DISEASES OF THE IiNTESTINES.
one of the symptoms by which we are led to suspect the
presence of disease in those bodies.
The case of H 17, in tlie " Record" Book, is an excellent
one to show ho\v obstinate diarrhoea may be successfully
treated.
Epidemic, but not Contagious. — Many horses in tlie
same stable, fed and worked and otherwise treated alike,
may have diarrhoea at the same time, without there existing
any reason to believe the disease to be contagious : the cause
or causes producing it in one being such as to give rise to it
in all of them ; and the cure consisting in all in removing
them from that situation, or changing their food or water,
or whatever appears to have originated the disease among
them. These remarks equally apply to dysenter3^
The Treatment of Diarrhea must be framed and con-
ducted in accordance with the causes to Avhich it owes its
origin, and perhaps continuance, and also with reference to
the state of the intestinal membrane, together with the
condition of its own secretions, as well as of those which it
receives from other parts. Many — I might say, most — of
the cases of diarrhoea which come under the veterinarian's
notice, require no medical treatment at all. The good the
practitioner does in such cases is to stay the hand of igno-
rance and presumption from doing harm. It is incalculable
what mischief h;is been done on such occasions by the
early exhibition of chalk and opium, and other astrin-
gents which, bv checking this sanative effort of Nature,
has converted a simple flux into an enteritis, and in that
manner caused the destruction of the patient. Whenever
we find the purging to be the efi'ect of food disturbing
the natural action of the bowels, or of water possessing some
obnoxious property, we ought to view the flux as Nature's
effort to get rid of the offending matters, and so, as her own
mode of bringing about a cessation of the diarrhoea; and
all that art can or ought to attempt to do, is, to assist
Nature in this her process of cure. Instead, therefore, of
checking, our duty is to encourage the diarrhoea, by giving
the horse gruel and linseed tea, and sago, and even arrow-
DIARRHCEA. 3G7
root (sliould it not be found too expensive), and other
mucilaginous drinks, which, while they augment and dilute
the discharges, serve, by their emollient qualities, to soothe
the mucous membrane, and protect it from the acrimony
and irritation of the obnoxious matters. This consti-
tutes the grand principle of treatment of diarrhoea of this
class : at the same time it is a consideration which ought
never, in fluxes of any description, to be disregarded ; seeing
that a great deal of harm is likely to be done by acting,
without great caution and discrimination, on a contrary
principle. Remember, this soothing will avail nothing with-
out, however, change of diet, should the food be in fault, or
change of water, should that have done the mischief; and
in making this change we should endeavour to substitute
an astringent diet for the one of a laxative nature. Warm
clothing and dry comfortable stabling are useful adjuncts :
not merely should we be desirous to divert the blood to the
skin and extremities, but by warmth and dressing, likewise
to restore to the skin its natural exudation, smoothness,
and polish. In a case where such simple means prove
insufficient, and there be evident signs of fever, do not
hesitate to draw blood to the amount of a gallon in a full
subject — less, in a washy or weakly one; which step may
be followed up once afterwards, provided benefit arise from
it. A stimulant over the surface of the belly ordinarily
turns out an excellent sequence to the bloodletting. The
turpentine liniment is made as under : —
R Liquor Ammoniae,
01. Olivse, aa ^iv ;
Misce bene siinul et adde, secundum artem,
Saponis Mollis, g'j ;
01. Terehinthinffi, 3iv.
Our Pharmacopoeia does not furnish an expellent medicine
well calculated for recent and acute diarrhoea. Did we pos-
sess any medicament that could be trusted to act mildly and
safely, as castor oil does on a man, or the same as magnesia
and manna and rhubarb do, we would gladly in such a case
368 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
as this have recourse to them. Aloes is much too coarse
and drastic and griping a piirge to introduce ; and as for
sweet or common olive oil — which I know some would give
in pint doses and upwards — for my own part, I deem it of
very little efficacy. Should the patient be annoyed by fits
of colicky pains, there will be no objection to exhibiting
small doses of laudanum — from half an ounce to an ounce
— in a quart of warm gruel or linseed tea, and to repeating
them twice or thrice a day. Starch clysters may also be
occasionally administered, either with or without laudanum
in them, to relieve any symptoms of tenesmus or irritation
in the rectum or colon. Not until other means have failed,
and we have dispersed the inflammatory characters of the
case, should we venture on astringents. One of the best
and safest is the compound chalk powder of the London
Pharmacopatia : this aromatic, soothing, binding prepara-
tion, may be administered either in ball, with syrup or
mucilage, or in drink with gruel, or starch, or linseed in-
fusion. In case it is required to increase the narcotic efi'ect
of the powder, either opium in substance, or laudanum, may
be added to the ball or drench. Should, the evacuations
exhibit a bilious character, or there appear any reason for
supposing the liver to be faulty in its duties, an excellent
corrective will be found in the hydrargyrus cum cretd : from
half to an ounce of it mixed up with syrup into a ball may
be given once or twice a day for a week, or even a fortnight^
if deemed requisite. With this, Pulv. Ipecacuanhse may
be combined with great service, when the mucous lining of
the intestine is deemed disordered as well. Should we be
compelled to have recourse to direct astringents, one of the
best is catechu, in jij doses, made up with starch and gum
into a ball.
DYSENTERY.
By dysentery is implied the flux in its worst form, or, in
the specific form in which it has been called the bloody flux.
As in diarrhoea, the evacuations are both liquid and frequent;
DYSENTERY. 369
but in dysentery they possess tlie additional characteristics
of being totally altered from their natural appearance and
odour : being dark-coloured, disgustingly fetid, purulent,
and at times bloody, and on occasions more like coffee-
grounds in aspect than matters of ordure.
The Especial Seat of dysentery is the caecum and colon :
and
Its Nature — as far as my experience in so uncommon
a disease will permit me to speak — essentially consists in
abscess and ulceration of the mucous follicles of the mem-
brane lining those intestines. The morbid appearances
I have observed are — a jagged sort of exulceration of this
membrane, covered with a brownish or dirty fetid purulent
matter, and here and there small abscesses, which to me
looked like so many distended follicles. In regard to the
sound parts of the membrane, which itself is in a state of
thickening, in one case I found them flushed from inflam-
mation ; in another, their surfaces exhibited a leaden hue^
and were bloodless. I have, however, seen dysenteric in-
testines black and gangrenous — so rotten in texture that
they would not bear removing without ruptui'e ; and in a
state of distension from gas so disgustingly fetid that it was
next to impossible to hold one's head over the gut the
moment it was opened. Arsenic produces this state.
The Symptoms characteristic of this condition of bowel, are
— frequent evacuations of an offensive nature and an unnatural
colour, consisting of lumps or pieces of solid matter floating
in a fluid, which I have on occasions compared to coffee-
grounds, accompanied by purulent, at times even by bloody,
discharges ; tenesmus : the animal lies much, unless when
he is annoyed with griping pains, though these seldom come
on until late ; he falls away from day to day, notwithstand-
ing that his appetite, though perhaps impaired, is by no means
so very much to be complained of; his thirst is constant
and insatiable ; a slow fever attends, the pulse being about
60 ; fits of cholic supervene, or should they be already pre-
sent, towards the latter stage they grow more painful, and
II. 24
370 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
in one of these fits^ the animal, harassed and exhausted by
continual irritation and ejection of aliment, expires.
The Cause — the ordinary one — of dysentery, is long
sojourn in low, wet, marshy pastures. I have already shewn
that such situations cause worms to be bred or produced in
the body ; I have also remarked that lousiness is a frequent
concomitant of poverty and hide-bound, states consequent on
the emaciation occasioned by dysentery. I once received a
horse from Plnmstead Marshes to treat, who was dysenteric,
verminous, hide-bound, and lousy, and withal, in a state of
great debility. Other causes, however, may produce the dis-
ease. A diarrhoea, grown chronic and of long continuance,
may terminate in dysentery. Food of bad quality ; water of
a noxious kind ; exposure to sudden changes even, in horses
of weak fibre and irritable bowels, may tend to its produc-
tion. In situations where any of these causes are prevalent,
diarrhoea or dysentery may arise and assume the appearance
of infectious or contagious diseases ; but — to repeat what I
said before — they, neither of them, are in anywise commu-
nicable from one horse to another, in the manner that dy-
sentery is said to be from one man to another.
Treatment. — The rarity of these cases, together with the
little notice they have received, as distinct from diarrhoea,
will account for the little we are able to derive from expe-
rience in regard to their management. Were there any
signs of inflammation in the bowels — any manifestations of
pain or even of uneasiness in them — providing the condition
and strength of the animal admitted of it, I would bleed ;
but not to a large amount — say three or four quarts. Clichi,
a French veterinarian, recommends the application of cup-
ping-glasses to the anus : the comparatively small quantity of
blood, however, known to be capable of being thus abstracted,
too-ether with the distance between the anus and colon, are
circumstances which must render such practice, I should
imagine, next to nugatory. The next thing to be done is to
clear out the bowels ; and the only medicine we have for
this purpose is aloes, which — though on some accounts ob-
jectionable— appears to be demanded to accomplish so desir-
HERNIA. 371
able an object in the treatment. Its operation may be
encouraged by clysters. A stimulant to the surface of the
belly will prove beneficial. The skin should be kept warmly
clothed; the legs bandaged with flannel; and a dry and
comfortable loose box be provided for the patient. His food
— after the working off of the physic — may consist of the
best hay and oats, with a proportion of old beans ; the latter
being a mild and nutritive astringent. His drink ought to
be gruel ; or else linseed or hay tea. Should the bleeding,
and purging, and stimulating, fail to alter the nature of the
discharges or at all check them, we may try the effect of
mercurials, in alterative doses. I have given with great
advantage from one to two drachms of hydrargyriis cum
cretd in combination with half the quantity of ipecacuanha
or Dover^s powder, twice a day, followed up by an occasional
clear-out of the bowels. Should neither the antiphlogistic
nor the alterative plan of treatment succeed, but the flux
be found still to continue, and in such a manner as to pro-
duce debility and all its evil consequences, we must have
immediate recourse to stringent medicines and opiates. The
compound chalk powder, in the doses recommended for
diarrhoea, may be first tried, with, should it be required, an
aromatic or opiate confection : in the event of this failing,
I know not to what one can have recourse — save it be to
the Pulv. Cretse, Corap, c. Opio, with more opium added to
it, or else to catechu.
HERNTA.
Hernia signifies a tumour in any part of the body, whose
existence is owing to the protrusion of some viscus, in part or
entire, through an aperture, out of its natural cavity. The
most usual form of hernia, is the one popularly called, in
man especially, a rupture, which consists of some viscus,
mostly intestine, which has slipped out of the cavity of the
abdomen. But hernia may exist of any of the viscera of the
thorax or pelvis, and take its distinctive name, either from
this circumstance, either from the name of the viscus itself, or
372 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
else from the canal or aperture through which it has made
its escape.
On the DIFFERENT KINDS OF Hernia met with in veteri-
nary practice, we may reckon, as distinct in their situation
and pathological characters, four : others being either but
extensions or modifications of these, and of comparatively
rare occurrence.
1. Inguinal Hernia is intestine protruding through and
forming a tumour within the inguinal canal; which, continuing
its protrusion through the external and internal abdominal
rings, and lodging within the scrotum, becomes scrotal hernia,
2. Umbilical Hernia, intestine protruding through the
navel or umbilicus and forming a swelling there which is so
called.
3. Ventral Hernia including all protrusions through any
part of the parietes of the abdomen, in any othei- situation or
part.
4. Diaphragmatic or Phrenic Hernia is the name given
whenever intestine or any other viscus happens to have found
its way through the substance of the diaphragm : should it
become lodged within the chest, it is now and then called
Thoracic Hernia.
The PART protruded in hernia is, commonly, either
the intestine or the omentum, or both. Every abdominal
viscus, however — nay, even the thoracic and cerebral too —
must be regarded as liable to become hernial. To a French
veterinary surgeon, M. Sanitos, occurred the very singular
case of hernia of the Madder. The horse had the usual
symptoms of colic, and on examination was discovered,
towards the inguinal ring, on the right side, a tumour as
large as a man's jfist, separated, as it were, from the scrotum,
and hanging considerably below it ; and so large did it
become, that it required to be suspended by a bandage.
Another Division of Hernia is into reducible, irredu-
cible, and strangulated. When the contents of the tumour
admit of being returned into the abdomen, the hernia is said
to be a '' reducible" one ; but when, either in consequence
of their bulkiness, or their adhesion to the sac containing
INGUINAL HERNIA. 373
them, or to each other, that is found impracticable, the
hernia becomes an " irreducible" one ; should there be con-
striction at the mouth or contracted part of the sac — which
in inguinal hernia is at the internal abdominal ring — to that
degree that the circulation is either much impeded or alto-
gether arrested, the hernia is said to be " strangulated."
The Hernia the most frequent, as well as the most im-
portant, is inguinal : to which, on both these accounts, it will
be necessary that we should give our fullest consideration.
In doing this, we shall find, as we proceed, that many of our
observations become equally applicable to the other descrip-
tions of hernia : a circumstance that will enable me to cur-
tail my account of these minor and less important species.
INGUINAL HERNIA.
The rarity of this hernia in our country has afforded
British veterinarians but scanty opportunities for observa-
tion concerning it compared to those enjoyed by our Conti-
nental brethren, and this satisfactorily accounts for the ab-
sence of any work in our own language containing the
required information on the subject : a circumstance that
might be on occasions deplored were we not in possession of
one in another tongue which supplies all we can possibly
want or wish for ; from whose valuable pages I shall take the
liberty to transcribe herein so much as will prove really
practical and useful to us.. I need hardly add, I allude to
the magnificent work of tlie distinguished French professor,
Girard.i
The custom in France, Germany, India, Arabia, and some
other countries, of preserving horses entire, is the reason
' ' A Treatise on Inguinal Hernia in the Horse, and other Monodactyles,' by
Girard, Director of the Royal Veterinary School at Alfort ; Paris, 1827. This
work was, in extracts, translated and commented on hy me in ' The Veterinarian'
for 1829. I have, in this new edition of my work, the satisfaction of adding,
that in the year 1838 an excellent paper was read on the subject of ' Hernia,'
before the Veterinary Medical Association, by Professor Simonds of the Royal
Veterinary College.
374 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
obviously to be assigned for the prevalence of inguinal and
scrotal hernia in them : while, on the other hand, the
little we are troubled with the disease in our own land is a
proof that the practice of castration operates as a pretty
certain prophylactic against its occurrence. And when we
do meet with the disease, it is not in geldings but in stone-
horses, and particularly in such as have raced or been in
training. This accounts for array practice seldom producing
such cases ; at the same time that it affords a strong argu-
ment for a thorough acquaintance with the subject on the
part of the veterinarian whose sphere of practice is likely
to embrace any racing or training establishments.
Why many more Men than Horses become ruptured
Girard thus learnedly and satisfactorily explains :
Animals are much seldomer the subjects of hernia than men, not less
on account of the horizontal position of their bodies than from the dispo-
sition of the muscles and fibrous envelopes forming the inferior parietes
of the abdomen. In man, the intestinal mass is bearing downwards, and
particularly upon the inguinal regions, where the openings — the ab-
dominal ring and crural arch — are situated. In quadrupeds, on the con-
trary, in consequence of the oblique inclination, forwards and downwards,
of the floor of the belly from the flank to the brisket, the intestinal mass
gravitates against the diaphragm, pushing it forward and occasionally
rupturing It. The resistance afforded by the parietes of the belly Is
likewise greater, owing to the increased density and peculiar disposition
of the coverings of the abdomen, the faschia superjicialis being thicker,
more elastic, and more developed than In man, and particularly towards
the pubes, and being supported by the panniculus carnosus, an envelope
that does not exist in man ; added to which — not to mention the advan-
tages arising from the oblique and straight muscles, which latter are
much broader than In man — the faschia transversalis Is considerably
stronger and more expanded. Connect with these facts the practice of
castration at an early age, one consequence of which is the contraction
of the inguinal canal, and there will appear sufficient to account for the
comparative exemption of the horse from Inguinal rupture, and at the
same time for the unheard-of occurrence of the species denominated
femoral.
Since the foregoing was written, such an " unheard-of" case has hap-
pened to M. Seon, Veterinary Surgeon to the Garde Royal. He was
called, while on the march, to a mare with a swelling as large as his fist
INGUINAL HERNIA. 375
in the upper and fore part of the inside of the thigh. The existence of
hernia was evident beyond dispute. By compressing and pushing its
contents backward and upward, he caused the whole of them to re-enter
the canal, but they speedily re-appeared. Bandages and compresses of
tow kept the hernia reduced, but their tightness caused alarming tume-
factions which required their removal, and the consequence was on the
sixth day the hernia returned. The mare was now cast, the hernia re-
duced, and pledgets of tow, dipped in melted pitch, plastered upon the
situation of the tumour, and over them one, twelve inches in diameter, of
pitched strong canvass. As soon as the pitch had set the mare was let
up. In ten days afterwards the plasters had fallen off, leaving some ul-
cerations, which readily healed. The place opposite the termination of
the femoral canal subsequently exhibited a species of callus.
The contents of Inguinal Hernia consist, almost in all cases, of the
small intestines. From their looseness of attachment, their volume,
their general inanity, and their energetic contractility, they the most
readily enter the inguinal canal. The duplicatures and flexures of the
colon are the parts next most liable to protrusion. In respect to the
omentum — which is so short that one would conceive it impossible it
could ever reach the canal, without laceration at least — its protrusion is
uniformly the effect of some violent intestinal commotion, and is never
the occasion of much mischief. When the contents are intestines
solely, the hernia is denominated an enterocele ; when nothing but omen-
tum, epiplocele ; when both combined, entero-epiplocele .
The ordinary Causes of inguinal hernia are inordinate peristaltic com-
motions, excited by colic. The rupture, however, may happen under the
efforts occasioned by a heavy burthen, or in the acts of rearing, kicking,
leaping, &c. To these causes — as practitioners in England — we may add
those violent exertions the animal is forced to make in racing and hunt-
ing. The force with which the diaphragm recedes in the efforts made
by the running animal to expand his chest — dilatation of the cavity
laterally being much opposed by the confinement of the ribs by the
girths — impels the viscera backwards against the abdominal rinofs, throu<^h
which one or other of the small intestines — they being the loosest,
smallest, and most glib parts — is very likely to be protruded. This
accounts for our viewing horses that have been in severe training with
great suspicion when they are brought to us for castration. In India,
where hernia is very frequent, ]VIr. Molyneux — a gentleman who has
written a very good paper on the subject in ' The Veterinarian' — informs
us that "exertion is the chief," and, he believes, "almost only cause;"
though on one occasion he knew it " to be produced through constijta-
tion " — by " the exertion used in expelling the fasces."
376 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
Hernia may arise from Mechanical Injury: of this
the following affords a good illustration. In 1820, Mr. C.
Percivall went to see a black cart colt who had received a
kick five days before from another at straw-yard. He found
a large swelling along the posterior and inferior part of the
belly, which was soft and yielding, as though it had been a
bladder distended with air. He easily reduced it, and ap-
plied a compress and roller, bled, and gave some aloes. In
three weeks, though considerably diminished in volume, the
intestine was still very perceptible. "After this,^' adds Mr.
Percivall, " I blistered the part, and certainly with good
effect ; though the scrotum ever afterwards remained hernial."
Stallions are the ordinary Subjects of this affection, especially those in
the habit of covering. Geldings rarely show this hernia (owing probably
to the contraction and partial obliteration of the apertures and passages
through which it comes), and M. Girard has never seen it in a mare : one
obvious reason for which exemption is the comparative narrowness of
the abdominal ring in the female, the round ligament being inconsider-
able in volume contrasted with the spermatic cord. The presence of
the uterus and vagina, together with the greater elevation of the pelvis
in the mare, will also serve to explain this — the bowels in her body being
necessarily thrown still more forward against the diaphragm.
Notwithstanding these impediments, however, the occur-
rence is possible, as is satisfactorily shown by a case re-
lated in ' The Veterinarian ' for 1830, by Mr. Proctor.
Peculiarities. — This hernia may exist with or without visible tumour ;
and may either be acute or chronic, simple or strangulated, continued or
intermittent. In some cases there exists thickening of the membranes,
adhesion of the coverings of the hernia to one another, occasionally to
the intestine within them. In other instances hernia is complicated with
hydrocele, the tumour assuming another shape and acqviiring considerable
magnitude. Besides these differences, the hernia may be what is called
latent, i. e., imperceptible, at least to the view, in consequence of having
protruded no farther than the inguinal canal, in which state it is named
BUBONOCELE : though when it pervades the canal and descends into the
scrotum, it takes the appellation of oscheocele. Either of these forms
may be recent or inveterate, reducible or irreducible. Hernia very rarely
exists on both sides. It occurs oftenest on the right — a circumstance
INGUINAL HERNIA. 377
M. Girard is unable to explain ; may this not arise from horses in general
being taught to put their right legs foremost, and consequently exert
and strain their right sides more than their left ?
M. Girard enters into an account of each form of in-
guinal hernia by a classification of cases under the general
heads of Enterocele and Epiplocele ; and the specific ones of
recent or inguinal enterocele (properly so called), enterocele
from castration, chronic or scrotal enterocele, and congenital
enterocele.
INGUINAL HERNIA — strictly so called, or bubonocele — almost
always makes its appearance abruptly, and hastens to become strangu-
lated. Whenever it does happen that the descent is gradual, the gut
remains for a time in concealment, nor do we become advertised of its
descent until it has made farther progress or given rise to certain dis-
order. Until this change takes place in the hernia, it does not necessarily
follow that the health is disturbed.
The Symptoms marking its presence are — indisposition to work, erected
head, appetite impaired : pain succeeding, the animal breathes deeply,
paws, and puts himself into various postures to obtain relief There are
cases in which the horse appears as if he were languishing from over-
fatigue. A tumour is probably present in the groin, varying in mag-
nitude and form, depending on the nature and quantity of its contents ;
whether it be full of fajcal or gaseous matter, which may probably be
detected by the feel. It is perhaps reducible, and readily returns into
the abdomen ; but no sooner does the animal come to move again than
the hernia re-appears, or even as soon as the pressure of the hand is
taken oflF. The second descent becomes commonly followed by a third,
and so on, until, from the volume it acquires, the hernia becomes per-
manent. Knowing the usual causes, it becomes our duty, while watching
the symptoms, to make inquiries concerning them. At length the pulse
becomes thready ; the eyes reddened ; the pupils dilated. Inflammation
seizing the displaced parts, occasions slight colics, continued or inter-
mittent. Both Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Molyneux (veterinary surgeons
in the Company's Army) compare the symptoms to those of colic ; with
this difference, adds Mr. Molyneux, " that there is no remission of pain."
The testicle on the hernial side, though felt drawn up, irregularly descends
and ascends : thi^symptom is highly pathognomonic, and one demanding
that the practitioner should, without loss of time, examine into the state
of the inguinal canal. In this —
Examination, or manipulation, both hands are employed ; one being
introduced into the rectum, the other into the bheath. The one within
378 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
the rectum seeks the internal ring ; while the other, pursuing the course
of the cord on the side aii'ected, is pushed up to the external ring ; and
thus, in the natural state, the opposed fingers may be made nearly to
meet, and the dimensions and condition of the apertures ascertained.
However small the protruded portion of gut, the operator will be able to
detect the bubonocele, and even to reduce it, by proceeding, secundum
artem, with such necessary precautions as will be hereafter pointed out.
This exploration may be conducted in the standing posture ; though it
will be prosecuted with more facility and certainty should the patient be
cast, which, indeed, is by far the preferable mode of proceeding.
Should hernia be found, and not prove at once reducible,
M. Girard recommends, to be practised in the following
manner —
THE TAXIS. — The horse is to be thrown upon the unaffected side ;
and, with one hind leg drawn and fixed forward, in the same manner as
for castration, he is to be turned ujjon his back, and maintained in that
position by bundles of straw, with heaps of straw placed underneath him
to raise the croup. With both arms well oiled, or smeared with some
mucilaginous decoction, the operator will now commence his exploration,
taking care to empty the rectum as he proceeds. Should he find that
the gut passing through the ring is neither strictured nor strangulated,
he may endeavour to disengage the hernial portion by gently drawing it
within the cavity, at the same time aiding its retraction by pushing it
inward, with the other hand within the sheath. Should he experience
much difficulty in that attempt he is to desist ; violence being often the
forerunner of strangulation and gangrene. The practitioner must bear
in mind, also, that although he has succeeded in the reduction, unless
this be followed by castration, and that immediate protrusion is
likely to recur, and may do so even the moment after the animal has
risen. Mr. Molyneux recommends that the patient be blooded largely
prior to being cast for the taxis, with a view of enfeebling the muscular
energy ; and, for my own part, I quite subscribe to his practice.
The Feel of the Tumour is soft, more or less voluminous and elastic,
and (when the horse is coughed?) salient, or rebounding under the
pressure of the fingers, or else it is substantial and weighty. It either
fluctuates or pits, according as it contains gaseous or stercoral matters,
the latter giving it at times a solid, irregulai', lumpy feel. When the
gut is so closely embraced around the neck of its peritoneal sheath that
all passage through it is interrupted, the hernia is said to be —
Stravgidated : an event also indicated by the rapid aggravation of all
the symptoms. Sometimes it happens that the gut is merely nipped or
INGUINAL HERNIA. 879
pinched at the i-ing, a swelling being thereby produced about the size of
a nut ; at other times, sufficient of the gut enters the inguinal canal to
admit of the accumulation of matters, stercoral or gaseous, or both, and
the consequences are, distension and gangrene.
The Symptoms of recent Strangulation are — aggravated colic, which
ceases only with the supervention of gangrene; alternate ascent and
descent of the testicle, at first in quick succession, afterwards at longer
and longer Intervals, until at last the organ continues drawn up — no
longer perceptible below. Tortured with pain, the animal lies down and
rolls upon his back, and maintains that position — appearing to derive
from it temporary relief While in the erect posture he quite writhes
from suffering, and, with his fore feet fixed, crouches almost down to the
ground. He breaks out into a profuse sweat ; and in that state ends his
agony, not by lying down and struggling, as in ordinary enterltic cases,
but by falling at once prostrate, a lifeless carcass. In a case that occurred
to M. Languenard, and another which happened to M. Girard himself, the
spasms were attended by vomiting, and, in the former, also by rupture of
the diaphragm.
HERNIA IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CASTRATION—
what M. Girard calls the hernia of castration — is produced either by the
violent struggles of the animal while under the operation, or else appears
in the act of rising. In its effects it is essentially similar to the one
already described.
SCROTAL HERNIA, or oscheocele, owes its production to dilata-
tion of the vaginal sheath of the testicle, combined with relaxation of the
fibrous tissue surrounding the ring, and is at first mostly Intermittent ;
that is, it disappears during repose, and returns under exercise or exer-
tion ; which variable condition continues until such a descent takes place
as renders the tiuuour, from its weight, incapable of yielding to the retrac-
tion of the surrounding parts : in this condition its augmentation goes on,
until the matters accumulated within the gut produce obstruction, and
that becomes followed by strangulation. These changes, so far from beino-
sudden, proceed rather slowly ; and accumulation and obstruction always
precede strangulation. While the accumulation is going on, we may ob-
serve loathing of food, dulness, indisposition to move ; also, as the
engorgement proceeds, loss of appetite, constipation, borborygma, colic.
Strangulation adds virulence to these symptoms, occasioning, as In recent
hernia, the greatest distress, until gangrene takes place, and then all pain
suddenly ceases, and cold sweats, shiverings, and convulsions, close the
scene.
Strangulation. — Practical observations show us that old hernias become
strangulated from engorgement, and not from stricture around the neck
of the sac at the ring : that can be considered but as a secondary cause
380 DISEASES or THE INTESTINES.
The circumstance of stricture following, however, accounts for the
symptoms of strangulation being in these and the afore-mentioned cases
essentially alike ; being found to vary only in their succession and
rapidity of progress. It may be observed, however, that many horses
having scrotal hernia not only escape strangulation, but continue to do
their work with a large tumour swinging between their thighs. Gibson
mentions a case in which " the gut extended the scrotum down to the
hock"; apparently, without any inconvenience from it beyond what may
arise from its bulk and weight. This is a fact which argues most strongly
against meddling with such tumours, unless we be peremptorily called on
to interfere.
Diagnosis. — It is not always easy to distinguish scrotal enterocele from
other swellings of the genitals, and particularly when the hernia is com-
plicated with sarcocele or varicocele, or thickening of the cord, or a com-
bination of these affections. The tumour of an enterocele does not
preserve a general uniformity ; it is commonly most bulky nearest to the
abdomen, increasing from below upwards : indeed there are cases in
which its volume below, little, if any, exceeds that of the scrotum. The
swelling yields to pressure, and returns to its form after being com-
pressed. If it be raised up with the hand, it sensibly diminishes in
volume, from part of its contents being withdrawn into the abdomen :
the retraction sometimes being attended with a gurgling noise. Should
it be deemed advisable to examine into the state of the inguinal canal, its
openings will be found to be more or less dilated and encumbered ; and
this is an infallible proof of the existence of hernia.
One Diagnostic more I would add, which seems to have
escaped the observatiou of our learned author ; and that is,
the self-expansion of the swelling under the effort of
coughing. Grasp the tumour with one or both hands, softly
but closely, and then let another person cough the horse,
and the swelling will be found suddenly to expand under
the effort, and as quickly to recede again. Might not this
criterion supersede the troublesome business of exploration
per rectum et vaginam penis ?
Morbid Consequences. — In almost all chronic hernise we
meet with serous effusion, either into the cavity of the tunica
vaginalis, or into the cellular tissue uniting the hernial
coverings. Morbid thickening of the tunics is a much
rarer occurrence, and one of which M. Girard has seen but
few examples. The comparative rarity of cases of adhesion
INGUINAL HERNIA. 381
between the gut and sac in horses, Girard thinks, may be
ascribed to the non-employment of artificial pressure, by
trusses and bandages, as in man. Mr. Charles Percivall,
however, informs me, that the occurrence is by no means
so uncommon in India, where castration is much practised
at a late period of life.
CONGENITAL HERNIA.— This, the most frequent but the least
dangerous species of hernia, is an attendant on birth, augmenting up to
the third or six month ; after that diminishing, and ultimately disappear-
ing. Should it continue, without lessening in volume, for a year or
eighteen months, it may be considered as, and is in fact become, a chronic
or permanent scrotal hernia. In case the swelling, however, instead of
being always the same, at intervals diminishes, and continues so to do
more sensibly as time advances, it will in the end recede altogether ; for
though it return again at times, still, the relapses growing less marked or
frequent, at last the gut will be found to enter the ring no more.
In the Fatus in Utero inguinal hernia is present. M. Linguenard,
V.S., who ha^ practised for twenty years in Normandy, a great breeding
country, has ascertained, by a vast number of observations, that inguinal
hernia invariably exists at birth, even in abortions and in subjects still-
born.
After Birth. — Hernise making their appearance a few days after birth
are also to be included in the class of " congenital." In these cases the
gut becomes hernial in the same manner in which it does in adult age :
it slips through the peritoneal aperture at the ring, and either drags down
the testicle along with it, or else follows that organ in its descent : the
testicles in ordinary cases descending prior to the sixth or seventh month.
The experienced practitioner above named, M. Linguenard, calculates
that about one fourth of the Norman colts are foaled with scrotal hernia ;
but that in the majority of them it disappears in the course of growth. In
the 'Recueil de Medicine Veterinaire' for July, 1828, appears the follow-
ing : " These swellings (scrotal herniae) occasionally make their appear-
ance in the scrotum of the colt a few days after birth. Sometimes they
occupy one side only of the bag ; occasionally both are distended. In a
few instances the scrotum becomes as large as a child's head : these are
true scrotal hernite. A portion of intestine has descended into the
scrotum. Bandages and topical applications are perfectly useless, or
worse — producing irritation and pain. At an uncertain period the
swelling begins spontaneously to diminish, and at length entirely disap-
pears. When it occupies both sides of the scrotiun, it goes back more
tardily ; and the retraction of one side seems to be quite independent of
that of the other."
382 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
Causes. — It is worth while to inquire if the hernia which exists prior
to birth, originate from causes similar to those that occasion it in after
age. Certain movements of the full-grown foetus appear very likely to
produce hernia, especially at a time when the inguinal apertures and
canals are so lax as almost to invite entry : indeed, both the ring and
inguinal canal in the foetus appear proportionably larger than in the
adult, and evidently possess more extensibility. The parietal parts — the
fibrous aponeurosis of the abdomen, the borders of the external ring, the
dartos, and the cremastei* — being all as yet but imperfectly developed,
possess little power to oppose hernia. No sooner has the foetus left the
womb, however, than these several parts by degrees acquire strength,
until they possess energy sufficient to react upon an incarcerated hernia,
raise it upwards, and ultimately force it back again into the abdominal
cavity, and retain it there. We may now also explain how it happens
that these hernise sufier no engorgement or strangulation until age is
farther advanced ; since then it is that the animal's food becomes of that
fibrous substantial character which adds to the volume and weight of the
hernia, and in the same ratio operates against its return, and tends to
superinduce other more serious consequences.
EPIPLOCELE is a frequent companion of enterocele, without adding
anything to the importance of the case : indeed, epiplocele of itself is so
far from being dangerous that it has occurred without inducing symptoms
either of pain or disordered function. Protruded omentum, without in-
testine, gives rise simply to a soft indolent tumour in the groin, unvarying
in volume, unless it receive addition to its contents : a circumstance that
serves at once to distinguish it from enterocele. I think I may add
to this, coughing, as a corroborating diagnostic. M. Roupp assured
M. Girard, that, in the course of the practice of castration on cart-
horses, he had on several occasions met with hernial omentum, and had
invariably amputated the protrusion, without the smallest ill conse-
quences.
THE TEEATMENT OF INGUINAL HERNIA must
be based upon reduction through the release or return of
the confined or incarcerated viscus. The veterinarian's first
concern in these cases is his diagnostic ; his next, the due
appreciation and scientific employment of the difi'erent
resources furnished him by his art for the removal of the
disease. The case, however, may be incurable, or of such
nature as would evince folly and temerity in surgical inter-
ference of any kind — at least, of such as we understand by
an " operation. '^
INGUINAL HERNIA. 383
While so recent that the tumour is yet only visible at certain times, and
the animal's health remains undisturbed, nothing more is commonly done
than bathing the animal in some river, or making use of astringent appli-
cations or injections. Unfortunately, veterinary surgery has not yet
invented any sort of truss or suspensory bandage that can be worn.
Sothysoll, indeed, says, at page 266, speaking of " a remedy for a rupture
or hustenness, that he knew a very industrious groom who invented a
kind of truss for busten horses."
Reduction by the Taxis. — A manual operation for the return of the gut,
the nature of which and mode of procedure have been already described
at page 378, can only be practised with success so long as the ring
remains in its natural condition, and while the hernia is recent, and there
exists no stricture or impediment to the retraction of the intestine. In a
case where the neck of the sac is become enlarged, the reduction, of
course, will be readily effected ; but it can prove only temporary, unless
followed up by the operation of castration, the only means we possess of
causing contraction or obliteration, more or less, of the canal. If, after
a thorough examination of the parts, reduction by the taxis be considered
practicable, no time ought to be lost. Only let the operator remember,
that all force in drawing in the gut is to be avoided, otherwise the conse-
quences may be — as they but too often have been — inflammation aud
gangrene, if not rupture.
After the Operation of the Taxis should there appear any reason
for apprehending a return of the hernia, either from the enlarged condi-
tion of the ring or previous habits of colic, M. Girard recommends keep-
ing the animal cast upon his back for some time, to give the gut time to
recover its proper place and position ; and, after the horse has risen, to
put him in a stable so prepared that his hind parts may stand elevated as
much as possible above the fore ; also to give him nought but straw and
water gruel. He likewise recommends bloodletting, enemata, and fomen-
tations to the belly. In one case, in which the gut had returned several
times after reduction, M. Girard succeeded with the T bandage.
OPERATION FOR SCROTAL HERNIA IN STAL-
LIONS.— This being the simplest form of operation with
the knife, and many of the directions given for it being ap-
plicable to the others, our author speaks of it first.
Of these herniae some are reducible by the texis ; others irreducible :
their reduction, however, rarely proves but temporary, the operation of
castration (d testiciile convert) being required to complete the cure.
Furthermore, the hernia may be simple, or it may be complicated with
hydrocele, sarcocele, varicocele, and adhesion.
384 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
Operation for simple Scrotal Hernia. — Providing there be no sarcocele,
and the hernia be of the reducible kind, there will be no difficulty about the
operation. The horse being cast and turned upon his back, the operator
will seize the testicle with his left hand and draw it out as far as he can,
while with the right he makes every effort to push the hernial viscus
back, through the ring, taking care in so doing that he makes his com-
pression upon the sides of the tumour. Should there seem to be any
unusual obstacle, he may, by giving the testicle to an assistant, employ
both hands in the manipulation. The croup ought to be elevated, that
position being most favorable to the return of the hernia : indeed, when
the gravitation of the viscera is in this manner taken off, it not unfre-
quently happens that the gut slips up of itself. On one occasion, the
animal was no sooner turned upon his back than the hernial mass disap-
peared, drawing with it into the abdomen the testicle ; which latter the
operator sought afterwards in vain. The consequence was a necessity to
allow the animal to rise again and walk about in order to produce afresh
the hernia. This shows the expediency of seizing and retaining the tes-
ticle the moment the horse is cast. In some cases it will prove advan-
tageous to draw out the scrotum, it being by compression apt to force the
hernia against the ring. We must not have recourse — if we can anywise
manage without it — to traction through the rectum, it being in this case
dangerous, and likely to aggravate the disease. Enveloping the tumour
in powdered ice, bleeding the patient to a large amount, and the tobacco
enema, are measures of great efficacy, and such as must be had recourse
to when minor ones fail of success. The hernia reduced, the operator
proceeds to the operation of castration, d testicule convert. In this pro-
cedure M. Girard sagaciously warns us to take great care in cutting
through the scrotum and dartos, lest we open the hernial sac ; at the
same time to make the separation of the dartos from the sac as complete
and clean as possible, in order to give the utmost effect to the clams,
which ought to be fixed close to the ring. Before the clams be shut,
let the operator assure himself that no skin — above all, no portion of
intestine — be included within their gripe ; for the latter circumstance
did once happen to an experienced operator (M. Roupp), and gave rise
to violent colics, which could not be relieved but by casting the animal a
second time, and loosening and placing on afresh the clams. The testicle
had better be taken off at the time the clams are applied; the clams then
will be drawn up close to the belly, and may be left remaining on until
they spontaneously lose their hold. On some occasions curved clams
have been found preferable : their convexities being turned towards the
ring, the apposition and pressure become both more efficacious.
Thickening of the Membranes will render the dissection of the dartos
from the sac both tedious and difficult ; and this may exist to that degree
INGUINAL HERNIA. 385
— in one case they were found an Inch in thickness — that for the clams
we shall be compelled to substitute a strong waxed ligature for the com-
pression of the cord, which must be fastened by a running knot.
In the case of Sarcocele the operator must be guided by circumstances.
Should the tumour consist of Intestine principally, the operation is to be
Conducted the same as for thickened membranes. Sarcocele may render
the tumour so solid and compact as to dejDrlve it of every sign or feel of
containing intestine; and should the operator neglect to explore the
ring, this concealment may lead him into fatal error, in case he might
determine on the removal of the sarcocele. Whenever Intestine Is de-
tected, he must take care to make himself sure about its return before he
ventures to apply either clams or ligature to the sarcocelatous swelling.
Adhesions between the hernial gut and Its sac are so rare that M.
GIrard has seen but one Instance of their occurrence ; though it would
appear, from what has. been already stated on the authority of Mr.
Charles Percivall, that between the testicle and Its vaginal covering they
are by no means uncommon. AVhen adhesions of the first kind do occur,
it becomes necessary to open the sac in order to destroy them, before the
reduction can be accomplished : a case wherein the clams will have to be
applied upon the bare cord.
In the cases of Stoppage and Strangulation herniotomy becomes neces-
sary, and must be practised without delay ; otherwise, scrotal hernia in
general admits of time for deciding on the operation, and for preparation
for It by dieting, bloodletting, &c.
After the Operation, the veterinarian will, besides enjoining a low and
appropriate diet, bleed and purge and administer injections, according
as the case may seem to require. The animal had better stand with his
croup elevated, and be tied up so that he cannot lie down.
A CASE OF Scrotal Hernia of extraordinary magnitude
is related by Mr. Marshall, V.S,, Dungannon, in ' The Ve-
terinarian' for 1854) (p. 83). The subject of it was a
stallion, and the hernia appeared to have had its origin in
the act of covering, when one of his hind legs slipped into a
ditch, for some time after which he "" appeared rather dull."
And " the swelling continued to increase in volume,^' and
at this time "hangs nearly down to his hocks." It is on
the left side. First warning the proprietor of the danger of
the operation required, " I operated a testicule convert on
the affected side, the other testicle being removed in the
ordinary way. I then inserted two strong metallic sutures
above the clam, as close to the abdomen as possible. The
II. 25
386 DISEASES OP THE INTESTINES.
horse was now allowed to rise." " The after-treatment
consisted in giving a dose of physic, scarifying the pendu-
lous sheath, &c., and keeping the hind parts raised in the
stable. The clam on the left side remained on until it
sloughed off. The metallic sutures were not removed for a
considerable time after. The horse perfectly recovered, and
has been sold, with a scrotum of the ordinary size."
OPERATION FOR HERNIA IN GELDINGS.— That
hernia is in geldings a disease of the rarest kind, the vete-
rinary annals of our own country afford ample proof; still,
the fact of there being cases on record is sufficient to show
that one may offer to any one of ourselves, and perhaps at a
moment when least of all expected : though taken by surprise,
however, that we may not be taken unprepared as well, it
behoves us to possess ourselves of every information requisite
for the treating of such an accident.
The ABLATION OF THE TESTICLE IS oftcn followcd by en-
largement of the end of the spermatic cord, which contracts,
cohesion with the scrotum, down to which tuberous (united)
part the inguinal canal remains pervious, terminating there
in a cul-de-sac. By degrees, in the course of time, the
tuberosity of the cord diminishes ; the cord itself withers
and shrinks ; its vessels contract, as well as the vas deferens,
which latter is commonly found to contain a colourless
glairy fluid. We learn from M. Girard, that —
In Geldings, inguinal hernia takes the same course, is susceptible of
the same terminations, and requires the same treatment as in stallions.
Trusses and bandages are all ineffectual : a surgical operation is the only
means of causing contraction and closure of the inguinal canal. And this
consists simply in the application of clams — no cutting being required —
upon the outside of the skin, the same as is practised for umbilical hernia.
The Taxis is to be employed, and will be conducted with most effect —
the horse lying upon his side — by drawing out the hernial sheath with
one hand, while the other is employed in manipulation. Should this
mode fail, an assistant may be directed to grasp the hernial mass, and
keep it from pressing against the ring, while the operator renews his
efforts to manipulate it upward. In some cases it becomes necessary to
have one hand within the rectum.
INGUINAL HERNIA. 387
The Clams ought to be applied immediately after the reduction of the
hernia. In putting them on, care must be taken to draw out that part
of the scrotum to which the sheath of the vaginal canal is adherent, and
to push them up as close as possible to the belly prior to shutting and
confining them by ligature.
In the case of irreducible hernia, we must lay open the hernial sac, and
by the introduction of the finger to ascertain the nature and situation of
the stricture, proceed to release the contained portion of intestine ac-
cording to the rules laid down for strangulated hernia. After the return
of the gut, the clams are to be applied upon the cord, with the additional
precaution that the opening made in the sac be included.
OPEUATION FOR STRANGULATED HERNIA.—
The intention of this operation is twofold : — first, to remove
the obstruction or impediment to the return of the stran-
gulated viscus into the belly ; secondly, to set up an ob-
struction to its descent again into the scrotum, or escape
elsewhere. Towards the accomplishment of these objects it
becomes necessary — first, to lay open the hernial sac;
secondly, to ascertain the seat and nature of the stricture ;
thirdly, to divide or otherwise remove the stricture; fourthly,
to return the hernia; fifthly, if required, to finish by cas-
tration. The instruments, &c., required are — scalpels,
straight and curved bistouries and directors, dissecting
forceps, ' curved scissors, clams, ligatures, clam-pincers,
sponge, and a pailful of warm water.
SuprosiNG THE CASE TO BE INGUINAL HERNIA, the animal being cast
upon his back, many advantages will be found to accrue to the operator
should the situation aiford a beam or a ring or anything over or through
which he can manage to pass the hobble-rope coming from the hind leg of
the hernial side, whereby he may obtain the power of extending it at
pleasure, and abducting it from the opposite limb. Everything ready,
and the assistants properly posted, the operator retaining the most handy
of them in attendance on him, will extend an incision, begun about
opposite to the external ring, down along the middle of the anterior sur-
face of the cord, for the space of two or three iuches ; at the same time,
provided there be no intestine actually within the scrotum, the testicle
may be drawn out. The skin being thus divided, the operator will next
carefully cut through the dartos, by which he will expose the vaginal
tunic, now become the hernial sac, which is recognised at once by its
compact albugineous texture. The most scrupulous nicety is required in
388 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
opening the sac, to guard against wounding 'the gut, and especially when
the parts are much distended. The best mode of proceeding is, first, with
the middle of the blade, to scrape through some of the exterior fibres,
and afterwards, with the forceps, to dissect up, layer by layer, until we
arrive at the innermost serous layer, that immediately enveloping the
gut. Into this a hole is to be made, only large enough at first to admit
the director, by the aid of which, either with the bistoury or the scissors,
the aperture is to be sufiiciently dilated. The incarcerated intestine,
evolving under the knife, is now to be drawn out of the sac, and main-
tained extended by the pressure of a linen cloth moistened with some
simple mucilaginous liquid, in order to facilitate getting at the stricture.
The operator is then to pass one or two fingers into the hernial sac, and
carry them onward to the seat of stricture ; against which he must keep
them steadily maintained, so that they may serve as a director to the probe-
pointed bistoury, which is to be passed flatwise along them, with its edge
turned outwards, and thus insinuated within the stricture. Being certain
that the bistoury has passed the neck of the hernia, he has nothing fur-
ther to do than to turn its edge forwards, still keeping it inclined out-
wards ; and immediately he finds the stricture divided, the liberated gut
will slip back into the belly, either all at once or by degrees. Some cases
will be found to require an extension of the incision, or some further di-
vision of the stricture : much discretion, however, is requisite in these
secondary cuts, inasmuch as the return of the hernia is always to be less
apprehended after small incisions. Should the gut not spontaneously
recede, a little dextrous manipulation may accomplish its return ; in any
case It will never be required to pass the hand into the rectum.
M. Renault mentions two cases whicli occurred to him in
1836^ in illustration of this operation.
In the first he practised herniotomy, as described and recommended by
Girard. He cut through and turned up the scrotum and dartos, and then
penetrated with caution into the hernial sac, in which he found nearly two
feet of intestine. He unravelled it, and gave It to an assistant to hold
while he divided the ring ; which done, with great difiiculty he returned
the whole into the abdomen. A clam was then applied upon the cremaster,
and M. Renault was congratulating himself on the fortunate termination
of the operation, when, the animal making a sudden plunge, the intestine
again escaped through the ring, separated or lacerated the fibres of the
cremaster above the clam, and protruded again quite as much as before.
The intestine was once more returned, and the lips of the scrotal
opening now held together by the continued suture : but all hope had
fled ; the animal died a few days afterwards.
A novel Operation. — As the above accident might often occur — it not
INGUINAL HERNIA. 389
being in the power of the operator to prevent it — M. Renault conceived
a notion, in a case where the strangulation was recent, the hernia not
large, nor the tumefaction great, that it would be better to make an in-
cision at the upper part of the flank, by the side of the hernia, and to
endeavour manually to return the gut, even though it should have
descended into the scrotum ; nothing, then, would remain for treatment
but a wound into the abdomen ; and surgical experience has shown us
that simple incised wounds, like this, may be generally managed. It is
true that the method has proved in one case unfortunate ; but then, there
were two strangulated hernias present ; strangulation had existed twenty-
two hours ; and more than two feet of small Intestine had entered the
scrotum, and this was already distended with gas.
The Bowel heing returned, the propriety of castration is to be decided
on by the states of the cord, epididymis, and testicle. Should they be
engorged, livid, and mai-ked with purple spots, the operation becomes
indispensable ; because it may, performed in time, prove a preventive of
congestion, peritonitis, and gangrene. It is to be practised only on the
side affected, and in the ordinary manner, with the clams, a iesticule
convert. Under other circumstances, although the parts may evince
compression, still, so long as there be no signs of mortification, castration
is not called for.
After the Operatio7i, the animal is to be kept down, as prescribed
after the reduction by the taxis ; only the limb drawn up to the beam
may have a little liberty given to it, and thereby the body allowed to
incline somewhat to the opposite side (to that operated on), which will
give the animal some relief. Every precaution is to be taken to prevent
him from struffKlinor or flinging about at the time he is released to rise
up. He will require the same subsequent care and treatment as has
before been detailed, in speaking of the operation for chronic hernia ;
only observing that this is a case in which relapse of the hernia is moi'e
to be dreaded.
Result. — By the chirurgical means stated, we can at all times succeed
in reducing the strictured hernial viscus; but the result can prove
favourable only in cases free from sphacelus : whenever the hernial pro-
duction has become gangrenous, the operation can neither prevent,
arrest, nor retard death ; an event which commonly happens some hours
after the reduction. In man, in many cases, we can establish an artificial
anus ; and indeed, afterwards, by Dupuytren's procedure, sometimes
succeed in again restoring the natural passage. It is submitted, without
conceiving it necessary to state the reason, that such practice is not
available in the horse. This teaches us that the operation for a recent
strangulated enterocele cannot be delayed but with the utmost danger.
In fine, a gut once strangulated becomes the seat of pains rapidly
390 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
augmenting, and ending in the production of most violent convulsions ;
the stercoral matters, forced onward by the peristaltic action, accumulate
within the portion of gut incarcerated in the inguinal canal, adding
aggravation to the case. Parts so swift to take on gangrene are most
urgent in calling for relief; and this can be rendered in no other way
than by setting them free from strangulation.
When the testicle is not removed, the aperture in the
scrotum is to be closed by suture. Commonly, adliesion
between the testicle and its vaginal tunic follows this
operation. M. Girard relates a case in which, from the
incisions being too freely extended, the operation — which
was finished by castration a testicule decouvert — was speedily
succeeded by eventration (or the escape of the intestines),
whose ejection augmenting at every successive heave, became
at length too voluminous to admit of the possibility of
return. In another case, laceration of the stricture hap-
pened at the time the fingers were introducing underneath
it, and thus its division by the knife became superseded :
this is an event, however, not to be desired_, much less
promoted.
OPERATION FOE THE HERNIA OF CASTRA-
TION.— If one might venture to direct attention to one
part of the important subject of hernia in preference to
another, to a practitioner in England, it would be the
section now coming under consideration. Some sad occur-
rences are yet fresh in the memory of many veterinarians,
which, were they to occur in the present advanced state of
veterinary science, might not have the same unfoitunate
issue : at least, not in the hands of such among us as have
taken the sound precaution — a duty incumbent upon us all
— of making themselves as well acquainted with this as with
other more practised branches of their profession.
The English Method of Castration is of a nature to
be converted by the presence of hernia into an operation
pregnant with difficulty and danger. There is difficulty in
prosecuting the operation, should its prosecution under such
INGUINAL HERNIA. 391
circumstances be determined on ; and there is danger not
only at the time of the operation, but after it is finished.
In a prediscovered or even suspected case of this kind, it is far
better that we should abandon our own and betake ourselves
to the French method of performing castration — to that
which by them is called a testicule couvert. The hernia
being reduced, the wooden clams are to be applied upon the
vaginal covering of the spermatic cord, and secured as
close as possible against the belly ; special care being taken
that no knuckle of intestine is left included within their
gripe.
Even in a case where the vaginal tunic has been opened
before any discovery of the hernia has happened to be made,
after having effected the return of the gut, instead of pro-
secuting the operation according to the English fashion, it is
advisable to have recourse to the French plan, and to en-
deaveur to finish the operation still a cordon couvert, by
detaching the vaginal tunic from its connexion with the
scrotum, and extending it afterwards upon the cord, so that
it may become included, together with the cord, within the
clams. Cases do unfortunately occur, however, in which,
owing to the impetuous and slippery descent of the hernial
gut from the moment it becomes liberated from its confine-
ment within the vaginal tunic, all our efforts to return, or
even restrain the protruding bowel, prove unavailing, coun-
teracted as they continually are by the struggles of the
animal and the contractions of the abdomen.
In such perilous and embarrassing circumstances, it is not without
danger we resort to the expedient of introducing the hand into the
rectum to aid the reduction, which should always be most actively pro-
secuted during the interval the animal remains most quiet. Should
every varied effort at reduction prove unsuccessful, the patient ought to
be bled as he lies ; after which we may try the effect of emollient muci-
laginous fomentations to the bowel. It would also be well worth our
while to make trial of the tobacco enema. All these means failing,
either to abate suffering or sufficiently relax parts to render our renewed
efforts more successful, the case may be regarded as hopeless.
In a case of strangulation, the stricture, of course, must be divided ;
though even this is a proceeding which does not always answer. When
392 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
the contractions of tlie abdomen are strong and frequent, dilatation of the
ring serves but to facilitate the descent of the bowels, and the hernia in
consequence rapidly becomes a voluminous mass, whose return is alto-
gether impracticable.
The reduction effected, we should immediately set about dissecting the
vaginal tunic away from the dartos and scrotum, that we may be able to
draw it over the cord, and clasp both within the clams, which are to be
applied and secured in the manner directed for castration a testicule
convert. This second compression must be made higher, if possible —
certainly not lower, upon the cord, than the former — by means of the
clams already ajiplied for castration. When this high compression
cannot be obtained with the clams, a ligature may be used, an advantage
of which is its admitting of being fastened still closer to the ring.
Two cases occurred to M. Rey, of Castres, in which this practice of M.
Girard's proved completely successful. In both, the hernia made its
appearance during the operation of castration, after the application of the
clams. In one he succeeded in reduction without disturbing the clams ;
and all he did further was, to sew the scrotum to the vaginal tunic of
the cord. In the other case, he had to remove the clams to accomplish
the reduction ; but afterwards he replaced them. The suture has the
effect of a temporary suspensory bandage, besides that of inducing
inflammation, and its desired consequences, effusion and adhesion between
these parts, and consequent obliteration of the inguinal passages.
Whatever advantages as a summary operation, and one that
requires no after surgical interference, the English may seem
to possess over the French method of castration, it must be
admitted on all sides, that, where hernia is concerned, one is
dangerous, and is not very unlikely to prove fatal ; while the
other is not only comparatively safe, but affords a good
prospect of proving a permanent cure for the rupture.
UMBILICAL HERNIA.
The protrusion of any portion of bowel through the umbi-
licus or navel, forming a tumour at that part, is what we under-
stand by umbilical hernia : it is technically expressed in one
word, by the term exomphalus. The umbilicus or navel of the
young animal, prior to birth, is open for the purpose of giving
passage to the umbilical cord or navel string : speedily after
birth, however, closure of it takes place ; and, about the same
UMBILICAL HERNIA. 393
time, obliteration of the vessels of the cord. Should closure
of the aperture not happen in due season, a portion of omen-
tum, or knuckle of intestine, or both, is very apt to get
pressed into it, and, for a time, to become imprisoned
therein ; thus constituting the hernia in question. I have
not been in the way myself of seeing much of these acci-
dents, although they must be common enough in large
breeding establishments ; I shall, therefore, betake myself
for information to Hurtrel d'Arboval, and to such British
writers as have published on the subject.
We learn from D'Arboval that exomphalus may either be congenital or
accidental. The first is observable at the moment of birth, or speedily
after. In the latter case the protrusion arises from the giving way, even
after the navel is once closed, of that still lax and weak part, to the down-
ward pressure of the viscera ; a failure to which the animal is liable even
up to his third year. The tumour at the umbilicus is soft, either oblong
or flattened, and susceptible of augmentation on any violent effort ; and,
within the skin, possesses a sac. When omentum only is protruded, it
has a doughy feel, wanting the elasticity conveyed by contained intes-
tine. The intestine displaced is a portion either of the caecum or colon ;
those being the lowermost guts. There is nothing dangerous about this
hernia. Sometimes indeed, though rarely, it will disappear again of its
own accord : when it does not, it may give rise to occasional colic, as well
as incapacitate the animal for any kind of work; or it may augment in
volume, and so become dangerous. On these accounts we ought not to
trust wholly to nature for a cure.
Hie diagnostic between contained omentum and intestine is not always
easy, and particularly when the tumour is but small. Nor is it of any
great deal of consequence ; our object being, whatever the hernial sub-
stance, to return it at once into the belly.
Reduction. — The animal having undergone preparation some days be-
forehand, by a suitable diet, is to be cast, turned upon his back, and
while supported in that position, to have his hind legs bound together,
and his fore legs likewise ; and afterwards to have them, thus bound in
pairs, extended apart from each other, in order to afford space for the
operator, and facilitate the return of the hernial viscera. The taxis is
now to be practised secundum artem, drawing out the skin at the same
time that manipulation is practised to force up the hernia. The reduc-
tion effected, the skin is to be again pinched up and drawn out, and con-
fined in the fold into which it is drawn either by clams placed upon the
duplicatures of the fold, or by sutures run through it, as close as possible to
394 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
the surface of the belly. The clams ought to be of extra length, and not
to be squeezed so tight as to endanger sloughing of the included skin. In
regard to the suture, some prefer one sort, some another ; probably an
imitation of what is called the cobbler's or saddler's stitch would afford
most security.
In an Operation with the Clams, the same as is recoui-
raended in ventral hernia, hereafter, great precaution
should be taken not to include the intestine, or any part of
it, within the grasp of the clams. This was inadvertently
done on one occasion, by Mr. King, V.S., Stanmore, in a
case of umbilical hernia, and the result was artificial anus
at the umbilicus, out of which " the faeces came very co-
piously.'' With this the mare " lingered eight days,^^ and
then sank. Examination showed that •'* the intestine passed
over the original aperture in the parietes, adhering firmly to
its edges, and that a portion of it, of the size of a crown-
piece, had sloughed away." But this slough did not take
place " until at least a month after that of the sac."
Ligature is the curing process very successfully adopted
by Professor Simonds. " Several cases of exomphalous," he
says, " have come under my notice. I have been successful in
all of them, as far as regards perfect reduction of the tumour.
I first cast the animal, and, placing him on his back, grasp the
hernial sac between my fingers, drawing it up from the belly,
and being careful not to include any portion of the protrud-
ing intestine, of which there is little fear, except (which is not
likely in so young an animal) adhesion has taken place be-
tween the peritoneum covering the intestine and that por-
tion of the membrane lining the sac. Being safe Avith
regard to these things, I take a strong waxed cord or string,
and place it roimd the sac, as near as possible to the abdo-
men, and, pulling it tightly, I pass it round the sac two or
three times, and securely fasten it. The patient may then
be permitted to rise, and in a majority of cases, no after-
treatment will become necessary. In the course of a few
days, the parts included in the ligature begin to slough, and,
the healing process taking place, the sac is entirely got rid
of, and tlie cure perfected." " Occasionally, about the third
UMBILICAL HERNIA. 395
or fourtli day, a second ligature may be necessary, from the
first having become loose and ineffectual. In one case I was
unsuccessful : tetanus occurred three weeks after the opera-
tion.^^ '^ I have never seen a case of strangulated umbilical
hernia : I do not know of there being one on record." —
* Veterinarian/ vol. xii.
Of Fistulous Umbilical Hernia, and consequent artificial anus, a novel and
interesting case is placed on record by Mr. Dick, in 'The Veterinarian'
for 1833. The horse, four years old, was bought by Mr, Dick at Kinross
Market, with a considerable enlargement of the umbilicus upon him. He
did his work for some time, but it was with stiffness and unwillingness.
Shortly afterwards he was seized with a " ting," and a farrier was sent
for, under whom he got better. He was put to work again, but proved
still stiff and unwilling. Shortly after, " an opening formed at the navel,
by which the whole of the faeces were passed off." Mr. Thompson, V.S.,
Redstone, was sent for, who " stitched up the opening, which was large
enough to admit a person's fist, and applied a roller with a pad of tow
over it ; also occasionally adhesive plaister." " Adhesion took place, and
granulations formed very rapidly for some time ; but a very small opening
remained, which seemed extremely obstinate, yet was making a little pro-
gress, and to all ajipearance would have been entirely closed in a short
time," — when he died. The intestines proved in many places perforated
by ulceration, apparently the effects of lumbrici. There seemed to be no
disease about the umbilical opening, except adhesion between the intes-
tines and the parietes of the_abdomen. I found it to be a part of the
ileum that had fallen into the opening, about a foot from the caecum.
Nature had formed a tube of about two inches long, quite distinct from
the ileum, by way of a rectum ; but when it was a good deal healed up,
air seemed to be sucked in by it, and passed off per anum. In drinking,
the water passed off by it without any of the aliment being mixed
with it : it seemed almost as clear when passed as when drunk. If he
got the benefit of his meat, he received no benefit of his drink, for it
passed off as fast as he drank it ; and from this cause, apparently, he be-
came very much emaciated. During the time Mr. Thomson attended
him, he showed no symptom of disease, save a slight attack of gripes.
Before death, the wound became reduced to the size of a quill, discharg-
ing white mucus, but no fasces. He was allowed only two pints of water
a day, with some pea-meal, with a small quantity of hay. When Mr.
Thomson first saw the horse, he gave a clyster of water-gruel, which
occasioned much inconvenience, " seemingly by emptying the posterior
bowels too much, as flatus passed, seemingly, from the orifice of the anus,
and he worked like a pair of bellows for four hours." Mr. Thompson
396 DISEASES or THE INTESTINES.
then injected a solution of sulpb. zinc at the orifice, which caused griping
pains for a short time ; but they did not recur, although this was after-
wards frequently repeated.
Analogous to the above operation in principle, but simpler in applica-
tion, is one that has been practised with great success by Mr. Pattie,
Yoker, Glasgow. His account, in ' The Veterinarian' for 1836, of his
mode of operating, is — "The colt is not cast, nor submitted to any re-
straint beyond that of having his head held. The hernial tumour is
emptied by forcing its contents into the belly ; the loose integument
forming the pouch is gathered into the left hand, while the right sur-
rounds it by a ligature placed as closely as possible to the abdominal
parietes, and drawn sufficiently tight to interrupt the circulation. On
the second day there is considerable tumefaction around the incarcerated
integument, which also in a slight degree partakes of the engorgement,
feels cold, and often clammy and moist. When the ligature has not been
sufficiently tight, or the pouch so large as to require strong compression
for arresting the circulation, it is hot and tender. In all cases more than
one ligature is necessary. Generally on the third day the first cord becomes
loose. The circle it embraces has been reduced, partly by absorption
and partly by incision, and there is no longer any compression. If neg-
lected after this, the tumour rapidly increases in size, and is attached by
a neck whose diameter is limited by the ligature. It is necessary, there-
fore, to see the patient twice or thrice a week, to renew the ligature.
The second, third, or fourth, should so many be required, must be placed
above that which preceded, and close to the abdomen. They relax in
from two to three days, and are then useless, save for the purpose of
supporting those which follow. The whole drop off, along with the tu-
mour, in from ten to twelve days. The place from which the pouch is
detached is neither raised nor excavated. It is a flat granulating surfiice,
as large as a halfpenny, and seldom broader than a half-crown. No fur-
ther treatment is required, save, perhaps, a little astringent lotion to
hasten cicatrisation, or an ointment to exclude flies."
Mr. Wells, Y.S., Norwich, in 1852 sent to 'The
Veterinarian' the following excellent practical observations
on this subject : — " Cases of umbilical hernia are very com-
mon in breeding districts. Many being slight require no
treatment at all : others, however, if not attended to, re-
main unsightly for life, occasionally producing spasm, stran-
gulation, and death. The old mode of treatment (and I
believe many practise it now) was, to place the animal on its
back, return the bowel, insert four skewers through the
UMBILICAL HERNIA. 397
loose skin, and apply a ligature. This had the double effect
of removing the superfluous skin, and producing adhesive
inflammation of the sides of the sac; and, in a general way,
the cases did well. Occasionally, however, death ensued,
eitlier from peritoneal inflammation or locked jaw. Think-
ing a safer mode of treatment might be adopted through the
influence of pressure, from having known cases in the human
subject cured simply by wearing a truss, I was determined
to put it to the test. Accordingly, I had a kind of truss
apparatus made for the purpose, which I am happy to say
has proved successful in many cases. It consists of a com-
mon girth, properly sloped to the body, having a stiff piece of
oval-shaped leather introduced inferiorly, to come in contact
with the rupture. This should be buckled on moderately tight,
and retained in its situation, as follows : — Place a common
collar on the animal's neck, to w'hich three straps are
attached, one on each side, and the other at the brisket.
Two pieces of webbing should be attached to the main girth,
with buckles at the opposite end, to meet the side straps,
and a piece of leather, instead of webbing, to meet the
brisket one. This latter should be forked or split, part of
the way, so as to admit of its being attached to the oval
piece of leather covering the rupture. These are then to
be buckled to the three straps coming from the collar, by
which means the main girth is effectually held in its proper
position. Over the whole a common circingle may be placed,
just behind the elbows (the usual girthing place), in order
to keep the apparatus snug and close to the body.
" The animal thus harnessed should be turned into a
loose box, and fed well, the object being to force the system
as much as possible. The best time for applying the truss
is when the animal is taken off the mare. In a general
way, about three months' wear of the truss will be found
sufficient to effect a cure. The modus operandi appears to
be this : — pressure keeps the bowel within the abdomen,
thereby giving the aperture an opportunity of closing, which
in many cases it will do most completely. But, even should
it not, you may depend upon it not getting larger. The
398 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
bowel, from the general development going on in the sys-
tem, hastened by the good keep, will soon do so, i. e. get
larger, and consequently will not dip into the same opening,
even should it remain. Partial or complete adhesion of the
sides of the sac will take place, followed by an entire re-
moval of the unsightly pendulous bag, with its contents,
which constituted the disease/'
VENTRAL HERNIA.
Ventral, sometimes cidled Abdominal Hernia, is the
name given to bowel protruded through any part of the ab-
dominal parietes — the navel and other apertures and canals
excepted — the consequence of which is the production of
a tumour somewhere upon the external surface of the belly :
therefore, ventral hernia essentially differs both from inguinal
and umbilical herniae in the circumstance of the protrusion
occurring — not through any natural aperture, as in both
those instances, but — through some incidental breach in, or
interval between, the parietes.
Cause. — This breach is commonly the result of laceration
of some of the muscular or tendinous fibres composing the
parietes of the abdomen, which in general is occasioned by
a kick from another horse, or by a blow of some sort.
The COMMON SITUATION of the hernia is by the side of,
or rather a little behind, the borders of the false ribs, amid
the fleshy fibres of the internal oblique and transverse mus-
cles. The obvious reason for its more frequent occurrence
in this place, is the pi'orainence and exposure of the part,
and consequent greater liability to receive kicks and blows.
The Tumour, which in magnitude may be compared to
a small apple, has a soft, pufiy, elastic feel, and by pressure
can be made to disappear, from its contents being in general
readily returnable into the cavity of the belly. At the same
time, the breach itself often being of sufficient breadth to
admit of the skin — which hangs loose after the reduction of
the hernia — that also is often pushed into it upon the ends
of the operator's fingers : in which case the borders of the
breach or opening through the abdominal parietes can be.
VENTRAL HERNIA. 399
with the fingers, distinctly traced. These signs, however, are
on occasions, as observed by Hurtrel d'Arboval, marked by
accompanying effusion into the surrounding cellular tissue :
at least, when that exists.
Neither pain nor inconvenience, nor, in fact, ill con-
sequences of any sort, commonly result from ventral herniae.
Horses havingr them do their work and maintain their health
quite as well as others; nor does general experience war-
rant us in assigning other danger to them than such as may
arise from their liabilitj^ to external injury, particularly from
the spur of the rider. I have seen hunters so affected, and
apparently nothing lessened in intrinsic worth by it. I
have known troop-horses similarly ruptured, which have,
without any surgical aid whatever, done their duty to the
last, without experiencing any sensible alteration in the
tumour itself, or the remotest sign of colic or abdominal
disease of any kind, during their lifetime. Notwithstand-
ing, however, this general exemption from inconvenience
even, much more from pain or danger, still cases may and
do occur in which from the volume, or situation, or nature
of the hernia, or from its liability to become strangulated,
it may be not only advisable but incumbent upon us to per-
form some operation, or, at least, to take some measures to-
wards keeping the hernia permanently reduced.
The Contents of -she Tumour usually consist of a
knuckle of intestine : the omentum " being too short to be-
come protruded, unless it be dragged posteriorly towards
the ribs. Ordinarily, I believe ventral hernise possess no
proper sac, the peritoneum becoming ruptured by the blow
which produces the eventration : indeed, in most instances,
their only covering appears to be the common integuments.
Treatment. — In the generality of cases there is no
necessity or call whatever for adopting any kind of treat-
ment. Still, it is right Ave should be acquainted with
what we have it in our power to do in a case of need or
desirableness ; for, as I said before, now and then a case
presents itself requiring remedy. Providing the accident
be recent, the subject young, and the breach but small.
400 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
there appears a prospect of success by the use of a common
circingle, made broad, aud placed backward enough to con-
fine a pad of tow or folded linen upon the part, after the
hernia is reduced. Success, however, by such simple means
must entirely depend upon their judicious application and
persevering continuance. Should the volume of the tumour
or intractability of our patient be such as to render means
of so simple a character inapplicable or unavailing, Hurtrel
d'Arboval recommends us to pinch up the loose skin cover-
ing the hernia, after it is reduced into a fold, and apply
long clams upon the duplicature, sufficiently compressed to
maintain the fold without running the risk of obstructing
the circulation : the same procedure in fact as is recom-
mended by him for umljilical hernia, taking great care to
avoid what occurred in Mr. King^s case, viz., the intrusion
between the clams of any portion of intestine. Mr. Ions
has adopted this plan of cure with good success.
In April, 1839, a bay filly was brought to his establishment at Water-
ford, who had received an injury two months before from the horn of a
cow between the cartilages of the false ribs, inclining to the flank.
The opening was six inches in length. No inflammation ensued, and
Mr. Ions felt inclined to try what pressure would do. Mr. Ions first re-
turned the intestine, and then placed a pair of castrating clams over the
skin and pouch, and had the parts kept wet with a solution of nitre. In
a fortnight the whole sloughed away, leaving only a thick cicatrix the
length of the clam. During the latter part of the time a solution of
sulphate of copper was used. The filly is now at grass, perfectly sound. —
'Veterinarian' for 1839.
Mr. Simonds, V.S., Twickenham, has adopted the same
plan of cure as has been practised with such happy results
by Mr. Pattie, in umbilical hernia, viz., ligature. The
following case will illustrate his mode of procedure, at the
same time that it evinces the complete success by which it
has been attended :
A mare, in leaping some hurdles, forcibly struck her right flank, the
result of which was a rupture. Several months afterwards Mr. Simonds
saw her, and purchased her for experiment. " The tumour measured
eight inches in circumference at its larger and upper part, and in length
VENTRAL HERNIA. 401
ten inches, tapering to a somewhat rounded point. It was situated
directly in the riglit flank. It could easily be pushed back into the
belly, and appeared not in any way to interfere with her health or
capability for work. She was, however, noticed to be generally resting
upon the leg on that side. She having been prepared by venesection,
physic, and diet, and having satisfied myself that there was no adhesion
between the gut and integument, I pushed back the intestines, and,
grasping the sac with ray right hand, I desired my assistant to pass a
strong waxed cord around the base of the sac, as near as possible to the
body, and to draw it as tight as he could, and secure it. She seemed to
sufier a good deal for a short time. In a few days, sloughing had loosened
the first, and rendered a second ligature necessary, and after that, a third.
In three weeks, the parts had healed, leaving very little appearance of
rupture, and of the opening which remained gradually diminished. She
was shortly afterwards put to post work, at which she continued to our
knowledge three years."
The old operation with skewers is preferred by that
excellent practitioner, Mr. Tombs, V.S., Stratford-on-
Avon. " After condemning one operation it becomes me
to point out a safer/^ says Mr. Tombs, " A more scientific
one I cannot ; but I think I can a less dangerous one (than
suture). The operation I allude to is, I believe, attended
with invariable success." — "The animal is cast upon his back.
The operator returns the bowel, and gathers in his hand all
the loose skin over, and for a considerable distance around
the hernia. He then pushes three or four join skevvers, about
14 inches long, transversely through this skin, and one or
two longitudinally, over the hernia, and a strong cobbler^s
end is tied under the skewers, and drawn tight. The
skewers are next twisted round with a pair of pincers ;
otherwise, the points would penetrate the skin of the adjacent
parts of the abdomen, at the time the animal lies down. The
patient is then liberated, and kept short of food and water
for a few days." — 'Veterinarian,' vol. XTV,, pp. 2C6-7.
In confirmation of Mr. Tombs^ Treatment, I quote
the following case of Mr. Holmes, V.S., Ash. Mr. Holmes
^vas called to attend a yearling colt, with ventral hernia.
The hernia was posterior to the umbilicus, and would have
filled a half pint measure. " I determined," says Mr. Holmes
II. 26
402 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
"to operate upon it, after the method of Mr. Siraonds. All
appeared to be going on well for a fortnight, at the end of
which time the lax suture sloughed away, and the intestine
came down as before. I operated upon it again in the same
manner, and again unsuccessfully. I then despaired of
effecting a cure, and was upon the point of recommending
my patient to be destroyed, when upon turning over the
papers of the XlVth volume of 'The Veterinarian,' my eye
lighted upon the paper of Mr, Tombs, in which he recom-
mends the insertion of skewers through the integument, and
the application of a ligature over them ; which method I
immediately adopted, and am happy to say with complete
success/' — 'Veterinarian,' vol. XVII., pp. 19-20.
In the same volume of 'The Veterinarian,' p. 120, Mr.
John Scott, V.S., Kildare, writes, "I operated successfully on a
thorough-bred filly, in whom an umbilical hernia had existed
from birth. It was as large as described by Mr. Holmes
last month, and was similarly situated. Mr. Tombs' opera-
tion succeeded admirably, for I was enabled to twist off the
sloughing parts in fifteen days ; indeed, that might have
been done sooner, and the cure accomplished in the same
time as in Mr. Tombs' case.
Firing and Blistering have found an advocate in Mr.
Horsburgh, V.S., Castleton, N.B. His case, from which I
take the following account, is contained in ' The Vete-
rinarian ' for 1838.
In July, 1835, a grey horse, the property of Mr. Laing, farmer, of
Pardivine, in breaking out of a park, staked himself on the fence, and
was with some difficulty got off. He was much hurt ; fever took place
on the third day : on the fourth Mr. Horsburgh was sent for. Tlie
abdomen and chest were much swollen. The fever was reduced by
venesection and purges, and from the swelling, a few days after, fluid was
let out by puncturution. The general tumefaction disappeared, but left
a swelling in the left iliac region. Mr. Horsburgh was in doubt whether it
was hernia or abscess. He thought the latter, and punctured it. Bloody
fluid escaping, he thought he was right, and therefore enlarged the
opening a little, when intestine protruded. The opening was imme-
diately closed with pin and tow. No ill consequences resulted ; the
wound healed, the swelling subsided, and nothing remained but the
VENTIIAL HERNIA. 403
hernial sac, measuring ten inches in length and seven inches in breadth,
and protruding to the extent of four inches. The horse being perfectly
healthy, his owner would not consent to any operation ; until, one day,
symptoms of strangulation being apparent, he grew frightened, and gave the
case up to Mr. Horsburgh. Of the symptoms of strangulation he recovered;
and therefore Mr. Horsburgh, having duly prepared him by physic and regi-
men, put in practice the operation he had at first proposed. Both the abdo-
men and hernia became considerably reduced by the physic and regimen,
which latter consisted in nothing else but as much boiled barley as Mr. Hors-
burgh thought would keep life in him. He first fired the tumour through
its whole extent, in lines about an inch apart, and pretty deep, and then
applied a strong blister, continuing the same restricted regimen until the
wound was healed. It was then a little larger than a person's hand. Mr.
Horsburgh repeated the firing and blistering. The result fully answered his
expectations. The horse has stood the test of two years' work, and only
on minute inspection can the lines of firing be seen. The object of
the operation was to excite such an inflammation as would extend to the
inner parts, and cause adhesion of the intestine, and so prevent its pro-
trusion through the aperture.
A CASE OF Ventral Artificial'Anus was, in 1837, sent
to 'The Veterinarian^ by Mr. Karkeek, V.S., Truro, wliicli,
although of chronic character, from the summary manner
in which it was cured and disposed of, cannot fail to prove
to us highly interesting.
"Two years since a pony mare received an injury from the horn of a
bullock on that portion of the abdomen situated between the cartilages
of the false ribs, inclining a little to the left side, producing a ventral
hernia about the size of a cricket ball." From a kick received upon the
same place from the toe of the shoe of a boy, very serious Injury re-
sulted, which terminated in an opening through the lacerated muscles
into the colon itself; "being that portion of its second flexure which
forms the upper and anterior arch, and the liquid and pulpy contents
soon issued freely from the aperture. The mare continued for three
weeks in this state, when I was requested to examine her — about the 6th
of January. I found the opening nearly large enough to admit my four
fingers, and It had a very vmhealthy appearance. The discharge of
pulpy and watery food was great, and the smell very offensive, so much
so, that It was with difficulty any person could be found to attend on her.
The pulse was between 50 and 60, and the appetite tolerably good." —
The mare being with foal, and an old favorite besides, her owner was
very desirous to have something done. There were two favorable cir-
cumstances— the length of time since the injury and the absence of in-
404 DISEASES or THE INTESTINES.
flammation. — " Having cleaned the wound," says Mr. Karkeeb, " I closed
the openuig with a strong suture of pack-thread, with a common packing
needle, taking in as much of the integuments and abdominal muscles as
possible. I then applied a pledget of tow, soaked in a solution of chloride
of lime, and supported the whole by means of a thick woollen bandage,
laced along the spine- I ordered the wound to be cleansed and the solu-
tion to be apjilied every morning, and her head to be tied to the rack,
to prevent her lying down. About five weeks afterwards, being in the
neighbourhood, I called to inquire after my patient, when to my surprise
I found her alive and well, the wound having completely healed. Had
this case happened nearer my residence, I should have endeavoured to
have instituted some experiments with regard to the process of digestion
on different kinds of food ; and this, I believe, might have been done
without endangering the life of the animal, as there was a copious dis-
charge of food for three weeks previous to my attending the mare."
In case of Strangulation, the operator would, of course,
first proceed to the employment of the taxis, and use every
manual dexterity and other aids to render it effectual.
Should all his efforts fail, .he must, by simple incision through
the skin, expose the hernia, and with his probe-pointed
bistoury incise the border of the constricting aperture,
making his incision in the direction in which the muscular
and tendinous fibres in the vicinity run, as is prudently
enjoined by D'Arboval. The gut rettirned, the wound in the
skin should be carefully closed by suture, and a compress
and roller, if practicable, kept applied over it.
I shall close this division of my subject with the tran-
script of a case related in ' The Veterinarian^ for 1839, by
Mr. Simonds, together with an account of an operation for it
which reflected the greatest credit upon him and the pro-
fessional gentlemen present with him on the occasion.
The subject was an aged black mare, which was brought to Mr.
Simonds' infirmary October 18, 1837, with an old injury, received, he
was told, from her falling in the shafts of a loaded cart : — " The most
extensive rupture Mr. Simonds had ever seen presented itself on the left
side. The sac formed by the skin, which was not broken, not even the hair
rubbed off, extended as far forward as the cartilages of the false ribs, and
backwards to the mammae. A perpendicular line drawn from the superior
to the inferior part of the tumour measured more than twelve inches.
It appeared, from its immense weight and size, as if the larger part of
VENTRAL HERNIA.
405
the colon had protruded." There was little or no constitutional dis-
turbance. She was bled ; a cathartic given ; and the tumour constantly
wetted with cold water, and supported by a bandage. The next day
Mr. Simonds submitted the case to Messrs. Morton, Spooner, and Youatt.
They urged him to return the protruding viscera, and secure that
return by operation. On the 24th she was operated on. Opium was
given to lull sensation and pain, — a dose of siiss tinct. opii. She was
cast and secured, and propped upon her back by straw. Her head was
made fast to a ring in front, and one hind leg was fixed to another ring.
The effects of the opiate were manifest throughout the operation.
"After a careful examination, externally as well as per rectum, in order
to ascertain the situation and probable size of the laceration ©f the
muscles, an incision Avas carefully made through the integument into the
sac, in a line with the inferior border of the cartilages of the false ribs ;
which incision was seven inches in length. This, as we had hoped, proved
to be directly upon the aperture in the muscular parietes of the belly.
The intestines were exposed ; and, after having sufficiently dilated the
opening to permit the introduction of the hands, they were quickly re-
turned, portion after portion, into their proper cavity, together with a
part of the omentum. At times it required our united strength to
prevent the escape of the- intestines, and which was only effected by
placing our hands side by side, covering and pressing upon the opening.
By these means we succeeded in keeping in the viscera until we were
satisfied that we had replaced them all within their proper cavity. A
strong metallic suture of flexible wire was then (by means of a suitable
needle) passed through the edges of the laceration, taking in the perito-
neum and portions of transversalis, rectus, and internal abdominal
muscles, and other sutures embracing the same parts were placed at
convenient distances, so as nearly to close the aperture. Two sutures of
smaller metallic wire and three of stout silk cord were then passed
through the external abdominal muscles, and their aponeurosis, which
effectually shut up the opening. The integument was then brought
together by the interrupted suture, taking care to bring out the ends of
the other sutures. The operation occupied rather less than an hour, our
poor patient being occasionally refreshed with some water gruel." After
she was risen, a compress and suspenscn-y bandage that could be tight-
ened at pleasure, were placed upon the wound. Next day, the sac which
had contained the hernia was filled with serous effusion. A dependent
opening was made, from which three or four pints escaped. — 26th, Sup-
puration.—30th, Enabled to walk out; skin sutures came away.—
November 4th, Sloughing, in which three metallic sutures came away.
A sinus formed towards the manmia through which tape was passed. The
appetite up to this time had been tolerably good, and the pulse had
406 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
ranged between 52 and 56. — 6th, So far recovered as to be turned into a
paddock for a few hours. — 11th, "An accident occurred which nearly
brought my hitherto successful case to a fatal termination. She had got
into a pond which lay at the bottom of the paddock, and was fixed in the
mud ; and was, when we arrived, making violent efforts to release herself.
After much difficulty she was dragged out, so much exhausted as to be
incapable of rising. A gate was procured, and upon that, well covered
with straw, she was, by two horses, drawn home. She had now every
attention paid her, and was raised in slings for support. In this ' cradle.'
she stood quite at ease. She gradually recovered her strength ; but it
was not until twelve weeks after the operation that the metallic sutures
came away ; a foct showing the advantage of these over other sutures —
the different degrees of irritation produced on the living animal fibre by
the different substances we employ as sutures. To the use of the metallic
sutures I attribute the success of my case ; and for their introduction we
are indebted to Mr. Spooner. My patient, shortly after this, went to
work on my form, where she continues to the present hour, doing her
full share of labour."
This was from the beginning, and all through its course,
truly a formidable case. The only question concerning it
arising, in my mind, is, whether or not a simpler operation
might not have proved effectual ? — such an operation as the
French veterinarians perform, or as Mr. Horsburgh, by
the aid of starvation, succeeded with ? I cannot, of course,
be supposed to be offering an opinion on a case I never
saw : I am but holding these simple operations out as, in
fitting cases, worthy of trial, in preference to formidable and
dangerous ones.
DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA.
Among the reasons assigned by Girard in his inestimable
work on hernia for the prevalence of this affection in men
in comparison with animals, is adduced, the oblique inclina-
tion, forwards and downwards, of the axis of the abdomen
in the quadruped, the consequence of which is, the con-
tinual gravitating tendency of the abdominal viscera against
the diaphragm. This visceral pressure, particularly when
the bowels are full, must operate, by impediment to the
action of the diaphragm, in rendering that muscle more
DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA. 107
liable to rupture and laceration under violent efforts of body
or of respiration ; and when once a breach has taken place,
the same inclination to roll forward will render the insinua-
tion of some viscus — intestine most likely, from that being
the most loosely attached — a highly probable consequence.
Such is the pathology of phrenic or diaphragmatic hernia.
It is possible for the hernia to happen from some separation
of the fasciculi of the muscle, or in consequence of dilatation
of some one of the natural passages through it ; though veteri-
nary annals, that I know of, furnish no such cases. Blows
upon the body, or sudden and violent falls of it, are the
ordinary causes of rupture or laceration of diaphragm ; and
then the hernia follows in the manner I have described.
The Symptoms, when this hernia has happened, have
been found to be — as indeed might have been expected — a
compound of those of ruptured diaphragm with those of
other painful herniae ; and, by accurate observation of such
combined expressions of suffering, when present, must the
case be made out. There will be symptoms of violent colic,
and these symptoms may so simulate " gripes,^^ that unless
the history of the case incline us to think otherwise, the horse
may die under the belief of those in attendance on him,
that the case is nothing but colic ; at the same time there
will probably be some extraordinary agitation in the respira-
tion— some working of the flanks, more like broken-wind,
perhaps, than common violent breathing. The late Profes-
sor Sewell used to say, that in this complaint '' the horse
usually sat upon his haunches like a dog," a posture which
affords the intestines, as he very justly remarks, every facility
of rolling back again out of the chest into the belly : the cases,
however, which have been published do not appear to bear
out this observation. On the contrary,Mr. Daws says, in
rupture of the diaphragm, " lie has generally seen the horse
push his chest on the ground, and not sit upon his haunches."
Vomiting has been known to be present.
The Hernia may not happen until some time after the
Rupture. A very interesting case, published by Mr. Cleaver,
V.S., in ' The Veterinarian ' for 1836, seems to show this.
408 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
The mare, the subject of it, had been hunted with the fox-hounds^ three
weeks previous to her attack, carrying fourteen stone, and had fallen
quite exhausted at a fence. She was in the field once after this, but had
little to do. On the day of her attack, she had been ridden gently for
seven miles. She did not sweat on her return, neither was any fault
found with her going. And yet a few minutes afterwards an attack of
violent apparent colic set in. Mr. Cleaver viewed the case as one of
intus-susception, and very judiciously proposed, as a dernier remedy,
that she should be bled to syncope, which was done by letting the blood
flow in a full stream as she lay down. Presently she broke out in a cold
sweat, and after lying quiet for about ten minutes, after several attempts
got up. Her flanks worked violently ; she rocked, her legs tottered, she
stood trembling for a minute or two, and then dropped as if she had been
shot. " There was the most violent and peculiar lifting of the chest" Mr.
Cleaver had ever seen. She died in less than five hours after the attack.
" An opening was discovered in the left side of the diaphragm, through
which six yards and a half of the small gut were drawn into the chest ;
and the gut was so firmly strangulated, that it could not be moved either
way without danger of breaking. One part of it adhered to the posterior
part of the diaphragm. The intestine within the chest was in the highest
state of inflammation. The mesentery was torn in several places. There
was also a tumour on the mesentery which contained about a pound of
dark coagulated blood ; about four quarts of blood were likewise effused
within the chest, which had flowed partly from the various lacerations,
but principally from this tumour.
A case occurred to myself illustrative of the same
remark. A troop-horse was shown to me on the 4th of
April, 1853, very lame in his hind- quarters from having
slipped up and fallen. The regiment marched five days
afterwards to Windsor, whither he had to be taken per rail-
way. On the 7th, I ordered him for his lameness, physic
and fomentation ; he having then no other symptom ; but on
the 11th, the day the physic had " set " in the morning, the
horse (17 years old), was seized with symptoms of" gripes.^'
I was called at 7 o'clock in the morning to him ; found him
suffering from, apparently, violent colic, which I felt at first
inclined to connect with the operation of the physic. He
would, in spite of all we could do, lie down and roll upon his
back, the position he was fondest of; the pulse was neither
small nor thready. The pains were periodical, every five or
DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA. 409
six minutes, and very sharp ; in fact, latterly, the pain was so
excessive as to drive liim to a state verging on delirium. It
would, amid other symptoms of restlessness, bore his head with
dilated pupils forward, like a staggered horse. Post mortem —
was found a rent in the diaphragm, extending from the
spine to its middle. The margins of the rupture did not
indicate recent laceration. The stomach, which was quite full,
had become ruptured, and with it part of the duodenum,
was within the chest. It is my opinion that the slip-up
and fall, occasioned rupture of the diaphragm, and that at
some subsequent — perhaps remote — period, the hernia took
place. The case is published in ' The Veterinarian,' vol.
xxvi. p. 49.
The Hernial Parts consist commonly of intestine; and
of the small, in consequence of their loose attachment, more
frequently than the large. In Mr. Cartwright's case the
csecum had entered the chest ; and in another, a portion of
mesentery was found there. In chronic cases, the hernial
bowels have been known to contract adhesions to the mem-
branes in the chest.
Strangulation happens occasionally in diaphragmatic as
in other hernise. It may speedily follow the incarceration, or
it may supervene after many weeks or even months, in conse-
quence of some change having taken place in the volume or
position of the viscera. Violent inflammation results from
constriction, and mortification follows.
Both rupture and Hernia of the Diaphragm may
exist, and yet the horse appear unaffected by any disease —
nay, in perfect health. Various circumstances tend to this
result, the chief being, the portion of the diaphragm that is
ruptured, the extent and direction of the rupture, the viscera
received into it, their state of constriction. Laceration of the
superior or fleshy part of the diaphragm, where the crura are
attached, is suddenly fatal ; but in the inferior or tendinous
part, considerable rent may exist without materially disturbing
the respiratory functions. The late Professor Sewell has
satisfactorily demonstrated these facts ; Mr. Cartwright's
410 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
case, related at page 189, is likewise illustrative of the same ;
as is likewise my own, afore mentioned.
Remedy. — For so distressing a case, I am afraid we possess
none, even supposing we were adept enough in practice to
make the case out. Unless with D'Arboval, we feel our-
selves warranted in making an incision into the left flank, and
through it manually exploring the inside, and afterwards
taking such measures as appear to be required. The animal
may survive such an operation ; the disease, he cannot.
Does Hernia constitute Unsoundness ? In answer to
this, there exist various opinions. No doubt it does in some
forms, when it comes to require treatment ; but whether it
does in such forms or stages as create no inconvenience to
the animal whatever, and never of itself does, or is likely to
do, unless it receives injury, call for treatment of any kind,
is another, and a distinct question. For a good deal of dis-
cussion on this point, see 'Veterinarian ' for 1834, pages
426-478 et seq.
PROLAPSUS ANI.
Prolapsus Kai, proctocele, inversio recti (or, as the French
denominate it, renversement clu rectum), are so many appella-
tions for a disease which, if one may judge from the paucity
of cases on record, comes but rarely under the notice of the
veterinary surgeon — even in horses, though oftener among
them, it is said, than in other animals ; still it is a disease
which it behoves him both to understand the nature of, and
be prepared with remedies to remove, whenever it does
happen.
Definition. — It consists in inversion and prolapse of the
mucous coat of the rectum ; either confined to the lining
membrane itself, or otherwise, involving more or less of the
entire intestine along with it.
The Aspect of the protrusion will depend upon the nature
and volume of the parts ejected, as well as upon the
time such evolution has been in existence. When recent, so
readily does tumefaction of the parts follow their protrusion.
PROLAPSUS ANI. 411
that this speedily opposes all attempts at return, should the
animal make any ; though, in truth, his efforts in general
have the effect of straining more gut out, and with his strain-
ing, in some cases, lacerating the membrane, and thus aug-
menting, instead of diminishing, the evolution, while it gives
rise to pain which was not felt before. In this manner arises a
large, sometimes enormous, rotund, red, rugose, efflorescence,
consisting of cylinders of mucous membrane, having an
aperture closed, through constriction, in its centre, though,
while open, issuing a mucous and sanious matter, especially
at such time as the animal is straining afresh. The cir-
cumflex action of the sphincter ani around the neck of the
swelling, together with its distension with gas and the action
of the air upon its surface, all add to its increase of volume,
and change of colour, as well as to augment the pain ; while the
power at the same time enhances the difficulty of any efPort
the practitioner may make towards effecting a return of the
protruded gut. With its augmentation of volume comes a
deepened redness, turning, through the constriction of the
sphincter, to a darker and even purple hue, the membrane
becoming, at the same time, inflated and cedematous ; and
gradually changing its colour from red to yellow and brown,
though still having a humid shining aspect, now becomes
glairy from albuminous secretion, which is not only mucous
but at times purulent.
Causes. — These may be summed up in irritation, either
direct or sympathetic, of the mucous membrane lining the
anus and rectum. It is possible that prolonged constipation,
by giving rise to violent straining efforts at expulsion of
dry and hardened faeces, might bring it on ; or even the
strains of parturition. The action produced by excessive
purgation may cause it ; more especially irritation of a me-
chanical kind, arising from direct injury to the membrane or
rectum during the operation of raking or manual exploration
of the gut or of clystering. It may prove an accompaniment,
of an enteritic, colicky or diarrhoeal condition of bowel. It
is possible it may ensue on nicking ; though I never knew it
to follow that operation — violent struggles indeed of any kind.
412 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
In such a case as mentioned in 'The Veterinarian/ vol. xxv,
by Mr. J. Brown, V.S., London, wherein the horse "had
forced out nearly a foot of the rectum in struggling violently
to release himself/' while being cast.
Treatment. — The formidable, and indeed awful aspect of
this disease, is apt to operate in the mind of the owner of
the animal favorably for the veterinary surgeon, inasmuch as
it gives rise to his being called to the case sooner than he
otherwise would have been. Should the summons be an
early one, at the time that the protrusion is recent and the
volume of the protrusion nothing alarming, judicious exercise
of the taxis, if employed at the moment, may succeed in the
return of the gut. Distributing the fingers of both hands,
over the rugose and turgid surface of the protrusion, steady,
firm, and forcible pressure ought to be maintained against it
for such length of time as appears to afford any chance of
success, augmenting the force used whenever there is any
remission of straining. Should the first efforts of this
description fail, the protruded mass may have its bulk lessened
and constricted as much as possible by local application of
some sort, than which none offers a better chance of succeed-
ing than such as follows from sudden and intense cold,
though to a part so sensitive and vascular, the practice is not
devoid of danger. Ice may be powdered and enclosed in a
linen bag, so as to form a sort of bolster which may be held
or braced with firmness upon the tumefaction. The reverse
of such treatment as this, however, though the object be the
same, is generally preferred ; viz. fomentation, medicated or
not, and scarification of the exposed membrane ; though
in other cases astringent applications are emploj'^ed, with
a view of causing contraction and diminution of the mass,
such as lime water, decoction of oak bark, solution of
alum, &c.; and while such proceedings are going on, it is
advisable to have the hind parts raised : supposing we suc-
ceed in accomplishing the reduction, the chances are in
favour of a relapse of the pi'olapsus, and these chances seem
great in proportion to the facility with which the return of
the inverted gut has been effected : indeed, so constant and
PROLAPSUS ANI. 413
troublesome does the return in some of these cases become,
that it is necessary to contrive some sort of truss to oppose
the descent, the same as is done for rupture in man. Mr.
Dycer's truss consisted of " a new wet chamois leather, a
breast-plate, and a hip (human) truss." Should constipa-
tion be thought to operate against reduction, in addition to
clysters, we may exhibit cathartics and aloes in solution, and
should there be plethora and great irritability in the mem-
brane of the rectum and anus, a bloodletting will be ad-
visable ; while an opiate or belladonna clyster will be advan-
tageously administered in order to allay all. local irritation as
much as possible.
As a dernier and effective mode of procedure in
prolapsus ani, when the case proves either irreducible or,
after return, continually protrudes, on any slight effort, such
as coughing, afresh, we have recourse with safety and cer-
tainty to an operation consisting in excision of more or less
of the inverted membrane enveloping the protruding portion
of gut. This is an operation of ancient date, though to
Dupuytren is ascribed the credit of introducing it into
human practice, and to the French veterinarians that of
transplanting the same into veterinary practice. Formerly
the actual cautery was the instrument employed for the re-
moval of the parts obstructing reduction ; but in our own day
this has been thrown aside for the scalpel, an instrument
quite as effective, while the simple act of cutting with a knife
gives so much less pain than cutting or dividing with the
actual cautery does. In general, it is considered necessary
to cast the horse for the operation; but Mr. Gregory, V.S.,
Bideford, " did not cast the mare, but merely put on a side
line, and had one leg held up, and the tail kept on one side ;"
and most assuredly the standing position of the patient is one
which, in such an operation, offers no mean advantages to
the operator, providing he can avail himself of it without any
personal danger. A great preservation against refractori-
ness in an operation of the kind, at the moment when any
pain is felt, is a twitch well put on and well and timely
turned. The horse secured, and the tail turned aside out of
414 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
the way, an incision forming a circle is to be carried round
the protruding mass at sufficient distance from the con-
stricted part or neck of the protrusion to leave behind it an
arc distended from tumefaction or infiltration, so that their
removal Avill render the retraction of the gut an easy or
natural voluntary effort. In making incision it may be
advisable to take up, and tie with a silk ligature, any vessel
met with of size enough (as some of the rectal arterial
branches are) to issue a current of blood ; though sometimes
no such precaution is required. In the case mentioned of
Mr. Gregory (to be found in ' The Veterinarian,^ vol. xxvi,
p. 556), " not moi^e than a quart of blood" was lost. The
incision ought to be made of sufficient depth to penetrate
completely through the substance of the mucous membrane,
however morbidly thickened that may be, without running
any risk of wounding the muscular coat beneath it ; the
object being to dissect the former away and strip it off the
latter, so as to lessen the bulk of the mass to that degree
that return becomes a voluntary and facile action of the
animal himself. As soon, however, as this procedure has been
carried near to the inverted anus, care must be taken not to
dissect any of, or anywise injure, the sphincter of that part, lest
we leave the horse with an imperfection in closing an outlet
of so important a character. A soft or mash diet should for
a few weeks succeed the operation ; with abstinence from hay,
altogether, which from its fibrous prickly nature must be
particularly offensive to the denuded gut. Occasional emol-
lient clysters are recommendable, especially when there
appears any pain or difficulty in giving exit to the faeces.
HEMORRHOIDS.
HAEMORRHOIDS or piles, are tumours, in general of small
size, containing or discharging blood, situate within or
around the verge of the anus.
So rarely have such cases appeared to have been met
with, and under such dubious aspect have some of the
recorded cases come to us, that but for oue or two con-
HAEMORRHOIDS OR PILES. 415
tained in ' The Veterinarian/ the alleged disease would
not have met with a place at all in Hippopathology. Neither
Blaine nor Youatt notice such a disease in horses ; though
the latter assures us that it is frequent enough among dogs.
His words are — " Dogs are very subject to piles."^ Among
the French Veterinarian authors^ Gohier and Debeaux have
both described the disease ; and from their works princi-
pally has Hurtrel d'Arboval copied his account of it.
I have no recollection of ever having seen a horse with piles
myself; but in 1852 was sent a case of " Haemorrhoids in
the Horse/' to 'The Veterinarian/ which will be found
recorded in vol. xxv of that journal^ from which I take
the subjoined curtailed account :
In March, 1851, Mr. Wells, M.E.C.V.S., Norwich, was
sent for in a hurry to see a carriage mare, reported to
have been observed for two days before having ^' some-
thing bloody" hanging out of the rectum. This something
was said to make its appearance two or three times a day
after dunging, but had uniformly returned again of itself
up to the present occasion. Mr. Wells found the mare in
pain, switching or lashing her tail, and stamping with her
hind feet. The case first struck him to be one of prolapsus
ani, but " proved to be a true case of piles.'' The tumour,
about the size of an egg, "presented the appearance of a
pilous grape in the human subject, only, of course, much
larger." Owing to the constriction of the sphincter ani
around it, Mr. Wells had some difficulty in returning it ;
but as soon as he effected this, the mare was relieved from
pain. Mr. Wells anticipated a return of the gut; nor was
he deceived, for on being removed to his infirmary, and
dunging, out it came again. Further examination dis-
covered small tumours situated around and proximate
to the large one ; though the large one was all that pro-
truded outside. It was returned again, and again pro-
truded, doing so after every dunging.
Reflecting on the case, Mr. Wells foresaw trouble and
difficulty about the treatment ; and yet at length hit upon
' 'Canine Pathology,' 4th and last edition, p. 165.
416 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES.
a very simple one, wliichj so far as his knowledge afterwards
went, proved effectual. He procured a pair of glove-sticks
(such as used by hosiers), and gently introduced their points,
oiled^ about an inch or more into the rectum, underneath
the tumours, whicb then rested upon them. Then, pressing
the handles, the tumour receded with the dilatation. This
he persevered in for four days, applying, at the same time,
continually, cold water to the parts. In four days more the
mare seemed quite recovered of her grievance. I only gave
a slight aperient at first; afterwards keeping the bowels
soluble with food. " The mare being sold shortly after-
wards, Mr. W. lost sight of her;" so that whether there
took place any return or not, he is unable to say, " but
thought such an occurrence not improbable."
Another case, similar to the last, came to ' The Veteri-
narian,' in 1849 (in the xxii vol. of which it will be
found) from Mr. Collins, V.S., of the 16th, Queen's Lancers.
A grey (troop) mare was sent into barracks from off the
drill-ground " in consequence of the sudden appearance of a
tumour, protruding from the anus, about the size of a swan's
egg, of a bright scarlet colo\ r," which Mr. Collins found
to be " firmly attached to the inferior portion of the rectum,
about an inch beyond the sphincter ani." Mr. ColUns
gave an opinion, and had the tumour examined. Three
days after, there being '' no alteration in the tumour," Mr.
Smith, V.S., Norwich, was consulted, and an operation was
determined on. On further examination, after the mare was
cast, of the tumour, it was found " to be attached, for the
space of three inches, to the mucous membrane of the gut,
by a broad expansion of its external covering, which appeared
to consist of mucous membrane of an abnormal character,
separated from the healthy (portion of the membrane) by an
irregular line of demarcation. It was firm and unyielding."
Incision into its substance disclosed it to be filled with
fibrine, " exactly resembling the fibrine of the blood." Mr.
Collins carried the incision through it, " down to its root,
and passed a ligature around the base of each portion."
But little hemorrhage followed outwardly, though "there
njJMORRHOIDS OR PILES. 417
was bleeding inwardl}'/' since about three ounces of dark
coagulum were found within the rectum afterwards^ and re-
moved. " As the mare rose (upon her legs) each section
of the tumour dropped off," Mr. Collins dressed the places
of separation with lunar caustic. Ten days after the opera-
tion the mare was discharged — no traces remaining of the
disease — and went to her duty " cured."
These cases present some similarities. The subjects were
both marcs ; the tumours appear to have been of the same
nature, one being only of larger size somewhat than the
other, and having around it a crop of smaller swellings ;
while its contents, in both cases, were blood; and both
tumours made their appearance outside the anus. But,
after all, the question is, were they, pathologically examined,
true hamorrJioids, or piles such as we meet with under that
name in human surgery?
II. 27
418
SECTION X.
DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
PERITONITIS. ASCITES.
PERITONITIS.
The peritoneum is the membrane lining the cavity of the
belly, and by reflection furnishing a capsule or external
covering, partial or complete, to every viscus therein con-
tained. By periionitis is implied, inflammation of this mem-
brane. Compared with many others, this is a disease which
happens less frequently in horses than in men — perhaps on
account of the absence of inguinal and scrotal hernia, and
the comparative scarcity of operations implicating the peri-
toneum ; as well as in some measure, owing to the opposite
habits of living pursued ; though, when the membrane does
take on inflammation, as in men so in horses, unless injury
of some sort be the cause, the chronic form is more apt to
prevail than the acute.
Acute Peritonitis, indeed, is in horses but a rare
occurrence : almost the only well-marked cases we see of it
— barring such as are occasioned by incidental injury —
being those that arise from the operation of castration.
Puerperal peritonitis may be looked upon as disease sui
generis, arising from causes of a peculiar or extraordinary na-
ture ; and a disease to which neat cattle are more obnoxious
than horses. I do not mean to deny that the disease may
originate in the application of cold to the surface of the body
while heated ; in the imbibition of cold water under similar
circumstances, and so forth; but I do mean to contend that
such occurrences are very uncommon. It is a great deal
more likely to arise from mechanical injury of some sort —
from a puncture in the belly, or from overstraining the body
in continued or violent acts of galloping or leaping ; and this
accounts for its presence in hunters that die " over-marked,'^
PERITONITIS. 419
two or three examples of which have come under my notice.
Surgical operations whose performance necessarily involves or
endangers the wounding of this membrane, are also likely to
be followed by inflammation of it ; among which, castration,
for its comparative frequency, as I said before, stands fore-
most ; though to the same list may be added the operations
for strangulated hernia, stone, tapping the bladder, &c. Pe-
ritonitis, says Professor Vatel, is a serious consequence of
castration ; for it is rapid in its progress, difficult of arrest,
and, if not arrested, almost sure to end in gangrene.
It may occur in every period of convalescence, as late as the
twelfth day after cutting, and even later. Its prime causer
is cold.
Professor Stewart, formerly of Glasgow, met with a case
which rendered it probable that the entrance of air into the
abdomen caused it, and is inclined to consider this to be one
modus operandi of mischief in cases operated on by the cautery
rather than the clams. The professor operated on two
yearling colts with the cautery. One struggled a good deal,
and when he rose up, was heard '^ a slight gurgling noise pro-
ceeding from the scrotum." " I put my hand against the
ring, and the noise instantly ceased." The colt was seized
with peritonitis on the third day, and was dead on the
fourth. One of the chords was found '' altogether within
the abdominal cavity : its sound extremity lay just at the
internal opening of the ring." The professor thought him-
self, from this case, warranted in deducing the conclusions,
that —
1. The colt will sometimes draw the spermatic chord into
the abdominal cavity.
2. That a quantity of air will sometimes follow the chord.
3. That air in the cavity of the abdomen will produce
peritonitis.
4. And it seems feasible that castration by clams is not
likely to be followed by peritonitis.
The Symptoms of acute peritonitis are many of them
common to enteritis and colic, and other abdominal pains and
irritations ; though, if we may judge from his mode of ex-
420 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
pressing them, sliould say the animal's sufferings were not
in general so great as in the first-mentioned two diseases.
The horse paws, crouches, looks at his flank every now and
then ; at length lies down, and, while down, stretches him-
self out and groans, or else rolls upon his back ; he cannot
bear to lie in a posture which compresses his belly ; nor will
he suffer any one to press hard against his sides or abdomen
without cringing and flinching, and at the same time turning
round to bite at the person. The belly is distended and
tympanitic ; the bowels costive ; the pulse small, hard, and
quick ; the skin dry and rough-coated ; the extremities cold.
In the height of the disease the respiration becomes short,
quick, and painful ; and he sighs in his breathing as if, in
consequence of the soreness of his belly, it hurt him even to
heave his flanks.
Diagnosis. — Throughout their course, and in particular
in the latter and more violent stage, the symptoms of peri-
tonitis commonly bear that resemblance to those of enteritis,
which renders it difficult — often impossible — to distinguish
between the two diseases, unless we refer to their origin or
history, and then the apparent mystery is likely to become
solved at once. We must remember that peritonitis hardly
ever originates in the acute form spontaneously ; on the con-
trary, that, in that alleged form, it is almost invariably to be
traced back to operation or mechanical injury of some sort;
and this is often the only safe ground on which we can build
our opinion. Hurtrel d'Arboval assures us it is frequently
induced by drinking cold water Avhile the body is heated :
we may therefore take this circumstance also into our account.
The Terminations of acute peritonitis are in resolution,
effusion, gangrene, and in the chronic form of the disease.
Resolution, or the gradual abatement of the violence of
the disease and progressive retiu'n to health, is the termina-
tion to which all our remedial efforts must be directed,
although the one least likely to be brought about, unless
called in quite early — before the disease has had time to
develop itself, or when it has gained ascendancy enough to
manifest violence.
PERITONITIS. 421
Effusion of serous fluid or plastic Ij'mph, or probably both,
will be sure to ensue, should gaugrene at once be produced.
Added to the vascularity of the membrane, it will be here
and there coated with lymph, and the surface of the bowels
partaking of this, and in places perhaps glued together by it.
Sometimes the effusion mostly consists in serous fluid within
the cavity, in whch are floating flocculi of lymph ; though this
is a termination more to be looked for after chronic perito-
nitis. Sometimes, after a continuation of disease, the mem-
brane is found thickened, with adhesions between its visceral
and parietal surfaces.
Gangrene ; a change made known by sudden cessation
of pain and irritation, and other remarkable alterations in
the symptoms, of a kind such as have already been detailed
in the account of enteritis -^ is a disease with which, in its
idiopathic form, peritonitis is often associated.
Treatment. — When once the disease has become recoff-
nised, no time ought to be lost in bleeding the patient until
the pulse at the jaw responds ; and, in a violent case, in four or
six hours afterwards, providing the pain and fever appear un-
diminished, the bloodletting may be repeated to an amount
to make the same impression : for, unless this effect upon the
circulatory system be produced, we do little comparative
good. After two or three such evacuations as these, we must
be guided entirely by circumstances — such as direct us in
bloodletting in enteritis and pleurisy, and other acute inflam-
mations; though, in truth, the further use of the phleme is not
often to be recommended. French veterinarians recommend
the use of leeches and cupping-glasses to the belly, as means
of topical bloodletting : since, however, we are in the habit
of carrying the general abstraction of blood much farther than
the French, I apprehend that neither of these remedies would
meet our views of sufficiency ; independently of the one, viz.
leeches, in addition to their inefficaciousness, being very ex-
pensive ; and of the other being, I should imagine, exceed-
ingly troublesome — nay, difficult, if not impossible — to apply
' For an account of which turn to page 327.
422 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
in a case where acute abdominal pain was all the while dis-
tressing the animal.
After the first bloodletting, give ten drachms of aloes in
solution or decoction.^ Flannels wrung out from water as
hot as it is possible to bear the hand in, continually applied
to the belly, will contribute much to soothe and abate pain.
Steaming the belly by suspending bags of hay dipped in
boiling water underneath it, is practised by the French
veterinarians. I prefer, myself, the application of a blister
to any fomentation. Five or six hours after the exhibition
of the drench we may commence giving aloetic clysters :
raking, first of all, to remove any sybala, should such appear
necessary • in fact, doing all we can to promote the operation
of the cathartic. Rowels and setons are of no use whatever.
From what has been said, it will be seen, there is no important
difference between the treatment of peritonitis and that of
enteritis ; so that, for any further information that may be
required, the reader may confidently turn to the account of
the latter.
Chronic Peritonitis may prove the sequel, or ter-
mination, as it is sometimes called, of the acute form of
the disease; though, as far as my experience has gone, I
hold it to be much oftener an idiopathic disease — frequently
a concomitant of inflammation of other serous membranes,
in particular the pleura. The serous membranes all fall into
disease simultaneously, and exhibit a morbid sympathy for
each other — the peritoneum for the pleura, the pleura for the
peritoneum ; the membranes of the brain, internal as well as
external, for both. A horse, from his third to his fifth year,
" catches cold,^' catarrh follows, bronchitis comes on, pleurisy
ensues, peritonitis and ascites prove consequent, and the mem-
branes of the brain probably participate. There is prevailing
in the system a dropsical diathesis, a disposition in every
serous structure, cellular tissue as well, to effusion, and the
animal probably dies " of the dropsy •/' a disease which has
been very likely induced by debility, either constitutional with
' The decoction should be kept in every pharmacy ready for use. The formula
for preparing it will be found at page 321.
PERITONITIS. 423
the animal, or else engendered in his constitution by deple-
tion carried too far in the treatment of the case in its early
stage. The little pain and disturbance the chronic disease is
apt to create in its incipient stage renders it difficult of detec-
tion ; though occasionally, and especially when it comes to be
more advanced and attended with certain consequences, what
are. called —
'' Symptoms of Abdominal Irritation^^ will make their
appearance, and give us reason to suspect, and probably detect,
its presence. These are — occasional pawing, or lifting up
his legs to his belly, but not with urgency; sometimes
lying down upon one side at full length, and, while down,
now and then raising the head towards the belly, and
groaning ; tenderness expressed when the abdomen is
touched ; flanks drawn in ; respiration quickened, which will
in some cases come on in paroxysms ; pulse small and fre-
quent ; bowels constipated, or else unusually relaxed ; crouch-
ing under weight or pressure upon the back ; an awkward
gait of the hind quarters in walking.
Termination. — The tendency of chronic peritoneal inflam-
mation is to eff'usion of serous fluid, and, along with it, more
or less lymphy matters, into the cavity of the belly, a morbid
state hardly more remediable than hydrothorax : it therefore
behoves us to obtain the earliest information possible of the
presence of such an inflammation, and when once we have
attacked it, not to cease or even slacken our counter-active
measures, until we appear to have set our patient out of all
danger of internal eft'usion.
Treatment. — Frequent small bloodlettings — about three
quarts, or even but three pints, every two, three, or four
days, according to the condition and strength of the patient,
as well as the actual state of his symptoms. Mild but con-
tinued doses of aloes and calomel, in combination with
Venice turpentine or resin, soft soap, nitre, the spirit, aether,
nitric, with acet. scillse and liquor amraon., may be alternated
with other tonic diuretics. Blisters to the belly. Rowels
in both chest and belly, and setons along the sides of the
abdomen. Walking exercise, according as the strength and
424 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
state of the patient will admit it, must be judiciously en-
forced.
ASCITES.^
Ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen, is what we have to
apprehend when peritonitis, assuming the chronic form,
continues long unchecked, or unsusceptible of arrest j though
it is a disease, it must be understood, which may proceed
from other causes as well as inflammation. Consentaneous
sympathy, a dropsical diathesis, and disease of certain im-
portant organs — the liver, kidneys, and in an especial
manner, the lungs — are all influential in the production of
ascites : all tending either to an augmentation of the natural
secretion of the membrane, or else to the eff'usion of a fluid
which, though serous, possesses properties difl'erent from that
exhaled in health.
The Symptoms denoting a collection of water in the belly
are — oedema, or dropsical efl'usions in other parts, in the
sheath and underneath the belly in particular : a symptom,
occurring under suspicious circumstances, worthy a good deal
of attention, especially when with entire absence of any filling
in the legs (see case, B 27, in ' Record,' p. 190) ; though the
legs are apt to swell as well, if not at first, towards the con-
clusion. There is dropping and actual enlargement of the
belh% fluctuation, and, on percussion, a dull obtuse sound,
different from a state of health ; shrinking, or sense of ten-
derness whenever the belly is pressed, or weight is imposed
upon the back ; perhaps something awkward to be perceived
in the gait of the hind legs in walking ; at one time dull and
dejected, at another roused into action by an attack of en-
teritic symptoms ; quickened respiration, which sometimes
comes on in fits ; lying down at full length, and looking up
or back at the belly, and sighing or groaning; pulse small
and frequent ; bowels at one time costive, at another relaxed;
appetite, though at first not to be complained of, failing in
the latter stages.
Causes. — Ascites is very apt to be associated with liydro-
' See case of ascites, by Woodger, in ' The Veterinarian ' for November, 1846.
ASCITES. 425
thorax. Now and then it will supervene upon one of those
anasarcous attacks — swelled legs, &c,, to which young horses
are so prone during spring and fall. At other times it
supervenes upon a thoracic attack (the accompaniment or
not of "influenza^'), perhaps even weeks after, the horse
has been discharged and deemed to be " cured.'^ It may
arise from disease of some of the viscera, the peritoneum
being connected with almost all of them ; or it may have its
origin in the venous circulation, which in the abdomen is
free but weak, and naturally unobstructed ; hepatic dis-
ease may induce it : diarrhoea will have such an efiect
in the end ; disease of the kidneys, &c. Now and then,
after death we meet with the disease where no symptoms
preceded to indicate it, and where its presence was least
suspected, in a passive form, and as such gives perhaps no
other indication of its existence than towards the end some
filling of the legs. Disease of some of the abdominal
viscera, the intestines especially, will now and then exist,
and puzzle us to find out what is amiss with the horse
until the very last, when the peritoneum sympathising with
the diseased irritation going on, takes on increased action, the
result of which is effusion in the form of ascites, when en-
teritic symptoms supervene, in which the animal dies. Now
and then it happens, in the mare, that one or both ovaries
are the seat of disease, and ascites follows ; but then, in this
case, the dropsy becomes encysted. I have already shown
its connexion with peritonitis : a case in which the symp-
toms will partake more of the colic or enteritic character
than in such as vre may denominate cases o^ pure dropsy.
Ascites proves consecutive of Pleurisy. One serous
texture after another becomes a prey to the spreading in-
flammatory diathesis ; and while in one place it runs so high
that lymph and pus are produced, in another; secondarily,
and more mildly affected, the inflammatory action expends
itself in the eflfusion of water. In one case, the cellular
tissue — the external serous tissues — are especially aflfected;
in another, the inflammation attacks most violently tlie
serous meiubrants or internal tissues ; while, in a third in-
426 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
stance, both become the subjects of disease, and it is difficult
to say which is attacked first or suffers most.
Dropsy from Debility. — The same dropsies may be en-
gendered apart from inflammation — in apparent connexion,
indeed, with debility : a practical fact to which our attention
has been particularly drawn by Mr. Brown, V.S., Melton
Mowbray, who has given an excellent paper on the subject
to 'The Veterinarian^ for 1833, from which I shall here
cull some extracts :
Spontaneous Anasarca — the name Mr. Brown has given
to this form of the disease — usually attacks, he says, one and
two-year old colts grazing during the winter season in wet,
poor, moory land, which accounts for its prevalence in Lin-
colnshire. With a view of preventing it, it is the custom
there to take such colts up for the month of August, and
feed them during the time, exclusively, on dry provender.
The first symptoms of the disease are — swellings of the
legs, sheath, belly, and lips, and, finally, the eyelids ; such
tumefactions being soft and pitting, but not very sensitive.
The breath and excretions manifest a peculiar odour. The
animal turns sluggish and depressed ; loathes his food ; sel-
dom lies down : his respiration becomes accelerated ; his
pulse feeble. To these primary symptoms succeed loss of
flesh and prostration of strength ; short and difficult respira-
tion, with frequent and indistinct pulse ; diarrhoea : which
last, once established, carries the animal off in despite of all
remedy.
The Treatment pursued by Mr. Brown is, to take the
colt up, and give him a roomy box to run in ; to scarify his
swellings, and foment them either with simple water or a
decoction of oak-bark — the sheath being supported all the
while by suspension from the loins ; or stimulate them with
embrocations or blisters ; and to exhibit internally vegetable
tonics combined with diuretics, and allow a liberal diet.
Should the bowels become constipated, small doses of aloes
may be given ; otherwise, both purging and bloodletting, Mr.
Brown assures us, are " contra-indicated." We should feel
inclined to doubt the policy of refusing to set such influen-
ASCITES. 427
tial emunctories to work as the kidneys ; in fact, on the
contrary, this is just such a case in which we should give the
Plumraer^s balL
The rosT-MORTEM Appearances have turned out to be
— yellowness and laxity of the muscular fibre ; efi'usion into
the cellular membrane ; thickening of the pericardium and
pleura, with effusion almost to the amount to collapse the
lungs and arrest the hearths action ; effusion into the
omentum, mesentery, peritoneum. In one, and but one,
subject, the kidneys were become disorganised.
The ASTHENIC OR PASSIVE FORM OF AsciTES is that in
which we are most likely to be deceived by this disease.
When anything of the kind, from preceding and continued
ill-health, or from unthriving ill-conditioned state of body, is
apprehended, we must view with suspicion such symptoms as
'' swellings of an cedematous character, coming first under
the throat, and afterwards in the scrotum and subabdominal
cellular tissue,^^ the legs, &c. A highly buffed condition of
blood is likewise symptomatic of the ascitic state. In these
cases, however, enteritic symptoms come on before death ;
although the animal, with disease of chronic nature going on
within the abdominal cavity, has been all along without any
positive illness until such symptoms do actually make their
eruption.
Diagnostic. — "But a few years ago, veterinarians in
England would have ridiculed the idea of naming even such
a thing as a diagnostic for the " obscure " and then hardly-
known disease we are here considering. Experience, how-
ever, has since taught us that we may with some confidence
regard the external dropsy, the enlarged and fluctuating
belly, the pecuhar dull sounds elicited by percussion, to-
gether with other corroboratory signs and circumstances, as
pretty reliable tests of its presence.
The Prognostic must be such as to create alarm ; though
instances of recovery be recorded, they are seemingly but in-
cidental, and too rare to afford us any ground for calculating
on any addition to them.
Mr. Cartwright relates a case he considered to be one of
428 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM.
ascites — though evidently complicated with "farcy humours"
— which was^ after great perseverance in small bloodlettings,
aperient and diuretic medicine, and counter-irritants, com-
pletely recovered. Scruple doses of cantharides were occa-
sionally given also with apparent advantage.
The POST-MORTEM APPEARANCES cousist in tlic ppcsence
of an aqueous fluid in the cavity of the belly, accompanied by
congestion in the peritoneum, or, more likely, with alterations
in its structure. In general, the effused fluid is of a bright
yellow colour, perfectly pellucid, and altogether similar in
its aspect to the serum of the blood ; though at times it is
almost as colourless as water : in fact, it is evidently of the
same description as that found in pleurisy. In one case,
■where blood was found in the cavity, Mr. Cartwright saw it
looking like "pale port wine.'' Its quantity will vary con-
siderably : sometimes its amount is but comparatively small ;
while in other cases it is very great. Mr. Hodgson met with
an instance in which the fluid amounted to "four stable-pail-
fuls — about sixteen gallons. '^ I have seen the cellular
tissue of the mesentery and mesocolon loaded with the same
fluid. I have also met with a case in which the cellular tissue
connecting the muscular to the vascular coat of the stomach
was filled to that degree, that one tunic was not only com-
pletely but widely separated from the other. Now and then
flocculi of coagulable lymph are found in various places, ad-
hering to the surfaces of the intestines, while loose portions
are floating about in the water, giving the turbid whey-
like appearance. The peritoneum is either not perceptibly
altered in its aspect and texture, or exhibits a general and
more or less intense reddening; or else is reddened in
patches. In inveterate cases, losing its shining character,
it turns opaque and white, and becomes more or less
thickened in substance. Of the abdominal viscera, the kid-
neys seem the most subject to morbid alteration in these
cases : I have occasionally found tliem pale, unusually tough
in their texture, with purulent matter in their pelves. Mr.
Brown (of Melton) met in one case with "purulent mucus''
in the pelvis, m ith ulceration of its surface.
ASCITES. 429
But in the mare we may have wliat is called
Ovarian Drops"v: : a state truly encysted at first, should
it turn out to be destitute of sac afterwards. In this you
may have in the latter stages symptoms of pain, as in
general ascites ; but the tumefaction of belly will not be
general or uniform, but confined to (or most prominent in)
the regions of the ovaries, on one side in particular or not, as
the enlargement proceeds from one or both of them. The
case following, though one unattested by name, extracted
from 'The Scottish Farmer,^ appears to have been a diseased
and enlarged ovary.
A black mare, ten years old, was observed to be unwell
for several days, when at length dropsy was suspected. She
was carefully examined for such. Along with febrile symp-
toms, her belly was found large, and there was fluctuation
perceptible on lateral pressure. Examination, per rectum,
discovered a large tumour " adherent to the internal wall of
the abdomen, in the left lumbar region, its upper border
being about as high as the points of the transverse spines of
the lumbar vertebrae ; whilst its lower, which was an irregular
outline, seemed to hang loose within the belly. The bulk of
the tumour occupying the region of the side, its anterior
edge could not be reached by the hand thus introduced ;
but the size was apparently about that of a human head,
while its structure seemed dense and compact, with a slight
pulsation here and there on its surface. The presence of
fluid was with certainty ascertained, by its resistance to the
hand, when introduced to the extent of the arm up the
rectum .^^
Post-mortem. — " On opening the abdomen, about fifteen
or sixteen gallons of reddish liquid flowed out, having no ill
smell, nor any flaky matter in it.'' The tumour was covered
with a strong tissue of peritoneum : the irregular outline of
edge mentioned being found to be owing to a number of
small swellings adherent to it. The tumour, detached, weighed
351b., and consisted of two kinds of texture ; one of which,
the outer, was encephaloid, and gradually merged into ano-
ther, the inner, consisting of ^'reddish-grey fibrous matter."
430 DISEASES or THE PERITONEUM.
At the supra-posterior part of the diaphragm there was
another large tumour, or rather the remains of one, for it
had burst and discharged its contents, which were fluid — in
fact, such as constituted the dropsy. This tumour, entire,
weighed from 60 to 1001b. " The whole of the tumorous
matter, when dissected, amounted to 1381b., which, added to
at least 150 or 1601b. of fluid, made 3001b. of diseased
matter within the cavity .^^ Vide ' Vetekinarian,' vol. xxii,
p. 653.
The Treatment of ascites, so far as it involves the con-
stitution, must be conducted either upon a plan of depletion
or of support, or else upon a judicious combination of both
modes of procedure. Unless we be able in our own mind
to unravel the pathology of the case — to ascertain whether
it be a primitive or secondary affection, a local or constitu-
tional one, we are not likely to arrive at much success in
practice. The majority of cases will be found to combine
fever or inflammation in their nature, and consequently re-
quire depletives. Bloodlettings, small but often repeated;
purges, mild but continued, in combination with diuretic
and sedative medicine : the plan I found the best to proceed
■upon, is this : I give, as a cathartic, to begin with, my
purgo-diuretic ball, consisting of equal parts (half ounces)
of cathartic and diuretic mass, repeating it once in the course
of twenty-four hours, which will probably be required — or
even twice, if found necessary ; after the action of which
I commence with the Plummer's ball, (formula for which
will be found at page 277,) which I give twice, or even,
if requisite, thrice a day, and persevere with until the
mouth, or rather the breath, denotes that mercury has
entered the system. Cantharides, as a potent diuretic, is
recommended by some practitioners ; but, for my own part,
I prefer the Plummer's ball to using this as a diuretic, and
indeed augmenting all the secretions ; added to which, it is
a potent and influential alterative or restorer of healthy
action.
The External Swellings are to be regarded rather in
a favorable light than otherAvise : any sudden or rapid dis-
ASCITES. 431
appearance of them would be enough to create alarm, for
fear of its augmenting the internal dropsy ; at the same time
it may and often does happen that these outward tumefactions
increase to that degree to occasion inconvenience, and even
alarm, in consequence of their volume. With a view of dimi-
nishing them, and relieving their distension and weight, the
readiest practice is to scarify their most prominent or most de-
pendent parts with a broad-shouldered bleeding or abscess
lancet ; and to encourage the serous issue that follows, as well
as any hsemorrhage which may be produced, by fomentation,
long and perseveringly persisted in. These scarifications may
be repeated once, or even twice a day, should the tumefaction
be such as to call for the repetition.
Walking Exercise in hand is not only advisable, but
even absolutely indispensable, providing the strength and
condition of the patient be equal to it, and with the under-
standing that the state of the disease itself do not forbid it.
Tonics. — There will arrive, in most cases, a period or
stage of the disease in which we shall find it not only inad-
visable to carry depletion — bloodletting and purging —
farther ; but even to substitute the use of tonics, not merely
with a view of recruiting the strength of our patient, but to
enable his absorbent system to remove the remaining effused
fluid. It is not easy in practice to determine the critical
period — when we ought to substitute one mode of treatment
for an opposite one : every circumstance connected with the
constitutional state and condition of the animal, together
with the stage the disease is in, must be taken into account,
and with that the progressive effects, beneficial or other-
wise, we may have already seen under similar circumstances
resulting from depletion ; and from a careful consideration of
the whole of these circumstances put together, we must shape
our future plan of procedure. Mr. Brown has shown us cases
of a description in which tonics are recommendahle, even
from the very outset. Now, there are many medicines we
call tonics ; though, should they all prove so, it would seem,
(so different is their nature) to be impossible they can all
operate on the system in the same manner. We have vege-
432 DISEASES OP THE PERITONEUM.
table tonics and mineral tonics : some practitioners preferring
one kind, some the other ; while some veterinary surgeons
there are who in practice combine the two. All practitioners
concur in the advantage of including diuretic medicine
in the formula. Either of the following balls may be ad-
ministered daily ; with this proviso — that the bowels, during
the time, be kept from becoming constipated, either by
clysters or by occasional doses of aloes.
Tonic-Diuretic Balls.
Vegetable Tonic.
R Pulv. Cinchonse, jss;
— Quinse, 5J ;
— Gentian., 3ij ;
— Zinziberis, 5j ;
Terebinthinae, q. s. ut f. Bol.
Mineral Tonic.
R Ferri Siilphat., 3iss;
Pulv. Gentian., 3ij ;
Syrup. Zinzi])eris, q. s. ut f. Bol.
Mr. Brown uses balsam of copaiba, substituting it for, or
mixing it in equal parts with, the Venice turpentine.
Mr. Cart Wright prescribes cantharides with the same view,
viz., to excite diuresis : they may be added, in the propor-
tion of five or ten grains of the powder, to either of the
above balls.
433
SECTION XIII.
DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
ACUTE HEPATITIS.
HEPATO-PERITONITIS.
COMPLICATED HEPATITIS.
CHRONIC HEPATITIS.
JAUNDICE.
RUPTURE.
WORMS.
HYDATIDS.
BILIARY CALCULI.
SPLENITIS.
HYPERTROPHY.
OSSIFICATION.
RUPTURE.
CARCINOMA.
MELANOSIS.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.
Aware of tlie connexion between the mechanism and
economy of these two glands, it is not unnatural to suppose
that some sort of sympathy should ])e found to subsist be-
tween them under disease : indeed, the coincidence is ac-
knowledged by Hurtrel d'Arboval, and likewise seems to
have received the assent of Volpi, whose arrangement I
have followed in the present Section. Few and infrequent,
however, as their diseases are, and limited as our present
knowledge is concerning them, this is a point I hardly dare
insist upon.
The Liver, a part often diseased in men, is but seldom
so in horses. Professor Coleman, in his Lectures, has
adduced as one reason for this, the complication of the
biliary apparatus in man, and its comparative simplicity in
the horse : the latter having no gall-bladder. Hurtrel
d'Arboval takes another view of the subject, and ascribes the
diflPerence to the little cellular tissue entering into the com-
position of the horse's liver. May we not also take into the
account, the absence of causes in respect to horses which are
known to produce bilious disorders in men ? to wit, intem-
perance in living, passions of the mind, sedentary habits,
&c. ? Hot climates are well known causes of these com-
plaints in men ; and, from an account of Transactions at
II. 28
434 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLPIEN.
the Veterinary School, established by M. Hamont, at Aboii-
Zabel, in Egypt, climate would appear to be likewise in-
fluential in their production among horses^. Added to
their infrequency, diseases of the liver are, with one or two
notable exceptions, so obscurely marked in horses, as to be
either exceeding difficult of detection during life, or else to
pass on totally unobserved until after death. Frequently, in
the course of our post-mortem examinations, do we meet
with the liver in a diseased, nay, even disorganized con-
dition, without any suspicions having been entertained
during life of the gland being in a morbid state. Other
instances occur of hepatic being mistaken for pulmonic
disease.
HEPATITIS.
We use the word hepatitis, to denote an inflammation
either of the capsule of the liver, or of its internal substance
or parenchyma. In fact, inflammation may attack the
capsule, and thereto principally confine its action, or it may
originate in and ravage the interior of the gland. Further-
more, in respect to the part in which it is seated, it may be
either partial or general ; and in respect to its character,
acute or chronic.
ACUTE HEPATITIS. — In the present instance we may
take the epithet acute to imply that form of disease which,
from its activity or intensity, is clearly recognisable in prac-
tice, in opposition to other forms which present no marks
whatever, or but very vague and indistinct ones, of their
existence. The pain the animal must feel, even in the
acute disease, is but of an indefinite character; while in
the chronic, it is but rarely we are able to detect any sign
of pain whatever, or even indeed apparent inconvenience.
Symptoms. — The horse is perceived to have become dull,
inactive, moping, and probably to cough occasionally : he
has a heavy head, a drooping lustreless eye, loathes his food,
and evidently feels unwell. He seems as though he were
• An official report of this is contained in ' The Veterinarian,' for 1839.
HEPATITIS. 435
suffering some inward pain ; but it is manifestly not of an
acute kind. He has not lain down during the past niglit ;
his dung-balls are small and unusually dark-coloured ; his
bowels constipated ; his urinary discharges scanty ; and there
exists a great deal of fever in the system. The fever runs
on, and commonly, on the second or third day after its onset,
turns out to be what farriers call " the yellows •/' recognised
by them as such from the remarkable circumstance of the
mouth and eyes having assumed that colour. The inner
surfaces of the lips and cheeks, the tongue, the conjunctive
membrane, and, in some cases, the transparent cornea and
iris as well, turn yellow, indicating the diffusion of bile over
system ; and the same is further demonstrated by the deep
golden dye of the serum of the blood. I have likewise
observed yellow matters floating about in the aqueous
humour. The dung-balls are deeply imbued with bile; and
in some cases enveloped in a viscid, bilious mucous matter as
well : their colour is that of a reddish-brown, leaving, when
rubbed upon white paper, much the same stain as solid
opium would. If any urine be caught, it will be found to
be thick, to exhibit the same bilious tinge, and to deposit,
on standing, a copious lateritious sediment. The horse will
probably be found lying down quietly, and not appear easy ;
though from time to time turns a dolorous look at his
side, and soon after rises up again : he will probably be dis-
covered lying upon his left side, and should the right be
pressed against, he will flinch or bite, or otherwise express
tenderness there. Hurtrel d'Arboval, indeed, speaks of heat
and tumefaction of this side. When standing, now and
then he is found pointing or favoring one (the off) fore
limb. The pulse becomes quick, strong, and bounding.
The breathing is disturbed in some cases ; in others tran-
quil. From being simply dull and heavy, the animal turns
sometimes quite stupid ; at times indeed vertiginous, so that
he staggers in his walk, and is unsteady even in his stall.
In this state, should no relief be afforded him, the patient is
in danger of apoplexy on the one hand, and, on the other,
of bursting his liver.
436 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
Lameness of the fore Leg^ in hepatitis, has been observed
both by English and French veterinarians, — " Ce qui est
remarquable/' says D'Arboval, " il boite quelquefois du
membre anterieur droit, ce qui semble indiquer que la douleur
s'etend jusqu^a I'epaule, comme dans rhomrae." The most
interesting case I am acquainted with of this description —
one that bears striking analogy to the pain referred to the
right shoulder in human medicine — is the following : —
The horse belonged to the Royal Artillery, at Woolwich,
and was lame in the off fore leg, through which ultimately
he became disabled to that degree that he with difficulty
projected the limb even in walking. No cause whatever
being discoverable, and the lameness continuing in defiance
of all that had been done by way of remedy, it was deemed
advisable to destroy the animal. The limb was dissected ;
but everypart appeared healthy. His body was then opened,
and, strange to say, a thorn of considerable length was
found sticking in the substance of the liver.
In the ' Veterinarian,' for 1847, p. 73, is related a case,
by Mr. W. Smith, V.S. Epsom, in which the lameness ap-
peared in the near instead of the off or right fore leg. The
subject was a cart colt whom Mr. Smith attended on account
of a " slight attack of fever," with a little " soreness of his
sides.'' He proved to be lame in the near fore leg, evi-
dently in the shoulder from his action, but nothing could
be discovered to account for the lameness. Nothing proving
of any avail, and the lameness increasing, after four months
he was destroyed. The limb, examined in every part after
death, was found perfectly normal, as were the contents of
the chest and abdomen, with the exception of the liver, which
" was diminished in bulk nearly one half, but much increased
in density, and studded throughout with small cartilaginous
bodies, which, from their shape, might be called asteroids,
being full of points very much resembling stars. They were
so hard, that I at first thought they were osseous, but suc-
ceeded after some time in deciding on their cartilaginous
nature."
Spasmodic Affections of the shoulder, side, &c., have
HEPATITIS.
437
been occasionally seen, as though connected with the hepatic
nervous system.
The Causes of hepatitis are not in all cases demonstrable.
We may probably set forth plethora and excessive stimulation
of system as the two most general ones : over- feeding and
over-exertion, particularly during hot weather ; even simple
exposure to heat in a climate where the sun has more power
than in our own, may, likely enough, in the course of time,
produce the disease. It has been remarked that stall-fed
oxen become the occasional subjects of hepatic disease, which
is strikingly manifested after death by a yellowness of the
fat of the carcass : in this instance, excess of aliment, with
the want of exercise, would appear to be the cause. In
like manner, horses who have been little or not at all exer-
cised, and are kept fed up, are liable to such attacks. In con-
sonance with all this, comes the observation of Mr. Brown,
V.S., Melton Mowbray, '-that hunters who are kept in the
stable during the summer months are frequently attacked
with hepatitis, which," he adds, " may probably arise from
their being too liberally fed, and a want of sufficient exer-
cise." To these causes may be added, injuries of the riglit
side, or of the liver itself; gall-stones; worms in the biliary
passages; inflammation of parts connected with or in the
immediate vicinity of the liver, &c.
The Termination of hepatitis, under ordinary circum-
stances is, generally speaking, favorable ; the disease being
one that, though tardily, pretty surely gives way to timely
bleeding and purging, two remedies which are of pretty uni-
versal adoption among farriers and grooms, for " yellows."
The greatest danger to be apprehended, particularly in cases
where these evacuations are delayed, is bursting of the liver
from over distension : the gland being at the instant gorged,
not with blood alone, but with bile also ; though this danger
will much depend on the condition of the liver, sound or
unsound, at the time of the inflammatory attack. Even the
brain is far from being out of danger, so long as the liver
continues in a state of congestion : adding one more cogent
reason for the immediate employment of evacuants. Judging
438 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
from analogy, and from all we are able to observe in prac-
tice, there is every reason to believe that acute hepatitis not
unfrequently ends in the chronic form of disease.
Prognostic. — An evident amendment, as soon as the
purgative has come into full operation, or speedily after-
wards, may be taken as an earnest of a favorable termina-
tion : should that and the fleam fail to give relief, there will
be cause for alarm.
The Treatment required is simple. In the first instance
from four to six quarts of blood ought to be abstracted; and
this evacuation be immediately followed up by the exhibi-
tion of ten drachms of purging mass in a ball, or twelve
drachms in solution : the whole operation may be accele-
rated by the timely administration of a clyster. Calomel,
and indeed every other preparation of mercury, being a
stimulant to the liver, is to be scrupulously avoided. As
soon as we perceive the physic to be setting, should there be
occasion for it, we may take away another gallon of blood ;
and, at the same time — after having had the hair shorn off —
apply a blister to the right side, extending it from the
borders of the ribs as far forwards as the place of girthing.
The first dose of medicine once set, we may resume our
operation on the bowels, giving every other day the following
ball, omitting it only at such times as purgation shall have
re- commenced :
Take of Purging mass .... 5iiss ;
— Powdered nitre .... 3iiiss ;
— Soft soap sufficient for a ball.
Should the blister not have taken proper eflPect twelve
hours after its application, it may be repeated. In case the
disease appear to be merging into the chronic form, the in-
sertion of two or three setons through the skin of the right
side is very commendable practice.
HEPATO-PERITONITIS— an appellation which will
serve to denote inflammation of the peritoneal covering or
capsule of the liver — is a disease of whose occasional ex-
istence post-mortem examinations furnish us with sufficient
HKPATITIS. 439
evidence^ though one whose presence we are not^ perhaps, at
this moment, in a situation to demonstrate during life. I
have, in the course of my dissections, found the membrane in
question variously altered in texture — its shining transpa-
rency turned into opacity and dead whiteness ; its substance
thickened ; its surface studded with tubercular eminences ;
strong adhesions contracted between it and the diaphrag-
matic expansion of the peritoneum. According to Hurtrel
d'Arboval, hepato-peritonitis only occurs in conjunction with
hepatitis or inflammation of the substance of the liver ex-
isting either as a cause or effect : I cannot, however, agree
with him, having from dissection received sufficient proof to
the contrar3^
Symptoms. — The expression of pain will probably be
more decided in this than in any other form of hepatic
disease. The respiration is likely also to be more dis-
turbed; so much so as, without other collateral signs, to
render the disease liable to be confounded with pneumonia
or pleurisy. There will probably be likewise more fever
in the system : the pulse evincing greater quickness, and
being rather contracted than full and bounding.
Our Diagnostic, however, must, after all, be founded
chiefly upon local symptoms, or such as have a more direct
reference to the liver; such as tenderness or manifest heat
of the right side ; any indication of lameness or appearance
of spasm ; and any appearance of bile in the system, or of
the redundance or deficiency of it in the excretions — the
dung and urine.
The Treatment will be the same — allowing for any addi-
tional activity that may be required in the use of the fleam
— as that prescribed for acute hepatitis.
COMPLICATED HEPATITIS.— Of this disease, of my
own personal experience, I pretend to no knowledge what-
ever : I am wholly indebted for what I am about to offer on
the subject to Hurtrel d'Arboval.
This writer informs that among the complicated forms of
hepatitis, the best known is that in which the appendices
and tendinous portions of the diaphragm are involved with
440 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
the liver in inflammation; though he acknowledges it a very
embarrassing question to decide whether the paraphrenitis be
primitive or secondary. In either case the malady has re-
ceived the name of mal de feu ou d'Esjjagne, probably from
its prevalence in that country. During a campaign it will
attack numbers of military horses at the same time, and
assume quite a formidable aspect. There will be high
fever; sharp pain at the bottom of the chest, particularly
during inspiration ; orthopnoea ; depression ; despondency.
The horse hangs his head low ; heedlessly throws himself
about ; strikes the ground with his fore feet ; shakes him-
self: dashes his head about; bites at every thing around
him ; often regards his flank ; tears pieces even out of his
own body; rears himself into the manger, and seizes with
his teeth the bars of the rack, and thus maintains himself.
In some cases the conjunctive membranes turn faintly
yellow. This dreaded malady almost invariably ends in
death.
The Treatment consists in prompt and copious blood-
lettings; in the application of blisters to the temples as well
as to the region of the liver : also of ice or cold lotions to
the head; and in the administration of such medicines in-
ternally as are acknowledged antiphlogistics.
CHRONIC HEPATITIS. — Although the dissection of
dead horses furnishes us with ample evidence of the occa-
sional existence of inflammation of the liver in a chronic
form, still it is a disease whose presence during life is apt to
be veiled in much obscurity ; if not, indeed, passed . over
altogether unobsei'ved.
Softening of the substance of the liver is a change by
no means uncommon, and one which we believe to be con-
sequent on inflammation ; and yet we seldom obtain any
knowledge of the disease until after death. The liver is
found paler than ordinary — clay-coloured, and evidently
contains an inordinate quantity of bile ; at the same time it
is so soft (or " rotten,^' as the farriers express it) in its texture
that but slight force is required to thrust the finger through
its substance.
HEPATITIS.
441
Induration or Schiruus is aiiotlier species of disorganiza-
tioa to which the liver is subject, and insomuch as regards
the firmness of substance of the gland, one of a nature
directly the contrary of the former. The liver, maintaining
its normal colour, feels firm, tough, leathery, alias schirrous,
as we technically term it ; and is, interiorly, in an evident
state of condensation and vascular obliteration. This morbid
alteration I beheve to consist in the formation and subse-
quent spreading and coalition of
Tubercles. — Next to the lungs, the liver appears to be
the most frequent seat of these formations. When present,
the surface of the gland feels uneven or tubercular to the fin-
gers : a circumstance explained the moment its substance is
cut into, by the exposition of various globular masses of
grayish or yellowish matter, which we recognise as tubercles ;
though we are, in a general way, incapable of detecting their
existence during life, and almost as much in the dark in
regard to their nature and origin when we have discovered
them.
The observant Mr. Aberuethy, speaking of these forma-
tions,— remarks, "There are certain organs which, under
diseased action, seem to produce but one, or scarcely any-
thing else but one, kind of morbid structure. It is an
infusion of something into the interstitial parts, in larger or
smaller masses, and this we call tubercles. The newly-
formed matter, however, may be so extensively deposited that
solidity is given to the whole, in which case it constitutes
schirrus. To use the language of Mr. Hunter, however,
tubercles are to be considered rather a disease in than of a
part; for, notwithstanding their presence, the gland will
secrete bile : indeed, livers may be greatly diseased, and yet
make very good bile. I have seen numerous instances
of it.^'
Suppuration or Abscess of the liver I believe to be very
uncommon ; at least, it has proved so in my practice. The
origin of it appears to be, the same as in the lungs, suppurated
tubercles ; though abscess may and will be very likely to
arise from mechanical injury.
443 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLKEN.
Abscess of the liver must be regarded^ in any case, as an
extraordinary occurrence among horses ; though, when it
does occur and attains any large size, it is possible, and not
improbable, it may give rise to tumour, even of considerable
dimension, in the region of the right hypochondriura, and
umbilicus as well, perhaps. Mr. Kay's attention was called
to a t^yo-year old filly having a large swelling in the right
hypochondriac region, measuring twelve inches antero-
posterior diameter, by eight inches across. It appears she had
been some time ago in the breaker's hands, and had sustained
falls, and perhaps injury from them. After some treatment, the
swelling burst, and discharged "a great deal of pus." This
was followed by her gradual decline, until at length she died,
reduced, " under the usual symptoms of amemia. After
death, sinuses were found underneath the skin, leading to a
large abscess, which had burst, and deluged the intestines
with pus and sanies, in addition to which there was a smaller
one in the left kidney .''
The late Mr. Field mentions a case of a horse who died
with certain marked though anomalous sj^mptoms, whose
liver after death was '^ extremely high-coloured and in some
parts tumid,'' and exhibited " throughout its substance
collections of pus from the size of a pea to that of a hen's
egg. These collections did not form at regular distances,
but had more or less of the substance of the liver between
them."^
The same author mentions another case, in which '^the
liver Avas full of vomicae, superficial as well as deep-seated,"
of a pony who died of symptoms of " croup. "^ General
abscess often commences in this way.
Ascites may prove a sequel of disease of the liver. A
case happily illustrative of this connection is detailed in
* The Veterinarian' for 1832, by Mr. Hales :
On the 3d February, 1832, Mr. Hales was called to
attend a hunter, the property of R. M. Biddulph, Esq. M.P.
He found the animal, a mare thirteen years old, much re-
duced in condition and very unwell; the membranes of her
' ' Posthumous Veteiiiiaiy Records,' p. 107. '* Ibid., p. 235.
HEPATITIS. 443
mouth, nose, and eyes of a pale yellow colour ; her body
constipated ; pulse 50 ; appetite all but lost ; had been bled
so lately as three days ago. Under the fullest conviction
that the liver was diseased, Mr. Hales ordered small doses of
aloes and calomel, with sulphate of potash. But one ball
had been given when purging came on ; which, however,
ceased, notwithstanding that the medicine was continued.
The yellowness of the membranes gradually disappeared ;
while one day the mare was better, another day worse : thus
continuing to fluctuate until the 29th March, the day she
died. For some days previous to death, Mr. Hales suspected
the presence of water, but was without any signs to deter-
mine his prognosis. Oil being opened, the belly was found
to contain several gallons of a red serous fluid. The peri-
toneum was thickened, and exhibited a black hue, as also
did the external tunics of the colon and caecum, which were
even, in parts, " granulated.^^ The liver v^as very much en-
larged. Its peritoneal covering could easily be stripped oft';
while its internal structure " was broken down and de-
stroyed," having the appearance of " broken-up coagula,
interspersed with streaks of pus;" indeed, ''no vestige of its
natural structure remained."
Treatment. — Aware how gradually and insidiously these
chronic aff'ections of the liver steal on ; how little inconveni-
ence— to say nothing about pain — they are apt to cause the
animal ; and consequently, how remote and uncertain the
chance is of our obtaining any knowledge of their existence ;
we cannot expect, at least in private practice, that they will
often come under our notice ; and when they happen so to
do, we may anticipate there will be but too much reason to
apprehend that they may have passed that limit beyond which
they are without the pale of remedy. However, early or late,
it becomes our duty to endeavour to act against what is but
too evidently " consuming the vitals" of our patient. Should
there be febrile symptoms present, and our patient yet strong
enough to bear depletion, we shall do right in abstracting
blood; not, however, to a large amount ; for, remember always,
small and repeated blood-letiinys are, even from the very out-
444 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
set, of more avail in chronic diseases in general than Luge
evacuations. Purgation, briskly excited and kept up, is more
likely to prove beneficial during the inflammatory stage than
any thing I know of; but on no account during inflamma-
tion is calomel to be administered : the liver is already in a
state of over-excitement ; and, if we believe that mercury
exerts any action upon the organ, surely its use in this con-
dition of the gland must be clearly counter-indicated.
Where we suspect an enlarged, or a tuberculous, or scirrhous
condition of the gland, we have some prospect of doing good
by having i-ecourse to the exhibition of iodine, both in the
form of ball and of ointment. Blisters and setons may also
be brought to our aid, the same as if the case were one of
acute hepatitis.
JAUNDICE.
The remarkable yellowness of the skin, eyes, and mouth,
in this disorder, obtained for it among the farriers of old the
name oi yellows ; by whom — owing apparently to their con-
founding with it affections of the lungs — ^jaundice was
imagined to be of very common occurrence. In truth,
however, it is comparatively but a rare disease. And when
present, is, in the generality of cases, if not in all, sympto-
matic of hepatitis, either of the acute or chronic character.
Independently of the consideration of the general absence of
other causes for jaundice, this is an opinion we are naturally
led to adopt from fever being a concomitant of the disorder,
as well as from the circumstance of its yielding to copious
evacuations, more particularly to bleeding and purging.
The Symptoms, then, of jaundice will be those of hepatitis.
Those especially characteristic are, yellowness of the eyes,
nose, mouth, and skin, wherever it can be perceived, accom-
panied with saff'ron-coloured urine and serum of the blood,
and Avith dung either of the same bilious tinge, or else
altogether devoid of bile — clay-coloured.
Pathology. — I repeat, I believe jaundice in horses com-
monly to result from hepatitis : I do not mean, however, in
-RUPTURE OF THE LIVER IIEPATIRRHCEA. 445
asserting this, to deny that it may have other origins.
Authors tell us that it may originate in obstructions in the
biliary duct, occasioned by gall-stones, stricture, &c. ; though
into this opinion they appear to be led rather in conformity
with what happens in human practice than from observa-
tions on horses. In oxen and sheep, according to all
account, such occurrences happen ; but, then, they possess a
gall-bladder and additional duct, the same as man. Changes
of diet and derangements in the digestive function are also
mentioned among the causes of jaundice : I cannot, however,
as far as my own practice has gone, put much faith in them.
Mr. Shipp has remarked, that green food, clover and vetches,
dispose to jaundice.
The Treatment of jaundice must be conducted upon the
plan I have already laid down for the cure of hepatitis.
Inflammation being the proximatecause — the morbid agent —
that it is which should be made the main object of attack.
At the same time, we must have in view the ejection from
the system of the redundant bile. Blood-letting will aid in
this, but purgation will accomplish it most effectually. For
more particular directions how to proceed in the treatment
turn back to " hepatitis,'^ both acute and chronic.
RUPTURE OF THE LIVER HEPATIRRHCEA.
Hepatirrh(ea from rjTrap " the liA^er," psw " to flow^^ has
obtained a sort of reputation among Veterinarians for
signifying burst or rupture of the liver ; whereas, in human
medicine, it is used (when employed at all, which appears
is very little) to signify some combination of excessive bilious
secretion, or flow of bile, with diarrhoea or dysentery, so that
the patient's stools are what are called " bilious." It can only
be applied to Hepatirhexis or rupture of the liver, on account of
the floiv of blood which under such circumstances takes place.
Rupture of the liver appears to be a disease peculiar to
animals ; it is one unknown in our own persons.
Horses advanced in life, who, from being well fed, and
but little or but occasionally worked, grow fat and gross in
446 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
their bodies, become the especial subjects of this lesion. In
a very interesting communication on the matter from Mr.
Siddall, V.S., Royal Horse Guards, he writes, "it has only
occurred to me once to see a horse with this so young as
seven years old.^^ Mr. Wright, V.S., Brighton, observes of
this disorder — " The most striking point of coincidence in
all the cases of this disease that have ever been brought under
my notice, is, its invariably appearing in horses of the same
temperament and habits."^
Mr. Greening, V.S., Brixton, relates a case, in the A^ete-
RiNARiAN for 1851, of a " bus horse," who died from ruptured
liver at six years of age.
Pathology. — The age and habits and condition of horses
found disposed to this accident are such as to conduce to, and
would indeed indicate, some morbid condition of the liver.
There are two states, and very different ones, in which the
ruptured gland has been found : a state of congestion gorged
with blood ; and a pale, clay-coloured, softened, disorganized,
fragile condition of it. D'Arboval and other French writers
make most mention of the former ; most British veterinarians
describe the latter. In either case, the gland is in a state
exceeding prone to burst or rupture upon application of
any exciting cause. And we can very well imagine how
the gland has come into such a condition when we come to
consider the age and habits of life of the subject of it, and
compare him with other animals placed under similar circum-
stances. The stall-fed ox being so subject to disease of
liver, is it not reasonable to suppose the horse stall-fed should
be disposed to similar disorders ? In very many of these
cases, chronic disease in the liver appears to have prevailed for
many years without at all disturbing the usual sound health
of the horse. And this seems to proceed to a certain point from
interstitial effusion and distension ; when, in its hypertrophic
and rotten condition, the gland bursts at some part, and blood
becomes extravasated underneath the peritoneum, bursting
at length its network, which is immediately followed by
haemorrhage into the abdominal cavity ; sparing, perhaps, at
' ' Veterinarian,' voL xix, p. 39.
RUPURK OF THE LIVER — HEPATIRRHCEA. 447
first, but shortly becoming profuse and destructive to life.
Cases now and then occur which give us room to think that
partial bursts takes place, and the horse lives for days, or even,
supposing he is not at work, for weeks afterwards. The
coagulum retained in the rent by the peritoneum, becoming
firm, and in some cases semi-organised, operates for the time
as an essential stay to fresh hsemorrhage. The question,
in these cases, almost all of them in old horses, appears to
arise, whether the liver be not the subject, in the first instance,
of local plethora or congestion, and subsequently, in the
course of time, of disease, arising out of that condition ; which,
through absorption of the colouring, and serous parts of the
blood, gradually turns out to be the foundation of that
morbid change of the gland which consists in a clayey sof-
tened, disorganised state, and sometimes granular condition,
we in practice designate by the phrase " rotten." The liver,
we are in the habit of saying, was found '' as rotten as a pear."
In this way it is that —
Enlargement of the Liver takes place, to such enor-
mous bulk as is by several of our profession recorded. Mr.
Field mentions a case in which liver had increased to 42 lb.
Mr. Henderson (Vet. 1846) found the gland to weigh 55 lb.
In the case of J. Field's (from which the symptoms were
taken at page 327), the right lobe of the liver had burst :
still, the gland weighed 42 lbs.
In a case of disease of the heart and liver, related by Mr.
Henderson, jun., in the Veterinarian for April 1846, the
liver was enormously enlarged, weighing 55 lbs. (Vide case
of F 5. ' Reg. Record of Sick,' page 228, occurring in
August 1852.)
Chronic hepatitis is a disease so obscure and insidious in
its course, that horses in general have it without any know-
ledge on our part of its existence : in fact, we rarely know
anything about it until the subject of it comes to die, perhaps
from ruptured liver, and we find the gland clay-coloured,
softened, and so rotten in texture that it will hardly bear
handling without falling to pieces. Supposing, however, the
liver to continue sound under these predisposing causes to
448 DISEASES or the liver and spleen.
disease, it is still very likel}^ to become congested — filled to
bursting with blood, from general plethora, and consequent
oppressed and languid circulation ; and in this condition does
the gland become liable, from the same causes, to burst or
become ruptured. D'Arboval mentions the case of a horse who
was attacked with symptoms of founder, and was treated for
them ; but who, on his being admitted into the College at Al-
fort, shewed quick pulse, and hurried and irregular breathing,
without manifesting any pain, and four hours after fell
suddenly down, and died without a struggle. The liver had
acquired the enormous volume of sixty-two pounds, was
intensely black, as if it had been steeped in blood, and pre-
sented along the inferior border a considerable rent, from
which had escaped about three gallons of blood.
The Rupture in most cases, I should say, happens all at
once ; but the haemorrhage from it would appear as if it
became partly — nay, in some cases, perhaps completely —
stanched, and this is followed by one or more relapses. To
these deductions we are led from a consideration of the symp-
toms in the various cases we have witnessed and from reported
accounts. In a case that occurred to Mr. Siddall, the horse
had been ill, and subject to frequent faintings for upwards of
three weeks before he died ; which appeared afterwards to
have been caused by partial ruptures of the peritoneal cover-
ing of the liver in different places, from all which he rallied,
not sinking until the grand rupture itself had happened.
A grey coach-horse, belonging to his Royal Highness
Prince Albert, had been unwell the day before — heaving at
the flanks, and off his feed — when Mr. Siddall was sent for
to attend. His respiration was now short, accompanied with
sobbings, particularly when moved ; though comparatively
tranquil while standing alone undisturbed, except now and
then, when a sort of pai-oxysm came on. Extremities cold ;
pulse frequent and small, and easily compressed. Sclerotic
coat and buccal membrane blanched; tongue covered with
frothy saliva ; breath stercoracious ; faeces scanty and dry.
Medicine and gruel were prescribed. The next morning the
groom found he had eaten his mash, and thought he appeared
RUPTURE OF THE LIVER HEPATIRRHOilA. 449
more cheerful. Soon afterwards, however, while doing some-
thing up-stairs, over the stable, the groom heard him fall, and
in a very few minutes after, he breathed his last.
In this case, the horse survived forty-eight hours after his
attack.
The IMMEDIATE Causeof THE RuPTUiiE appears to be either
excessive distension, or some sudden effort of respiration or
bodily exertion, or some injury. In a case which happened
in my own Kegiment, the troop-horse had been standing for
thirty hours, unmoved, in his stall. He refused his food,
for the first time, one Sunday at noon ; at four o'clock,
p.m., he was perceived to rock about in his stall, as though
every moment he would fall ; the farrier-major was imme-
diately sent for, and bled him, and while his blood was
flowing he fell and died. His belly contained twenty quarts
of black viscid blood. His liver was rent across its concave
or posterior part ; and, with the exception of the breach,
was everywhere clay-coloured and highly lacerable. In this
case, distension of the bowels at the time that some effort
was made in the breathing, appears to have occasioned the
rupture of the fragile liver. The same may happen through
bodily exertion. Mr. Brown, of Melton Mowbray, was sent
for in a hurry to attend the ' Old Queen/ a famous huntress.
Two days antecedent to her ailment she had gone through
a good run ; having four months previously experienced
hepatitis. A few minutes after Mr. Brown's arrival she
died. The liver was found clay-coloured and disorganized,
and '' its thin parts brittle." A kick, or blow of any kind,
may occasion it. M, Millot, V.S., Vitteaux, was sent for to
a horse who had symptoms of colic, but who — from being
pressed and tapped on one flank while the other was sup-
ported, giving out sounds of the presence of fluid — M.
Millot thought had peritonitis. In twelve hours he died.
The belly contained two gallons of black blood, mostly
coagulated. A rupture, with irregular and fringed borders, two
inches long, ran across the left part of the anterior surface
of the liver. The horse, it came out afterwards, had been the
day before several times kicked upon the chest by other horses.
11. 29
450 • DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
The Symptoms will vary^ and be more or less charac-
teristic, according to the nature and extent of the lesion,
the stage the case happens to be in, and other circumstances.
The horse grows dejected and loses his appetite ; his respi-
ration becomes short by fits — sobbing or sighing perhaps —
and much distressed should he be moved at all ; sometimes
there is a sort of catch or arrest observable in the respi-
ration, the animal making two expirations to one inspira-
tion; the membranes of the ejes, nose, and mouth become
exsanguineous and pallid, or they may exhibit a yellow
tinge ; the extremities are cold ; the pulse frequent, and
small and weak, at times quite imperceptible; countenance
distressful ; tremors, and cold sweats ; instable upon his legs,
rocking from side to side in the stall, or staggering in his
walk, till at length he on a sudden falls down and ex-
periences a sort of fainting fit, followed by convulsions ;
from this he perhaps recovers and rises again, but distrust-
ful of his declining strength, he stands with his legs
stretched out underneath him, like so many physical props
of support ; sooner or later he sinks again in another faint-
ing fit, the pupils of his eyes growing amaurotic : at
last he falls to rise no more, and in convulsions he dies.
(J. Field.)
Cases do, however, occur wherein restlessness is evinced,
lying down, &c., as though colic were present, with occa-
sional similar attacks ; though it may be remarked that the
animal all the time is very cold.
What is to be done in such a case? Certainly not
what ignorant farriers and grooms are in the practice of
doing — bleed. No ! this must be regarded as a case of
passive hsemorrhage ; and as such must l)e treated by se-
dative and styptic measures, and not by depletives. The
coldest water may be dashed against the right side, or ice
may be applied upon it. A clyster of cold water may be
administered. And in regard to internal remedies, the
best, perhaps, will be found to be oil of turpentine, that
being both styptic and stimulant. Sugar of lead, also, so
famed in human medicine, may be tried. And I should
BILIARY CALCULI. 451
say it would be highly advisable, in many cases, to administer
an opiate. The late Mr. Field was in the habit of exhibiting
copaiba balls in such a condition. Refer to the treatment
recommended for hsemoptysis, at page 154; and to the
remedies recommended for epistaxis, by Mr. Rogers, at page
70 of the first part of this volume. The greatest quietude
must be enjoined, and everything withdrawn or avoided
likely to break in upon it. All that can be done, though
it may put off for a while the fatal hour, furnishes little
room for hope of any lasting benefit.
WORMS HYDATIDS.
We read of worms being found in the biliary passages ;
I have never discovered any myself. Hurtrel d'Arboval
enumerates their presence among the causes of jaundice.
Hydatids, I believe to be occasionally bred in the livers
of horses. In those of sheep their presence is not so very
uncommon ; at one time the rot in those animals was as-
cribed to hydatids in the liver.
BILIARY CALCULI.
The simplicity of the biliary apparatus of the horse affords
him a kind of immunity from biliary collections. I know
but of one instance in which any were found. That is pub-
lished by M. Rigot, in " The Transactions of the Veterinary
School at Alfort, for 1833-4." Ninety of these calculi were
taken from the hepatic tubes and duct of a horse by M.
Rigot, and they were found to have occasioned considerable
dilatation of those cavities, as well as thickening of their
parietes. There existed no symptom during life to lead to
any suspicion of the presence of the calculi. The same horse
had a salivary calculus.
453 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
SPLENITIS.
As we progress iu veterinary knowledge, we not only
become better informed about recognised diseases, and more
competent to treat them, but we obtain acquaintance with
disorders of whose existence we had been either in doubt or
altogether ignorant. Splenitis is of this latter class. No
veterinarian any longer entertains a doubt about the spleen
being the occasional seat of inflammation ; but we have yet
to learn by what symptoms we are to diagnosticate this.
Mr. Blaine acknowledges never having met with a case of
splenitis in his own practice ; but informs us he had recently
" heard of a well-authenticated one, in which the symptoms so
exactly resembled hepatitis as to be mistaken by a very ob-
servant practitioner." — "The violence of the disease destroyed
the horse on the fourth day." The spleen was found " highly
inflamed, and nearly gangrenous." What I should take to
be a similar case is narrated in ' The Veterinarian,' for
1836, by Mr. Cartwright. The symptoms were those of
colic. Indeed, so similar were they, that Mr. Cartwright
acknowlegdes he " took it from the commencement to be
obstruction of the bowels." The spleen — the only viscus
diseased — proved "double its wonted size, gorged with blood,
and black as jet. Its natural tough texture was quite broken
down, and it was soft, and in a manner approaching to gan-
grene. There appears the singular coincidence between
this and Mr. Blaine's case — that both patients died on the
fourth day. I cannot say I ever encountered this active form
of the disorder myself; but I have on several occasions found
the spleen much enlarged, a change I should feel inclined
to attribute to a sort of chronic splenitis.
We learn from Hurtrel d'Arboval that Ischenlin, veteri-
narian to the Grand Duke of Baden, has given the following
description of the disease, under the denomination of Gan-
grenous Infiammatioyi of the Spleen: "During the hot
months — July, August, and September — rarely at other
seasons, the disorder appears, and commonly as an epizootic.
HYPERTROPHY OV THE SPLEEN. 453
The horse, tlie subject of it, becomes heavy, lazy, disinclined
to work, indifferent, listless ; walks unsteadily ; with head
hanging down ; ears lopping ; eyes sparkling, inflamed, irri-
table, tearful ; nasal membrane pallid and dry ; expired air
cold; mouth likewise cold and dry ; tongue furred ; also dis-
coloured, as well as the gums and palate. The respiration
is at one time accelerated, at another slow ; seldom a cough
is heard^ and that is dry and feeble ; the pulse is quickened,
oppressed, irregular ; the belly is tucked up, tense, and hard;
the dung dry and dark-coloured, or else soft and ill-digested ;
coat rough and pen-feathered. These precursory symptoms
endure two or three days, or only as many hours, the animal
eating and drinking well all the time ; then comes on fever,
a cold shivering fit succeeded by a hot fit, together with loss
of appetite. In some one or other part of the body, soft
swellings make their appearance, acquiring considerable
volume in the course of a few hours, and emitting, Avhen
opened, a yellow serous fluid, mingled with black blood.
They do not suppurate, but run on to mortification. And
now the animal's strength fails him ; he with difficulty sustains
himself standing ; his body swells ; and a tranquil death,
rarely attended by haemorrhage, puts an end to his sufterings.^'
I must confess I feel myself but little informed by this
relation of symptoms. It is, to my mind, an account which
rather tends to show that splenitis is a subject on which the
French veterinarians are as much abroad as ourselves. The
morbid change to which jjost-mortem examinations would
lead us to believe the spleen to be most disposed, is hyper-
trophy or .enlargement.
HYPERTROPHY OE THE SPLEEN.
In several instances I have found the organ hypertrophied;
in some, very considerably augmented in volume and weight,
and yet exhibiting no appearance of disorganization. In one
horse I opened, the gland weighed fourteen pounds two
ounces ; making eleven pounds in addition to its ordinary
eight. It has been found even larger than this.
454 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
Mr. Mogford, V.S., details live cases in 'The Veteri-
narian/ for 1832, in one of which its weight was found to
be fifteen pounds, and in another supposed to be twenty
pounds. Mr, Mogford also suggests a very natural and
facile mode of detecting such enlargements during life : —
Having first emptied the rectum by raking and injections of
warm water, Mr. Mogford passes up his arm, previously
oiled, and, " with a creeping-like motion of the hand," pushes
on to the colon, where the hand being perfectly at liberty,
can be turned to the left side, and detect any enlargement
there may be — with certainty, if to any great extent — of the
spleen.
A still more enlarged spleen was found by Mr. Lewis, V.S.
Monmouth, in a fatal case of peritonitis and ascites. " The
spleen was enormously hypertrophied, its weight found to be
much above twenty pounds." ('The Veterinarian,' vol. xxv,
p. 607.)
Mr. Tait, of Portsea, makes mention of a case in ' The
Veterinarian' for 1837, in which the spleen was found to
weigh "upwards of fifty pounds!"
When from any unthrifty or ill-conditioned state of skin ;
from signs of indigestion or disordered bowels ; from general
unhealthiness and loss of flesh ; from perceptible tenderness
or feeling of enlargement in the left side, or any other unusual
manifestation, we have reason to suppose the spleen to be
the seat of the disease, I know of no means so well calcu-
lated to clear up our doubts on the point as those recom-
mended by Mr. Mogford — manual examination j)^f Tectum.
The Treatment must be altogether regulated by the view
we may take of the case. Should there appear to be some
inflammatory action going on, it will be right to bleed, but
not to a large amount, and to repeat the evacuation. We
may also purge moderatel3^ At the same time a blister may
be applied to the left hypochondriac region. Abstinence
from laJDour will be required while we are doing this. And
after this has been done, I know of no more likely remedy to
work some beneficial change than mercury. I would give
it, as Mr. Mogford does, in combination witli antimony, in
RUPTURE OF THE SPLEEN. 455
small doses, such as half a scruple of calomel to a drachm of
antimony, twice a day for two or three weeks, then clear all
off by a common purge.
OSSIFICATION OF THE SPLEEN.
The late Mr. Henderson, V.S., Park-lane, Loudon, had in
his possession a fine specimen of the Ossification of the
Spleen. An abscess, about the size of an apple, whose parietes
werefound to be osseous, had formed within the gland, next the
stomach, midway between its base and apex, from which was
liberated, after death, a coffee-coloured purulent fluid. The
horse from wdiom it was taken was a subject nauch wasted in
condition, casually brought to the slaughter-house.
RUPTURE OP THE SPLEEN.
From year to year, recorded cases of this lesion, occasion-
ally fall in upon us : —
In the year 1812 I was called to a horse, then loose in
straw-yard, about seven o^clock p.m., in consequence of his
being " griped.^^ I had him instantly removed into a stable,
and administered two ounces of oil of turpentine. As he
appeared relieved, nothing more was done that evening. The
following morning, he experienced a relapse of the same
symptoms in a more violent degree, of which he died about
ten o^ clock a.m. Shortly afterwards the body was opened.
The first appearance which attracted notice was, that the guts
were stained here and there with blood ; and they were no
sooner removed than from ten to twelve quarts of that fluid,
partly congealed, were found effused into the belly. At first,
I suspected this hemorrhage to have been caused by the
bursting of some important blood-vessel ; but further exami-
nation shewed the spleen to have been ruptured to the extent
of about four inches, along its convex border, where it is
opposed to the false ribs. While I was inspecting this
wound in the spleen, which was now filled with a coagulum,
I was amazed at the pi'odigious distension of the stomach
with air — indeed, it occupied so much of the surrounding
456 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
space that I felt inclined to believe it might, by com-
pression, have proved the cause of the rent in the spleen
during some violent effort in respiration ; for I could find no
mark whatever of kick or any injury upon the side, either
inwardly or outwardly.
Mr. Cartwright has reported a case, since this occurred, in
' The Veterinarian ' for 1838 : —
May 26, 1838, Mr.Hutton, of the Fauls Green, sent out his
brown gelding, fouryears old, half-bred, audin good condition,
for cavalry duty. He was not, however, ridden hard in ranks,
in consequence of his rider having a bad leg. Although, while
there, nothing serious appeared amiss with him, still his rider
thought he shuffled about more than usual. At two o^ clock
P.M. he returned home, and began eating and drinking. At
three o^ clock p.m. Mr. Cartwright was fetched to him. He
had been uneasy, moving about and pawing. His pulse was
55 ; respiration natural. Mr. Cartwright thought there was
some irritation in the bowels, and gave opium. Though his
pulse came with force to the touch, yet there was something
that indicated difficulty in the blood being driven along. The
conjunctiva was pale. He lies down at full length, but does
not roll over. Looks at his side. At eight o'clock p.m. he
was bled. On pressing, the vein felt flabby, and was not
distended as usual. Blood with difficulty obtained, and very
thin. Nine o'clock, worse ; pulse at the jaw almost gone,
and not distinct at the chest. He would stand tottering about
for some time, and then fall violently down anywhere. Mr.
Cartwright began to fancy there was rupture of a blood-vessel.
Nine to eleven o'clock p.m., very hopeless ; falling down every
twenty minutes, and once or twice has rolled over; seems
insensible ; pulse imperceptible ; ears deadly cold ; cold sweats ;
stertorous breathing ; and when down gasping and struggling
dreadfully. Died at eleven o'clock p.m. From eight to ten
gallons of blood were found in the abdomen. A coagulum
near the stomach led us to the upper surface of the spleen,
in which was a rupture, towards the largest end, five inches
in length. Two tumours were discovered upon other i)arts of
the spleen, which looked like, and, indeed, on being cut open
CARCINOMA-MELANOSIS. 457
were. found to consist of, masses of dark coagulated blood,
and seemed as if a little more distension would Lave ruptured
them also. There was a good deal of spotted dark bloody-
deposit in the neighbourhood of the spleen, on a portion of the
diaphragm, between its coats, on its thoracic side. The lungs
were inflated and blanched. The heart without blood and
quite flaccid ; and no blood in the vessels. The stomach was
full, but not at all distended. Mr. Cartwright adds, " I am
sure the rupture was recent, and that the spleen did not
exhibit any chronic or other disease."
Another case of ruptured spleen is to be found in ' The
Veterinarian ^ for 1853, in which it seemed to be connected
with colt-bearing.
CARCINOMA-MELANOSIS.
On the 18th November, 1833, Mr. Well's chesnut horse —
slender, white-legged, flat-sided, delicate, and six years old,
had been much subject to cough that laid him up — was
again brought to me for being " oif his food, and having a
cough." I ordered him some aperient febrifuge medicine,
and had his throat sweated. In ten days he was returned,
convalescent, into his own stable. There, he was not treated
as in his convalescent state he ought to have been, but was
put to be broke into harness, and altogether a good deal
abased ; to which I attributed his re-admission into my " sick
list" on the 7th December following. On this occasion he was
bled and blistered, and otherwise treated as a chronic pulmonic.
He was bled a second time ; but soon after such debility
manifested itself, that it was evident depletion could be carried
no further. His appetite now, however, became better, and
he lay down and took his rest well. Still he looked unhealthy
in his coat, and day by day lost flesh. His respiration has
never been visibly disturbed, and his pulse is now but 50.
Indeed, his only unfavorable symptom is, emaciation. And
to such a height did this atrophy run, that towards the end
of the month it was perceptible all hope of recovery was
extinguished ; and the consequence of this report was, an
458 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
order from his master to have him shot, which was done on
the 30th December. In his belly was found an enormous
tumour, occupying on the left side all the interspace between
the stomach and the pelvis, and appearing to absorb the
entire substance of the spleen. It was globular in its gene-
ral outline, measured four feet in circumference, and weighed
sixty-seven pounds. Being divided with a sharp knife, the
surfaces of the sections presented a marbly aspect, arising
evidently from the varied composition of the interior. The
superficial parts consisted of a soft, morbid sort of fatty
substance, which, as we approached the centre, became
mingled with fibro-cartilaginous intersections, of which latter
substance the more central portions or body of the tumour
appeared to be almost entirely composed, the radii which were
sent out among the fatty and superficial parts having in the
centre become consolidated into a kind of cartilaginous sub-
stance hard to be cut through. And yet it was reddish in
its aspect, as though it had been vascular, and here and there
presented cysts containing a yellow fluid and gelatinous
matter, looking like serum and coagulable lymph, but which
Mr. John Field — who was present at the examination —
assured me were, according to Mr. Kyan^s notions, specimens
of melanosis. Further investigation clearly demonstrated
that this immense tumour was to be regarded as deriving its
origin from morbid growth and conversion of the spleen ; for
within the portion — about half of that viscus — still remain-
ing, little globules or formations of fatty matter were to be
found exactly similar in their character to the fatty portions
of the tumour itself; and as a farther proof of this original
structure, the spleen and tumour were so completely one
body, that no line of demarcation, either outwardly in form
or colour, or inwardly in composition, was to be made out
between them.
On the 18th January, 1834, Mr, Anderson, V.S,, Leices-
ter, was requested to visit ' Contraband,^ a dark brown stallion,
rising eight years old, at four years old the best r9,cer in the
county, and afterwards hunted for two seasons, carrying
fourteen stone, and sometimes three days successively. The
CARCINOMA-MELANOSIS. 459
patient was feverish, with the testicles drawn up, and one
enlarged ; he was dull ; but there was no appearance of acute
inflammation. The groom, a very intelligent man, was
doubtful whether a cancerous tumour did not exist, as he
had seen the same symptoms in another horse, who died, and
was opened by Mr. Baker, and found to contain a tumour
weighing eighty-four pounds ; but there was no bloody urine.
Mr. Anderson thought at first he had a case of scrotal hernia.
On the 25th he was convalescent, and had got into tolerably
good condition. On the 4th February he was attacked with
hsematuria. On the hand being passed over the loins, he
crouched to the ground, and there was a stiffness about the
loins, and he constantly appeared to be in the attitude of
staling, Mr. Anderson now thought the case was nephritis.
He was bled and clystered, and had fomentations to the loins,
and mustard poultices and astringent medicine. — 12tli, Still
very feverish, and great quantities of coagulated blood have
been discharged. — 13th, Hemorrhage continues; but the
inflammation is subdued, — 18th, Immense quantities of
blood coming away. Ordered sugar of lead, catechu, and
zinc internally. — 22d, Has passed a great deal of blood since
last visit, and at present it is dropping from him. Testes drawn
up, Mr. Anderson had a consultation with Mr. Rowland,
V.S., Oton, Notts. They difiered in opinion as to the nature
and treatment of the disease, though both agreed that it
originated in the kidneys ; " but neither of us anticipated the
existence of such a voluminous tumour.^^ — On the 23d the
horse died. A tumour was found attached to the spleen,
left kidney, and super-renal gland. The right kidney and
the viscera were all healthy. The tumour weighed one
hundred and two pounds ; measured sixty-eight inches in
circumference — including the spleen, seventy-three, Mr,
Anderson sent off" the tumour the same day to Mr. Youatt for
examination, remarking only, further, that " two things are
certain — previous inflammation, and death by excessive
hemorrhage."
Mr. Youatt examined the substance, and found it to con-
sist of " a conglomeration of carcinomatous tumours, rising
460 DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN.
one above the other, on the gastric surface of the spleen/' It
evidently had originated in the spleen — small portions of
what remained of that viscus were found changing their
colour : there were all shades of change ; and the altered
parts Avere of various size and structure. In some places
there was an appearance of brain. It was a carcinomatous
affection of the spleen, containingtumours of that kind termed
cephalomatous. For a further and most accurately detailed
account of this tumour, we must refer our readers to 'The
Veterinarian' for 1834.
Mr. Smith Huntley reports the following interesting
autopsy in ' The Veterinarian' for 1837 :
In February last, Mr. Huntley was called to a mare be-
longing to Mr. Christie, surgeon ; whom, on his arrival, he
found dead. The bowels were highly infiamed. The spleen
enlarged, weighing upwards of fifty pounds, and in a com-
plete state of scirrhus. The pancreas was in a similar con-
dition, and weighed more than thirty pounds. Also a small
portion of the right lobe of the liver was so affected. The
mare's prominent symptom was, falling away in flesh, al-
though still feeding well, and up to within a short time of
her death doing her ordinary work, '' although not with any
comfort."
The following case of Melanotic Disease of the Spleen,
Liver, Intestines, Peritoneum, and Abdominal Parietes,
occurred to the late Mr. John Field, from whose ' Post-
humous Veterinary Records' I extract it :
" A grey gelding, belonging to Mr. A , was brought
to London on the 12th of February, 18 — : he had been for
some time previous much debilitated, and unable to work.
The coachman supposed he was ' rotten.' The horse was
very old.
" February 13th. — I was this day called in to attend
him, when the following symptoms were observable : viz.,
loss of appetite ; partial sweats ; sighing ; pulse 42 and very
feeble ; respiration accelerated ; restlessness ; membranes,
conjunctive and buccal, blanched; curling and pouting of the
upper lip, which the coachman had also noticed : from this
CAIICINOMA-MELANOSIS. 461
it was inferred that the horse had internal hseraorrhage,
hepatirrhoea.
" At night there was profuse sweating ; wandering about
with tottering gait ; sighing; pulse not to be distinguished;
membranes quite blanched ; respiration much accelerated.
" 14th. — Lips cold; no pulse; respiration quiet; extreme
prostration ; vision unaffected. The horse died at ten
o'clock A.M.
"Post-mortem examination. — On laying back the skin,
many deposits of black, circumscribed lumps were observed
in the cellular membrane of the groin, and likewise in the
cellular and adipose membranes, between the different layers
of the abdominal muscles, and also upon the peritoneum.
On removing the peritoneum, and the layer of fat upon it,
the intestines appeared blanched, but studded with melanotic
tumours beneath the peritoneal coat, in the course of the
muscular bands ; also attached upon the peritoneal coat were
small fringes of melanosis, staining, as usual, the finger or
part rubbed against it.
" The spleen now presented itself of an enormous size,
extending half-way down the abdomen towards the pelvis,
but not far enough to be felt by the hand introduced within
the rectum : when removed it Aveighed sixty-seven pounds,
and when cut into exhibited the usual softened melanotic
mass. This distension of the capsule of the spleen had
caused a rent on the concave edge of the organ, from which
the quantity of blood observed in the cavity of the belly
had distilled, occasioning death from haemorrhage. The
liver was of the natural size, and its external coat was entire;
but the surface was irregularly elevated, and on the section
of different parts these elevations proved to be circumscribed
melanotic tumours. In the omentum, and about the kid-
neys, were similar effusions, but none in the texture of the
gland itself; similar tumours were also found on the brim
of the pelvis, a common situation for melanotic tumours in
grey horses. The heart and lungs were not examined."
462
SECTION XIV.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
NEPHRITIS
r ACUTE.
L CHRONIC.
ABSCESS.
HYPERTROPHY.
CONDENSATION AND SCHIRRUS.
MELANOSIS,
POLYURIA.
DIPSOSIS,
ALBUMINOUS URINE.
HiEMATURIA.
DIABETES.
URINARY CALCULUS.
CYSTITIS.
CYSTORRHCEA.
ISCHURY.
DYSURY.
STRANGURY.
TAPPING THE BLADDER.
INVERSION OF THE BLADDER.
The chief parts of the urinary apparatus are the kidneys^
and the bhidder : the ureters and urethra being but tubes
serving as conduits to the urine ; which by the former organs
is elaborated^ by the latter received and retained until such
time as shall become convenient for its ejection. The exemp-
tion of horses from venereal affections^ and their less liability
than men to generate calculous disorder, contracts the list
of their diseases of these organs : indeed, were it not for
injury — inwardly as well as outwardly inflicted — we should
probably hear but little of such diseases. Over-exertion
and strain, particularly under heavy burthens, is one grand
cause of renal disease ; medicine, and food possessing active
diuretic properties, constitute another ; bearing all which in
mind, it will at all times become a leading desideratum
in the treatment, to take care to remove or avoid the re-
petition of such influences. The kidney of the horse is
a peculiarly susceptible organ : it is easily acted on ; and
many — indeed most — medicines we are in the habit of
■ In the ' Veterinarian' for 1835, mention is made of a horse having but a
single kidney. It was a glandered mare brought to the Veterinary School for
slaughter. The kidney was found at the entrance of the pelvis, situated rather
to the left side. Its form was that of the right kidney, and it was as large as
two ordinary-sized kidneys. ('Journal Theoretique,' 1835.)
NEPHRITIS. 463
using, take some effect or other upon it. I believe
this to be one reason why so very few medicines operate as
cathartics to horses : the majority of them so readily ad-
mitting of being carried out of the system through the secre-
tion of the kidneys. A well-known fact, strongly corrobo-
rative of this opinion — one to which my attention was drawn
in early life by my late respected father — is that of a copious
flow of urine of a dark colour being frequently observable
to take place in horses who have been but slightly or not at
all affected by doses of physic they have taken, but who,
notwithstanding the little or no purgative effect they have
experienced, have afterwards evinced quite as much tem-
porary weakness and loss in condition as though the physic
had worked their bowels, I likewise set this down as one
reason why mercury produces ptyalism with such compara-
tive tardiness and uncertainty in horses. This susceptibility
of the kidney, in veterinary medicine and dietetics, never
ought to be lost sight of : it is of vast importance to us in
practice — that which renders our practice in many cases so
different from what surgeons would pursue under similar
circumstances : we being able to effect so much more in the
system of the horse, through the agency of these organs,
than is to be accomplished in that of the human being. The
veterinary surgeon, in fact, will often be able to effect that
through the medium of the kidneys which the surgeon can
only accomplish through the agency of the skin and bowels.
NEPHRITIS.
Nephritis, from ve^poc and itis, inflammation of the kid-
neys, is, in an acute form, a dangerous disease, but fortunately
one of infrequent occurrence in horses. When present, it
is commonly assignable to some injury or abuse inflicted on
the kidi.ey. Girard informs us that it is an affection more
frequent in ruminants than in horses, though attended with
most danger in the latter. As an army practitioner, the
cases that have fallen under my own immediate notice have
been but few : this may arise from cavalry horses being, for
464 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
the most part, exempt from the causes to which, I repeat, I
believe the majority of cases of nephritis will be found to
be referable.
These causes may be considered under two heads : —
under those of external injury, and of the use or abuse of food
or medicine possessing acute active diuretic properties. The
exertions the loins are put to, and the strains they are liable
to, in the violent and forcible extensions they are made to
undergo in acts of hard galloping, in racing and hunting,
and, in particular, in ditch-leaping, together with heavy
draught up hill, cannot fail to endanger lesion of the de-
licate tissue, the kidneys, or of their envelopes ; and our
only surprise is, that such structures are not much more
frequently injured than they prove to be, after efforts
of the kind. The heavier the weight imposed upon the
back under such circumstances, the greater must be their
liability to receive hurt. Going long journeys without
drawing bit, or drawing very heavy loads, must subject the
animal to nephritic irritation. The practice — formerly so
much in vogue in our cavalry — of halting horses on a sud-
den, and throwing them, unprepared, upon their haunches, is
one that tends to put the loins to great trial. I believe, how-
ever, that inflammation of the kidneys is more likely to arise
from substances of an acrid or irritating diuretic nature than
from any of the before-mentioned causes. It used to be a
common practice with grooms — and is, indeed, too much so
at present — to be continually giving their horses "urine
balls," without any regard either to the strength or the com-
position of them, or, indeed, any other property appertaining
to them, save that they bear the appellation of " urine balls :"
a practice not only absurd in itself, but one highly calculated
to inflame or otherwise disorder the kidneys. The same
disorder may result from the use of foxy or musty oats,
malted barley, mow-burnt hay, &c., though these are more
likely to induce functional than structural disease. When
the disease arises from food or water of any deleterious or
improper quality, it is likely to assume an epidemic form.
Cold wet seasons, in horses predisposed to nephritic com-
NEPHRITIS. 465
plaints, may bring it on. The presence of calculous matters
in the kidneys would doubtlessly be apt to excite inflamma-
tion in them : but that is, at least in horses, but a remote
contingency. Suppressed perspiration is generally ranked
among the causes of nephritis ; some add, suppressed erup-
tions, evacuations, issues, &c. It would seem also as though
inflammation might be propagated from the bladder, along
the ureters, to them. After all, however, nephritis, in the
acute or painful form, is, as I before observed, but a somewhat
rare disease.
The Symptoms of acute nephritis are such as indicate great
pain and suffering. The animal is continually up and down,
looking every minute back at his flank, staling, or trying
to do so, continually ; and this leads at once to the sus-
picion of irritation or disease of the urinary organs. The
case may, perhaps, after a time, exhibit characteristic symp-
toms, such as an awkward, stiff, straddling gait, with the hind
quarters ; standing with the hind legs stretched apart, and
with the back reached or " stuck up ;'' unwillingness to turn
about or round in the stall ; flinching from pressure upon the
loins ; though all, or even any of these symptoms, are not uni-
formly present : the leading symptom being the disorder of the
urinary function. Sometimes the urinary discharge is alto-
gether suppressed, though oftener reduced to small and fre-
quent evacuations which are pale, though at times high-
coloured, and pungent, perhaps bloody, or it may be
like whey in appearance, from the presence of albumen or
purulent matter ; continually making effoi'ts to stale, groan-
ing and straining the while, squeezing out what amounts but
to a few drops : if the bladder be examined at this time, it
will be found nearly or quite empty. These symptoms are
accompanied by others, denoting the degree of irritation and
fever present, brought on by the extreme pain the animal
endures : the pulse becomes quick and hard, and contracted ;
the horse paws with his fore, or stamps with his hind feet, and
will occasionally lie down. Now, he may heave at the flank ;
and at the same time perspire — the perspiration having,
II. 30
466 DISEASES OE THE URINARY ORGANS.
according to Girard, on occasions, an urinous odour : the
mouth is dry and hot ; great thirst ; constipated bowels.
Chronic Nephritis. — I am inclined to think that
nephritis in a mild or sub-acute form exists in many in-
stances wherein, from the trifling perceptible alterations
induced by it in the ordinary health of the animal, we are
apt either altogether to overlook the disease, or else to regard
it as too unimportant to notice. Horses are often brought
to us with complaints of difficulty or pain in staling ; of the
urine they pass being thick, or foul, or bloody ; and Avhich
horses probably may, on inquiry, be found to show some
stiifness about the loins when first brought out of their stable,
though by use the parts quickly grow pliant again. And yet
in general way they exhibit every sign of health. With these
facts we may connect the circumstance of occasionally dis-
covering in horses, who have died from other causes, purulent
matter within the kidneys, and now and then disorgani-
zation of their substance, and without anything having
occurred during life to direct our attention to those organs.
The Diagnostic Signs of acute nephritic disease are the
painful annoyances the animal is continually suffering from
the irritation created by continual desire to void urine, even
at times when he has none to discharge ; though in other
cases frequent dribbling discharges are taking place, which
serve to keep the animal quiet while the urine is running.
Symptoms which have more repute than reality perhaps,
such as, peculiarity of gait behind ; tenderness upon the
loins ; indisposition to lie down, and pain and difficulty in
rising, are less deserving of notice. The quality of the urinary
discharges varies : sometimes they are thick and sedimentous ;
at others, thick and pungent ; at times, bloody ; always scanty.
These will serve to distinguish the complaint from gripes
and other painful disorders of the bowels : but these are not
sufficient of themselves to enable us to discriminate between
this and affections of the bladder. In cystitis, the same
incontinence of urine will show itself; but in this case the
discharges, though small, will collectively amount to as much
as they do in health, and moreover will consist of urine pos-
ABSCKSS. 467
sessing its natural cliaracter. Inflammation of the neck of
the bladder will produce suppression of the urinary discharge,
or suffer but a little to pass^ and may so far at first mislead
us : we have but to examine the bladder, however, to set us
right in our diagnosis ; should that prove distended with
healthy urine, we shall have evidence enough that the fault
does not lie in the kidneys. With our hand in the rectum,
we may reach as far as we can towards the kidneys, with a
view of ascertaining if there be any unusual heat to be felt,
or tenderness created, expressed by the animal.
The Terminations of nephritis are resolution, suppuration,
condensation and scirrhus, softening, mortification. I believe
the termination most likely to ensue to be suppuration of the
mucous surfaces of the organ — of its infundibula and pelvis,
a case in which the matter jmsses off along with the urine :
though the substance of the gland, as well as the pelvis, has
been known to become itself the seat of abscess.
Mr. Tombs has related a case of acute nephritis, in ' The
Veterinarian' for 1844, in which, with symptoms of suffer-
ing and irritation, the horse was " frequently staling urine,
thick and pale-coloured." He died on the third day, and
all the parts were found in health excepting half of the
right kidney, which was in a state of suppuration.
ABSCESS — SOFTENING MORTIFICATION.
An interesting example of this is given by D'Arboval :
" A mare fell into a hole, out of Avhich she was got with
great difficulty. From that moment she experienced incon-
venience in locomotion : the vertebral column appeared in-
flexible j the pulse tense and irregular j the urine scanty, thick,
and sometimes mingled with streaks of blood. The mare lay
down but little, not being able to raise herself up again with-
out great pain. M. Chouard being called to her, perceived
at the superior part of the right flank a considerable swelling
which had been there some time, and had continued
to augment from day to day without any sign of inflamma-
tion. At the end of a month he opened the tumour, p,nd let
468 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
out a prodigious quantity of pus. The puncture cicatrised;
l^ut in six months' time a deep fistula had formed in it,
which, every time the horse moved, ejected a stream the size
of the finger of white grumous pus. Notwithstanding it was
twice laid open, the fistula would not heal, and the horse
sank. Pus was found eff'used in the abdomen. The right
kidney was four times its natural magnitude. Its pelvis,
greatly distended, contained about three pints of grumous
pus, communicating outwards through an opening in the
posterior border of the kidney, which led into the fistula
that had formed between the peritoneum and psoas muscles.
The left kidney was larger than common, and its pelvis was
distended with nearly a quart of limpid urine. The bladder,
shrunk and thickened in its coats, contained but very little
urine, and that sedimentous.
Of Softening, a very satisfactory case is related in ' The
Veterinarian' for 1828, by Mr. Cartwright :
"Each kidney was found to be in a complete state of
putrefaction, of a light bluish colour : its texture so totally
destroyed that the finger would pass through any part of it
as through so much mud. The vessels of the kidneys did
not appear diseased as I drew them out of the diseased
masses."
Hurtrel d'Arboval regards mortification as a more fre-
quent termination than suppuration ; and gives the follow-
ing as —
The Symptoms indicative of Mortified Kidneys :
Urinary discharges, brown or black, filamentous, and fetid ;
pulse small, irregular, intermittent ; recurrence of sweats,
and, these all at once ceasing, the patient falls, and in violent
convulsions expires.
HYPERTROPHY.
An instance of this, to an enormous extent, and proving
fatal, is related by D'Arboval.
Of ENORMOUS Enlargement, a case is related by Mr.
Freemann, V.S., Winchester, in ' The Veterinarian' for
HYPERTROPHY. 469
1839. The horse was a coach-horse, entire, seventeen hands
high, who became, from being light in his carcass, " as large
as a cow.^^ And when he lay upon his left side, there could
be seen and felt a tumour of large size, arising from some-
thiDg pressing against the parietes. There was also much
anasarca of the belly and scrotum. The horse covered up
to this time. Before his death occurred he staled blood in
large quantities, though that might have arisen from
instruments improperly used. The right kidney was
enlarged to that degree that putting my arms round it, I
could only clasp my hands, but could not lift it." The
natural texture was lost ; it seemed to consist of cheesy
matter enveloped in a strong tunic. The other kidney was
healthy, though rather larger than natural. The enlarged
kidney was supposed to weigh upwards of 1 13 lb. !
M. Clipy was called to attend a horse for being off his
feed, which up to that time had always enjoyed good health.
He found his gait difficult, especially of the hind quarters,
and that the slightest pressure upon his loins produced
great pain, particularly when he was made to bend down-
wards, which he with all his power resisted. Urinary secre-
tion scanty and bloody. The next day, in raking the horse,
the rectum was found hotter than natural, the bladder in a
state of semi-plenitude, and thrust, as it were, into the
pelvis ; the kidneys of an enormous size ; and at the least
touch of them the patient expressed great pain, and struggled
to rid himself of the man^s arm by violent contractions of
the abdominal muscles. In spite of the most active anti-
phlogistic treatment, death ensued in eight days. The kid-
neys were found enormously enlarged, weighing each from
twenty-four to twenty-seven pounds, occupying all the pos-
terior part of the abdomen, and in some measure blocking up
the opening into the pelvis, their inferior surface being upon a
level with the pubes. Their surrounding cellular tissue was
very much infiltrated, and their internal substance generally
reddened.
470 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
OF CONDENSATION, INDURATION, AND SCIRRHUS.
I have seen several specimens iu wet preparations. The
following cases from D'Arboval, in illustration of these
changes, are worthy our attention :
"A horse suspected to have strained his loins, was for
three months under the treatment of an empiric. For the
first, two he continued standing; at length he lay down,
never to rise again, and died in a complete state of marasmus.
In opening the body, M. Chouard discovered that the left
kidne}^, of its ordinary volume, had become cartilaginous.
Its pelvis contained a large glassful of limpid urine. The
right had also begun to undergo the same change, and had
become firmly adherent to the peritoneum. In the bladder
were found several stones about the size of peas : and one
within the left ureter. Here, therefore, existed urinary
calculi. But iu the case which follows, nothing of the kind
was discovered :
A horse, eight years old, strained his loins in descending
a steep declivity ; but in spite of the inconvenience it occa-
sioned him in going, continued his work for eiglit months
afterwards, at which time M. Chouard first saw him. He
had not lain down more than twice or thrice since the acci-
dent, and was now couched upon his hind parts like a dog.
The urine, which until now had passed frequently and in
small quantities, had become suppressed altogether. There
was obstinate constij)ation, and the patient appeared to suffer
violent pains in passing his dung. He was destroyed. The
left kidney, in a state of induration, had become a carcino-
matous mass, of the size of a man's head, and about eight
livres in weight, in the centre of which was a nucleus of
suppuration. An aneurism, as large as the aorta, existed in
the renal artery of the same side.
MELANOSIS.
The following is extracted from Professor Andral's cele-
brated ' Treatise on Pathological Anatomy :'
MELANOSIS. 471
Messrs. Trousseau and Leblauc found, in a horse's kidney,
a fibrous cyst of the bulk of a fist, which contained eight
ounces of black fluid, formed of the diflPerent elements of
the blood, and particularly of the colouring matter. In
fact, there is scarcely a tissue in the body in which melanosis
has not been found in some form.
Treatment, — Our business here is, to abate inflamma-
tory action as well in the system as in the kidneys them-
selves ; and, at the same time, to do all in our power to
assuage the irritation in the glands, and so allay the pain
consequent on it. Nothing will operate more quickly and
effectually in the fulfilment of these objects than blood-
letting. Draw without delay through a large orifice as
much blood from the jugular as the pulse will bear : from
four to six quarts may commonly be abstracted with advan-
tage. This should be succeeded by the administration of an
ounce of aloes, alone or in combination only with treacle.
Should the animal not have been raked at the time the
hand was introduced to ascertain the condition of
the bladder, it will be proper to perform that operation
now, and to follow it up by the injection of a clyster of
two or three gallons of tepid water, rendered lubrica-
tive by the addition of starch. The patient ought to be
wrapped up in the warmest clothing, and have his legs
bandaged with flannel, it being of great importance to
maintain a hot skin — nay, if we have it in our power, to
produce a moist one. All this done, and our patient pro-
vided with a loose ventilated box, an ample bed, and a pail-
ful of water (rather gruel if he will drink it) he may for a
time be left to himself. A few hours hence he may require
a second venesection ; not, perhaps, to so large an amount as
the first, but still large enough to make evident impression.
Girard talks of bleeding nine times, Hurtrel d'Arboval of
repeating the same ten or tivelve times, in the course of the
first twenty-four hours. Evacuations of blood at such short
intervals cannot but be small, and, in my opinion, insignifi-
cant and unimpressive : myself, I prefer, especially at first j
the practice of giving an effectual blow to the disease at once:
473 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
I have invariably found this better than tampering whenever
acute inflammation was raging. Whether he require or not
so early as this a second venesectionj the clyster ought to be
repeated at the interval of a few hours, and continued at
like intervals until such time as we see signs of the purge
coming into operation : an additional reason for these fre-
quent injections of water, as hot as can be borne, being that
they may act as a sort of internal fomentation. Stimulants
to the loins are commonly recommended, and I believe with
reason; but there needs no immediate hurry about their applica-
tion : they will take little or no effect — at least no beneficial
effect — until such time as we have succeeded in lowering
the inflammatory excitement. There is a notion abroad that
blisters are apt to do harm here in consequence of cantharides
being supposed to be a stimulant to the kindeys themselves ;
and such I believe they are, and therefore, perhaps, are pru-
dently laid aside in nephritic disorders : at the same time I
have known cantharides to be given to horses in consider-
able doses — in doses to excite inflammation of the bladder
— and yet to make no morbid impression upon the kidneys.
Some practitioners pour boiling water upon the loins ; others
prefer an embrocation made of mustard and boiling vinegar.
For my own part, I have no great objection to the use of a
blister, provided it be sponged off with water as soon as it
takes effect : I say this because with many persons it is a
consideration that the skin should not be blemished by being
denuded. The animal should be allowed water ad libitum :
indeed he ought to have a large bucketful constantly within
his reach — either of gruel or water ; the latter, probably, is
best, simply because he will take more of it, it being the
quantity of the diluent, and consequent dilution of the
urinary secretion, we are rather concerned about than its
quality. Mucilaginous infusions or decoctions of all sorts
certainly must prove of service in mingling with the urinary
fluid, and rendering it less obnoxious to the irritable pas-
sages j but one cannot get horses to drink these fluids
voluntarily — one is obliged to dose them, and this forms
my objection to their exhibition. The object may be
MELANOSIS, 473
met in another way, by giving gum-arabic or starch, or
mallow extract, or, what is probably better than all, gum
tragacaiith, made up into balls.
Should these measures prove of avail in staying the
destructive course of the inflammation, the subsequent treat-
ment of the case need consist but in keeping the bowels
soluble, the skin supple, and the stomach in a condition to
digest its food and create appetite : objects which the
following ball, given daily, is probably well calculated to
fulfill—
Take of Purging mass 3j
Tartarised Antimony . . . • 3j
Carbonate of Soda 3ij
Mucilage sufficient for a ball.
Should purging result from its daily administration, it
must be discontinued, or the purging mass be reduced to
half a drachm in quantity. On the other hand, should the
inflammation in the gland, in opposition to all our remedial
efforts, pursue its course and end in mortification, death will
speedily close the scene upon us.
POLYURIA.
This term is used in human medicine by Dr. Elliotson to
denote a profuse or inordinate quantity of urine : that
eminent physician, very properly in my opinion, questioning
the correctness of a nosology which regards simple excess of
urine as diabetes, seeing that in the disorder properly so
called the secretion becomes altogether altered in quality,,
containing sugar, and is not necessarily in greater abun-
dance than usual, although that is a very common attendant.
This is an error into which our writers on farriery, and of
the veterinary class, have fallen, under the impression that
mere augmentation of the urinary secretion, with or without
fever, constituted diabetes. When considered under the
head of diabetes, this disorder obtains the epithet of insipidus,
in order to distinguish it from the true or sugary form of
the disease, which is called diabetes mellitus. In horse
474 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
medicine we appear to have still greater reason to consider
these disorders as separate; since pohairia is by no means
infrequent among horses at a certain period of life, and
under certain circumstances ; whereas diabetes mellitus is a
complaint hardly known : and besides, there are other forms
of altered urinary secretion which might with quite as much
pathological and etymological propriety be ranked under
the head of diabetes. I therefore repeat, it would be better
if medical and veterinary practitioners would come to the
understanding, that nothing but the presence of sugar in
the urine constituted diabetes.
Simple Augmentation of the urinary discharges, without
any material change in the composition of the urine, is the
effect of a multitude of causes, some of an alimentary, others
of a medicinal, and others again of a nervous nature, and
when but temporary, can hardly be viewed in the light of
disease. Every horseman knows how very often certain
kinds of hay and corn occasion horses to stale more than
they ought to do, and that drinking a large quantity even
of plain water will produce the same result. Medicines
called " urine balls,^^ i.e. diuretics, are given for the especial
purpose of increasing the secretion of urine. But nervous-
ness will likewise do it — fright or joy, or anxiety of any
kind almost, will make a horse stale inordinately. How
frequently do we see hunters at the covert side, when the
hounds are about finding, in their agitation, staling or
continually stretching themselves out to do so ; and we have
all seen horses having wounds commence staling the moment
the twitch is put on, from the recollection that such has
been the prelude, on past similar occasions, to some painful
cutting or dressing they had to undergo.
IMMODERATE THIRST — dipsosis avens.
Some few remarkable instances among horses are on
record. Perhaps the most remarkable of all is the case that
occurred, many years ago, to my late father, which I will
here relate in his own words.
IMMODERATE THIRST. 475
About the beginning of October, 1830, 1 was requested to visit a black
gelding, the property of Mr. Banks, of Deptford. This gentleman, who
had possessed the horse but a few weeks, informed me that the animal had
knocked up in two or three journeys, and that of late he had refused his
food, though he appeared to have a vehement desire for water, which, I
understood, had been allowed but in sparing quantities. The animal
shewed some general signs of ill health : his coat was long, rough, and
staring ; his belly tucked up ; and he perspired freely from moderate exer-
cise. His principal malady, however, seemed to be of a pneumonic na-
ture ; to relieve which, the common remedies, such as bleeding, blisters,
&c., were resorted to : at the same time, I recommended his having water-
gruel to drink instead of plain water. On my next visit, the servant com-
plained to me of the horses's extreme thirst, which he said was such " that
his whole time was taken up in making water-gruel ;" and his master
(probably at his instigation) wished me to take the animal under my im-
mediate care (to Shootei-'s Hill), which I accordingly did on the 3d of
November, by placing him at livery at the inn opposite my house. In
the course of a day or two, the ostler discovered his appetite for drink,
and represented to me that he consumed " all the gruel he could make for
him." At this time, I must acknowledge my hopes of recovering my
patient (from a malady of the nature of which I was confessedly ignorant)
were declining ; when, on visiting him as usual on the 5th, and finding
that his inordinate desire for liquids had not, by very large potations of
gruel been appeased, I resolved to ascertained, whether it was the gruel
after which he craved, or whether he had really a preternatural thirst.
Now, it was about eight o'clock, a.m., and he had already taken his usual
allowance of gruel, when I ordered the man to fetch him a pail of water;
this he ravenously drank, another as greedily, a third was swallowed with
equal avidity, a fourth quickly disappeared, and a fifth followed. About
a quarter before one o'clock I repeated my visit ; and having found my
patient by no means uneasy from the twenty gallons of water (the pail
having been measured) he had already ingurgitated, I was willing to see
if he had any inclination to renew his potations. Accordingly, another
pail of water was offered to him ; having drank which, apparently with
undiminished avidity, he looked round in my face with eagerness for a
second ; this was followed by a third, a fourth, and a fifth : in fact, be-
tween eight A.M. and one p.m. he swallowed the prodigious quantity of
thirty-eight gallons and one quart ! Having, at length, quenched a thirst
which I, at one time, almost began to despair of doing, no more water was
given to him dui-ing that day, and medicine was altogether discontinued.
This enormous ingurgitation, as was anticipated, was speedily followed by
profuse discharges of urine ; and in this way the bulk of the fluid appeared
to have been disposed of; for no diarrhoea ensued, nor was there any con-
sequent sensible perspiration.
476 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
From this time I may date the recovery of my patient. His appetite,
before defective and declining, improved daily ; his desire for water,
though still remarkable, was not to be compared to what it had been ; for,
from the 5th to the 13th of November he drank, on an average, not more
than eighteen gallons per diem ; his coat, before rough and staring, grew
fine and sleek ; in fine, he became rapidly convalescent, recovered his con-
dition and spirits, and was, in a few weeks, sent home and put to work
again.
After an elapse of three weeks or a month, I met with him again, in
harness ; in the course of which interval, he had so much improved in con-
dition and appearance altogether, that I could hardly recognize him as the
same ill-conditioned, debilitated, hopeless animal I had been treating so
little time ago. Mr. Banks told me that he was still " addicted to tippling,"
but not to any considerable amount. — Vide Lectures, vol. ii. p. 530.
One very similar to it is related in ^ The Veterinahian^
for 1837, by Mr. Charles, V.S., London, from which we
extract it here.
In the beginning of June last, I was sent for to look at a horse that
for three or four days, had been suflering from unquenchable thirst,
drinking seven or eight pails of water daily, without being Satisfied, and
voiding an equal quantity of urine. He was a fine bay carriage horse,
and, some weeks before, had two doses of physic, the last of which had
little or no effect. I found his pulse rather lower than usual, his mouth
cool, appetite diminished, and rather tucked up in the flanks. His hind
legs, which previously were a little dropsical, were as fine as possible, much
more so than I had ever seen them ; his coat looked healthy, he was in high
spirits, but, although he had worked as usual since he drank so much, he
had never perspii-ed : he was also rather costive.
His attendant was doubtful whether he had done right in givmg him so
much water : I, however, recommended that he should have as much as
he would drink. I gave him a fever ball, and ordered him green meat
instead of hay.
The next morning I was up early, that I might see what quantity he
would drink. Having called the coachman, we proceeded to the stable,
when the horse immediately began pawing, and looking round with the
greatest anxiety for his water. We gave him four pailfuls — about ten
gallons — which he drank in an incredibly short time, and he seemed to
relish the fourth as much as the first. I called again in a couple of hours
when he had two more pailfuls. We gave him no more at that time, as
he was going out in the carriage. On his return, and in the course of the
day, he had four or five pailfuls more, in all about twenty-five or twenty-
IMMODERATE THIRST. 477
six gallons, and then his thirst seemed slaked only for a short time. He
was continually staling, but evinced not the least tenderness when pressed
over the region of the kidneys.
This continued seven or eight days. He ate the green meat, but
seemed to be losing all relish for corn ; he got thinner, but still worked
with his usual spirit. His work, however, was only short runs, rarely
extending beyond ten or fifteen minutes ; had it been otherwise, he must
have failed, as he staled enormously every time he stopped.
I now commenced giving him a ball containing two drachms of ginger
and three of gentian, daily. On the second day, he began to eat more and
drink less ; and by the time we had administered six balls, he had lost his
morbid appetite for water, ate as usual, and has since been sold for £90.
To have seen him in the stable, without knowing any thing of the case,
or the accompanying symptoms, the disease might have been mistaken for
inflammation of the kidneys or bladder ; for he was either staling, or
endeavouring to stale, the whole time he was in the stable, more particu-
larly just after he had drunk; and I am inclined to think, that if there
was no predisposition to disease in the kidneys, they would not so readily
have adapted themselves to the great demand made on them by the enor-
mous influx into the system ; not only carrying off easily all the water he
drank, but also the aqueous portion of the blood which had formed a
dropsical deposit in the hind legs. On the other hand, if it were the
tonics that aided the cure, it implies a morbid state of the stomach, pro-
ducing preternatural thirst. I have, however, stated the case as it
occurred, and should like to have or hear of another of the same kind, the
treatment of which would, perhaps, throw some light on the nature of the
malady.
To what we are to attribute this unnatural or morbid
thirst — whether to any disordered state of the kidney,^ or
a derangement in the functions of digestion, appears pro-
blematical. It would seem to be connected with some
morbid condition, since so long as it has, in the cases related
of it, continued, the animal has fallen off in his appetite,
spirits, and condition, and has not regained them until
his excessive craving for drink has been allayed. There
appears no risk, in such a case, of harm resulting from
allowing the patient his fill of drink — no chance of his
" bursting" or over-sweating, or even purging ; for the water
is carried out of the system by the kidneys almost as fast as
it is received into the stomach. Here, then, is a disease con-
sisting— as far as we know — in morbid thirst : let us now
478 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
consider that affection wliose prominent or only s3'mptom,
is —
Polyuria or Profuse Staling : Such only being regjarded
in the light of disease when it amounts to great excess in
quantity, and when it continues for such a length of time
as causes the well-being of the animal to be evidently
affected by it.
The Causes for this must in general be sought for either
in the provender the horse is feeding on, or the water he is
drinking. Mr. Rendle, of Belmont Road, Guernsey, wrote
to me in July, 1843, for advice about some horses attacked
with what he called diabetes, one of which died ; and which
he at length discovered to be owing to stagnant water.
Dark-coloured, highly fermented, or mow-burnt hay ; kihi-
dried, called foxy oats, or such as have speared or become
musty from laying long in heaps ; barley which has malted,
and water having some mineral or diuretic impregnation,
are each and all of them to be viewed in the light of injurious
agents, notwithstanding they are consumed in many cases
with impunity.
During the three years of occupation the British army
continued in France, after the battle of Waterloo, Mr.
Castley, V.S. 12th Lancers, had occur to him some well-
marked cases of this description. They arose from the
unwholesomeness of the oats served out to the cavalry, which
were issued from stores where they had lain in such enormous
heaps as in a short time not only to heat, but to become
"literally half rotten." This at one time caused diabetes
(insipidus ?) to a "frightful extent." Mr. Castley endea-
voured to check it by giving chalk in water. For common
use, Mr. Castley generally found the following formula
satisfactory : — Take of powdered galls, alum, and bole, of
each 5i, ginger 3i, and mix them in a quart of beer; or
give them, divided into two parts, in balls, morning and
evening.
The Symptoms, in ordinary cases, attendant upon these
immoderate fluxes of urine are — insatiable thirst, with,
unless this be appeased, a refusal to feed as usual ; unhealthy
IMMODERATE THIRST. 479
appearance of the coat; dispirited iiess; inability to bear
fatigue ; loss of flesh ; debility and its consequences.
Mr. Stewart, of Glasgow, in a paper on this subject,
in 'The Veterinarian^ for 1839, describes two kinds of
this disorder : one with, the other without, fever and
bronchitis ; the symptoms in the latter case being that of
fever with bronchitis superadded. He also avers that he
has seen the disease occur when no cause for it was dis-
coverable in the food.
The quantity of urine voided in some of these cases is
so great as to be quite incredible.^ The stall is deluged
with the flow. In an account of the disorder as it occurred
at one time in France, M. Lassange informs us, " the horses
attacked voided five or six pints of perfectly clear urine
every hour.^'
The Quality of the Urine is that of urina potus. It is
thin and aqueous, and perfectly transparent. According to
Lassange, 100 parts of it contain — of water, 98'0 ; of urea,
of benzoate, and acetate of potash, of acetate of lime, of
chloride of sodium, and of free acetic acid, 1*5 ; of mucus
and sulphate of lime, 0-5 ; making it to diff'er from healthy
urine, 1st, in containing a larger quantity of water (for
healthy urine has but seven eighths of water"); 2d, in the
presence of acetic acid, which is in part free ; 3d, in the
absence of any earthy carbonate, which in healthy urine
abounds. No saccharine matter was detected.
The Treatment of these cases appears, in the majority,
to be rather dietetic than medical. Strict inquiry ought to
be immediately set on foot into the nature and quality of
the food the horse is eating, as well as into the kind of
water he is drinking ; one or both of which — unless any
other cause can be shown for the origin of his complaint —
had better be immediately changed. Should the horse be
' Mr. Charles's case, and that of my father, furnish proofs.
' This proportion of water accords with Professor Brande's analysis of horse's
urine. He found carbonate of lime, sulphate of soda, muriate of soda, benzoate
of soda, and phosphate of lime, amounting altogether to one eighth of th« fluid
analysed.
480 DISEASES or THE URINARY ORGANS.
attacked during the spring or summer season, a very
desirable change would be from the stable to the grass-
field; or, when this cannot conveniently be done, soiling,
i. e., feeding on green meat, such as vetches or lucern, or,
early in the season, rye-grass, may be practised with ad-
vantage. Should the water appear to be in fault, and there
be no means, or very great difficulty of obtaining any other
kind, we may put a piece of chalk into the pail he drinks
out of, with a view of neutralizing or rendering less harmful
the noxious impregnation.
The medicines found most serviceable in this disorder
are astringents and tonics. A ball I am fond of myself is
composed of sesqui-carbonate of iron and prepared chalk, of
each half an ounce, made up with syrup, and given once a
day. Mr. Castley appears to have derived benefit from galls.
Mr. Stewart speaks in laudatory terms of opium. He gives
daily a ball consisting of three drachms of opium, and of
catechu, gentian, and ginger, two drachms of each, made up
with a little tar. The late Mr. Bird (V.S. 8th Hussars)
informed me he had seen the Uva Ursi (in sij doses) " act
like a charm " in arresting and removing inordinate
discharges of urine. He had been giving for the complaint
catechu and opium, and had, by way of experiment, added
the Uva Ursi to the balls.
Should any fever exist, such medicines, of course, become
inadmissible. In their place, moderate bloodletting and
purging ought to be practised. In case the urinary disorder
outlive the febrile one — which it will not often be found to
do — recurrence may then be had to the opiate and astringent
remedies.
ALBUMINOUS URINE.
To this subject my attention was first drawn in December,
1838. An of&cer's charger, six years old, thoroughbred,
who, before he came into the possession of his present owner,
had been much used, and had obtained a good character as
a hunter, exhibited some rather strange symptoms, respecting
which my first impression was that he might have sprained
ALBUMINOUS URIxNE. 481
his loins under too heavy weight in the riding-school. With
a view of shedding some additional light upon his case, I
desired that some of his urine might be caught ; and this
circumstance it was that at once unravelled the nature of
the disease of which he was the subject. The urine proved
to be light-coloured, but very thick in its consistence ; in
fact, it was, when poured into a glass, very much like so
much melted calf's-foot jelly. I lost no time in consulting
some of our best works on human medicine on the subject,
and soon learned that the case must be one of " serous or
albuminous uriue,^' a conclusion in which I became after-
wards confirmed by the application to the fluid of the usual
tests. Since this I have noticed two other cases.
The Symptoms observed in one slight case were, a con-
tinual desire in the horse to stretch himself out in his stall,
and in this position to continue, with his fore legs extended
under the manger and his hind ones backward, unless dis-
turbed, all day long ; not for the purpose of staling, but ap-
parently because that posture seemed an easy or a comfortable
one to him. In another case, the horse stood in his stall
" all of a heap,^' with his back loached and his hind legs ad-
vanced underneath his body. Led out, the animal in his
gait evinces stiffness in the Ijack and loins, which is most
manifest in turning round. There is some fever attendant;
but this, in a slight case, will but amount to some heat of
mouth and acceleration of pulse, without materiall}^ affecting,
perhaps, either the spirits or the appetite. In a severe at-
tack, however, there will be rigors, and a great deal of
irritation, manifested by accelerated respiration, by loud
blowing or puffing at the nostrils, by anxious countenance,
and small quick pulse ; combined with extreme disincli-
nation to move, and great pain and difficulty in progressing
and turning the hind parts. The bowels ai'e commonly
confined.
The state of the urine, however, must constitute our diag-
nosis. The groom must seize the earliest opportunity to
collect some. Should it prove albuminous, it will assume a
deep or dead straw-colour, and be found of the consistence
II. 81
482 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
of a thick solution of gum . S abmitted to the test of bichloride
of mercury, it will yield a copious milky flocculeut precipitate,
resembling white of egg ; and in some cases — not in all —
the albumen contained in it will coagulate on exposure of
the urine to heat : when this last test fails, I take it the
failure is attributable to the large quantity of water with
which the albumen is united. Its coagulation, however,
may still be effected by adding a little acetic acid, and after-
wards some prussiate of potass.
The adult period of life seems the time at which we
are to look for this disease. My patients were aged six,
seven, and eight years.
Relapsc took place in one instance. The first attack, but
slight, happened in April 1839 ; the second, very severe, oc-
curred in March 1840.
During cold weather the disease has appeared. I have had
no case in summer.
Pathology. — Dr. Blackall, many years ago, directed
the attention of the medical world to the albuminous condi-
tion of the urine in dropsy, regarding it as an indication of
inflammation and a guide to the practice of venesection.
But with respect to the same alteration in the urine occurring
as a sign of diseased kidneys, it would appear we are in-
debted to —
Dr. Prout, who, in one of his Gulstonian Lectures^, thus
expresses himself on the subject : " Albuminous Urine, or
that variety termed chylous urine, I believe was first dis-
tinctly described by myself in my little work on urinaiy
diseases." — The leading properties in this urine are, " that
in general it so nearly resembles chyle in all respects, as to
be scarcely distinguishable from it ; that it occasionally
passes on the one hand into blood, and on the other into
lithate of ammonia ; that the chylous state is generally found
to be more marked two or three hours after eating, while in
the morning it is sometimes nearly absent ; lastly, that its
specific gravity little exceeds, and sometimes does not equal,
that of healthy urine ; so that, unless the quantity of urine
' These lectures are re-published in ' The Veterinarian ' for 1831.
ALBUMINOUS URINE. 483
be inordinate, which is sometimes the case, the drainage
from the system does not much exceed that of health ; a
circumstance accoutiting in some degree for the little con-
stitutional disturbance generally produced by this affection."
This last statement does not hold good in regard to the
horse. Most of the urine I have seen, during the continu-
ance of the disease, has greatly exceeded in specific gravity
healthy urine.
Dr. Prout, from his cases, concludes that the disease occurs
equally in males and females ; before and after puberty ; oc-
casions more or less emaciation ; may continue many years,
more or less, without affecting the constitution ; the appetite
being generally good, sometimes inordinate ; and there being
evidently an inflammatory tendency in the system during its
progress, which is benefited by bloodletting. In the chronic
stages, the Doctor has found the complaint yield, for a time,
completely to opium, astringents, and mineral acids ; whereas,
in other instances, these and all other tried remedies have
failed. Sometimes the complaint ceases spontaneously, and
occurs again after a long interval (as it did in one of my
horses) ; and when it has once occurred, it appears to be very
liable to return, particularly after exposure to cold, or any
cold producing fever. In general, the Doctor has observed
that all stimulating remedies and powerful diuretics and tonics
do harm.
Lastly, the Doctor asks, '' what is the intimate nature of
the disease V and answers, that, " like that of all others, it is
obscure." The Doctor thinks it cannot be doubted '^that
both the assimilating organs and the kidneys are involved in
the affection. The chyle, from some derangement in the
process of assimilation, is not raised to the blood-standard,
and, consequently, being unfit for the future purposes of the
economy, is, agreeably to a law of the economy, ejected
through the kidneys: but these organs, instead of converting
it into the lithate of ammonia, permit it to pass unchanged.
That this is a sound view of the matter, cannot, I think, be
doubted ; for if the chyle was properly converted into blood,
this fluid, and not chyle, ought to be thrown off by the
484 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
kidneys. On the other hand, it may be stated as an argu-
ment in favour of the notion that the kidneys are affected,
that chyle has often been found in the blood when the urine
was entirely free from albuminous matters ; shewing that, in
the healthy state of these organs, even though chyle does
get into the sanguiferous system, it is not necessarily ejected,
or, if it is, that it undergoes the usual changes in passing
through the kidneys. This affection of the kidneys, how-
ever, like that in diabetes, does not seem to amount to
organic disease, at least to such as is cognisable by the
senses/^
Dr. Elliotson, in his Lectures', expresses himself as
follows on the subject before us : " With regard to the al-
buminous state of the urine, we are indebted to —
" Dr. Bright for the fact, that, in organic disease of the
kidney, the urine is generally in this albuminous state ; that
is to say, contains serum. And that Andral, in his ' Chemical
Reports,' had previously mentioned a case where he found
the urine albuminous and the kidney in a granulated state.
He simply mentioned the fact. He had no more facts, and
he came to no general conclusion, nor would he have been
justified in doing so. But Dr. Bright has collected a large
number of cases, and he has found that, when the kidney is
in a disorganized state, the urine is generally albuminous.
He does not say (so far as I can understand his book), that
when the urine is albuuiinous the kidney must be in a state
of organic disease ; for he says, that sometimes he has seen
it only gorged with blood. But still, even here, the kidney
was affected. Some have gone further than this, and, I
think, without any reason whatever. They would have us
believe that nobody can have albuminous urine without organic
disease of the kidney. Now I really cannot subscribe to
this assertion ; and for this reason : I have seen patients
who were perfectly well a day or two before, but who have
got wet through ; symptoms of inflammatory dropsy have
come on ; the urine has become albuminous ; but on bleeding
them the dropsy has presently lieen got the better of, and the
' Edited by Dr. Rogers, and published in 1839.
ALBUMINOUS URINE. 485
urine has recovered its healthy appearance. Why these poor
people should be supposed to have had diseased kidneys merely
because they had albuminous urine for a week, I cannot
imagine. It is a mere assumption, I think. I could not
open them, to ascertain whether their kidneys were diseased ;
but as they are in perfect health now, and had been in perfect
health just before, and the urine is no longer albuminous,
I do not beheve there is any more foundation for supposing
the existence of organic disease, than there is for supposing
that cancer of the stomach is present in every case of tem-
porary dyspepsia, because, when people die of dyspepsia, we
find more or less organic disease.
Hundreds of persons, in different ages, have pined away,
and died without their disease or cause of decay being known,
or with their cases falsely called liver, brain, dropsy, &c.,
until the genius of a Bright discovered the real cause of mis-
chief in the disease or disorder of the kidney — the morbus
Brightii — which, though little striking, is sufficient to spoil
the secretion of the organ, and send one of the most noxious
excretions — the urea — which should be discharged with the
urine, back through the frame to poison the springs of life,
and thereby agitating and paralysing every function.
It is the business of those who make these assertions to
prove their correctness ; to prove that these persons have
organic disease of the kidney, and not our business to dis-
prove it. Because, when a person dies making albuminous
urine, you always find structural disease of the kidney, it
does not follow that, when the urine temporarily presents
the same phenomenon, and the person recovers, he has had
anything more than a functional complaint. Because the
affection of the kidneys may arrive at such a degree of in-
tensity as to destroy life, and you then always find organic
disease, it does not follow that the temporary formation of
albumen should be anything more than a functional dis-
turbance of the kidneys. I should draw just the opposite
conclusion ; and should suppose that, if the symptoms were
temporary, the disease must be functional. Dr. Mackintosh
informed me, that some medical students in Edinburgh had
486 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
lately ascertained that, when they ate pie-crust, and it pro-
duced dyspepsia, their urine became albuminous. They
made this experiment over and over again ; and the circum-
stance is nothing more than I should expect."'
These medical quotations shew us how long, and how
much the present subject has engaged the attention of some
of the most eminent physicians of our own day ; at the same
time, they appear to demonstrate to us, that albuminous
urine may exist without organic disease of kidney — may be
the result of simple functional disorder of the gland — may
even proceed from indigestion — nay, from disease of liver.
All these are facts, however, which we, as veterinarians,
must receive cum grano sails. We must regard them only
as starting-posts from which we may safely set off on our in-
quiry, and which may prove to be fast grounded or not on
further investigation. We know how little the horse is the
subject of dyspepsia ; we know how less still his aliment is
varied, or of that kind likely to render him so : we have,
consequently, stronger grounds than surgeons for believing
that this change in the urine is the effect of some altered
state, functional or organic, of the kidneys. I would, there-
fore, still counsel the veterinarian to continue to regard the
appearance as an important aid, on occasions, in directing us
to a safe and sound diagnosis ; — as, in fact, connected with
other collateral evidence, amounting to a proof that the
kidneys are the seat of the animaFs complaint.
My treatment, where symptoms of inflammation have
distinctly shewn themselves, either in the form of constitu-
tional irritation or locally, has, in the first instance, been
antiphlogistic. I have both bled and purged moderately,
and applied upon the loins, in cases of much tenderness and
stiffness there, mustard plasters, taking care to sponge them
off with warm water before they have taken so much effect
' " Dr. Graves, the eminent Professor of the Institute of Medicine in the
School of Physic in Ireland, has done much to dissolve the supposed invariable
connexion between albuminous urine and disease of the kidney. He shews that
it often depends on disease of the liver." See his valuable pajjcrs in the
'Dublin Journal of Medical and Chemical Science.'
ALBUMINOUS URINE. 487
as to endanger the separation of the hair. So long as any
febrile action continues to be manifested, the depletive plan,
with attention to diet and abstinence from exercise, will be
found most beneficial. Afterwards, the best moderator or
corrector of the arguraented or morbid secretion will be
found to be opium. I have tried the stimulating diuretics,
cantharides and tincture of muriated iron ; but I find they
do harm. One circumstance should be mentioned here, and
that is, the continuance, from habit, of the stretching out of
the legs in the stall after the complaint is removed, which,
were it not for the return of healthy urine, together with the
perfect restoration of the horse's action, would induce us to
believe the disease remained.
Mr.Clayworth, V.S., Spilsby, transmitted to 'The Veteri-
narian,' for 1836, a case for an opinion, connected, I now
believe, with the subject we are considering. It is this : —
In October, a bay blood mare, then running in the mail,
began to fall oW in condition, in consequence of which she
was turned into a loose box, where she rapidly regained flesh
and spirits. A fortnight afterwards she was taken to exer-
cise previously to being put to her former work. She ap-
peared in perfect health, and very playful. She had pro-
ceeded with her rider about half a mile, when she suddenly
stopped, began sweating and trembling without any apparent
cause, and was with difficulty led home. Mr. Clay worth was
sent for — found her sweating and trembling, and scarcely
able to turn in the stall ; the muscles of her back and loins
in a state of spasm; tail quite stiff; kept looking at her
flanks, and appeared in violent pain ; dropped her hind legs
in going forwards; but her loins did not appear tender when
pressed upon. (In the rigid spasmed state in which they
were, it is not likely they would.) About a pint of fluid
was drawn from her bladder with the catheter, of the colour
and consistence of linseed oil ; after that, the same quantity,
thicker and of the colour of porter ; and a third portion of
the colour of whey. These urines passed in succession, the
catheter remaining all the while in the bladder.
That the urine resembling linseed oil was albuminous.
488 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGAMS.
there seems little doubt ; that the portiou resembling porter
was mingled with blood, subsequently and slowly trickling
from the kidney, appears probable; but why this should sud-
denly change, and become like whey, I must confess I do not
pretend to offer an explanation,
HEMATURIA.
Hsematuria, or bloody urine, is a complaint every now and
then made to us. When such a case does present itself, our
grand aims must be, first, to find from what part the blood
issues ; secondly, to discover the cause of the hemorrhage.
Blood may either come away alone, and shew itself in its
pure form, by coagulation, or it may be discharged mixed
with the urine, and then either only in part or not at all
congeal. Under such circumstances, the urinary discharges
are generally scanty; but sometimes they are very frequent,
and troublesome as well. It may be difficult or impossible
to say where the blood is coming from ; whether from the
kidneys or the bladder, or from any of the passages. Ex-
amination both per rectum, and externally upon the loins,
and about the penis, may not go far to clear up this point: we
must, for the rest, be guided by the symptoms, and by what
account we can collect of the occasion or history of the malady.
It may proceed from inflammation, or from some disorganiza-
tion either of the kidneys or the bladder, or it may arise from
calculus : it is most likely to prove to be the result of some
sprain or blow, or some injury of the organs. In old horses
the disease is likely to prove the consequence of long-standing
chronic disease of the kidneys, brought into fresh action by
some severer or more straining work than usual.
The Treatment must be entirely under the control of cir-
cumstances. Staling of blood may be — indeed generally
ought to be regarded as — a dangerous omen. Should in-
jury have produced it, we must keep our patient as quiet
and as free from all sources of disturbance and irritation as
possible, and medically treat the case as it shall seem to re-
quire. Should febrile or inflammatory symptoms arise, they
HiEMATURIA. 489
must be subdued or moderated ; and if present in the kidney,
counter-irritation upon the loins may be employed ; taking
care not to employ cantharides, or any other diuretic stimu-
lant. When no inflammation is present, and none appre-
hended, but the case assumes what is called the passive form
of hemorrhage, we may try the effect of internal styptic and
sedative medicines, and the best appear to be those used in
human medicine under similar circumstances — oil of turpen-
tine and opium.
Mr. Brown, V.S., Melton Mowbray, has been very successful
in the employment of the acetate of lead, in combination with
opium and a vegetable tonic, formed into a mass with balsam
of copaiba and syrup. His excellent practical paper on this
infrequent occurrence in the common routine of practice, con-
tained in ' The Veterinarian^ for 185-1 (vol. xxvii. p. 13),
is well deserving of attentive perusal.
The late John Field has left us some interesting observa-
tions on this subject. A horse was brought to him, Jan. 1818,
that had come off a job for " profuse staling of blood ;" he
lived three days, continuing to grow worse, and then died.
" The peritoneal coat and cortical substance of the kidney
were entirely destroyed ; the ureters filled with blood ; the
bladder contained a pint of blood, mixed with urine ; the
liver was pale ; the chest healthy. Above a pint of blood
was found within the pericardium.^^
''Another hoi'se died, 10th Feb. 1818, of similar disease.
The ureter and kidney of the near side were much enlarged;
the former and pelvis of the latter were filled with blood,
arising from destruction of the texture of the papillary sub-
stance ', the off kidney was not so much enlarged ; its ureter
was likewise filled with blood, and there was a very small
abscess within its substance.''
Nov. 1823. A bay gelding admitted for staling of blood
in such quantity as almost to exhaust him. The lips and
conjunctivae quite pale ; pulse weak and frequent ; fainted
twice during the day; died at 12 o'clock the same night.
The bladder proved full of blood. Ulcerated tubuli uriniferi,
and pelvis of the left kidney ; of the right the cortical part
490 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
was brown and flabby, it had lost its normal texture. (Re-
mark.) " In most subjects dying of this kind of the disease,
it is usual to find the hemorrhage proceeding from that
kidney least affected with the disease externally, and also,
to find but one kidney ulcerated internally. The staling of
blood is the first symptom noticed.^^
Oct. 1829. An old black mare had been for some time
falling off in condition and appetite, though suffering no
pain, and was galloped without affecting her breathing;
after much riding, however, she went weakly behind ; and
in the stable, after staling, she voided a small quantity of
pus with blood. Examination joer rectum, discovered a large
tumour near the left kidney, extending back to the groin.
On the 3d Feb., 1840, the mare died from superpurgation ;
the intestines had the " deeply discoloured appearance, with
congestion of the capillaries, without thickening, which is
usual in hypercatharsis. The left kidney (the tumour felt)
was greatly enlarged, and contained much pus in schirrous
cysts.'
DIABETES.
The terra is here restricted in its meaning to denote that
kind or form, of disease in which sugar is found to be present
in the urine, at the same time that the urine is — for it
generally is — existing in much greater quantity than in
health. I have some recollections of ha\dng witnessed a
case of diabetes while a pupil at the Veterinary College,
and of sugar being detected in the urine ; but having made
no notes at the time, I am now left in doubt about it. No
English author, nor French one whom I know, gives any
account of the disease that can be relied upon as a test of
its having come actually under observation in practice.
Some well- authenticated case of it — should such occur —
would really prove a boon in hippopathology.
" In no disease is chemical science likely to prove so useful
as in diabetes. Willis was the first to perceive the sweet
' ]\Ir. Field's ' Posthumous Veterinary Records,' 1843.
URINARY CALCULUS. 49]
taste of diabetic urine ; and Cruikshank and others sub-
sequently demonstated the saccharine principle on which that
property depends. That sugar exists in the blood of dia-
betic patients has been proved by Abrosiani and Messrs.
Maitland and M'Grigor — especially by the latter. By co-
agulating the albumen, Mr. M'Grigor had no difficulty in pro-
curing sugar from the serum. And he then found that the
sugar was formed in the stomach during digestion. And
M. Bouchardat has since shown that " the fixed proportion
of sugar in the urine is in constant relation with the fecula
in saccharine matter in the food.^^
In man, some startling and very curious observations have
been recorded concerning it. One very remarkable symptom
— and one which Dr. Elliotson says he never found to be ab-
sent— is the loss of sexual power and desire. Another is,
that the quantity of urine voided has been known to amount
to double that of the fluid drunk : indeed, some cases are
on record in which every day forty pints — in some days fifty
— were discharged. A third is, the urine has a sweet taste,
and by evaporation yields about an ei^th of thick residue,
from which sugar is extractible to the amount of about two-
thirds of the weight of the residue. And in consequence of
this saccharine impregnation the urine has been found, by
the addition of yeast, to be susceptible both of the vinous
and acetous fermentations.
URINARY CALCULUS.
The comparative rarity of the occurrence of calculi among
horses is well demonstrated by the meagre state of our litera-
ture in regard to them, though the mention of " Stone "
among veterinarians of the present day does not amount to
what it did, as a vara avis, some years ago. I shall, from
the scattered cases of such occurrences on record, and from
the accounts furnished by our continental brethren, endeavour
to frame such a connected history as will enable my reader
to recognise and properly treat such a case, should one happen
to cross his path in practice.
493 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
Kinds. — There are four situations in which calculi may
be formed, orratlier in which they have been discovered, viz.
the kidney, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra ; and
this has given rise to a distribution of them into renal, uretal,
cystic or vesical, and urethral calculi: a classification, be it ob-
served, having no reference whatever to their compositions.
RENAL CALCULI.
These are commonly lodged within the pelvis of the kidney ;
though both in horses and men the infundibula have been
found filled with them. Several of our veterinary museums
contain specimens of renal calculi. A very fine specimen was
in the possession of the late Mr. Ainslie, weighing twenty
ounces, and occupying the entire pelvis of the kidney : un-
fortunately, no history is attached to it, the late Mr. Youatt
having perchance purchased it from aknacker. One larger still,
weighing twenty-five ounces, was sent to the Veterinary As-
sociation by Mr. Bowles, V.S., Cambridge. " The subject
of it,'' Mr. Bowles writes, " was a post or coach horse, who was
frequently attacked with symptoms which were scarcely dis-
tinguishable from those of spasmodic colic : in fact, he was
always treated for that disease, and as frequently recovered.
The animal, at last, died suddenly, after a severe day's work,
when, on opening him, the existence of the calculus was dis-
covered. Of course, nearly the whole of the kidney had
become absorbed so that the other kidney, which appeared
usually healthy, now performed the functions of two."
Renal calculi, according to D'Arboval, exhibit two principal
varieties. One set are hard and compact ; have a mingled
yellow, green, and dirty white hue ; with a form, not in-
variably but commonly, identical with that of the pelvis ;
are composed of regular layers; and, when sawn through,
discover a central nucleus. The other set are areolated and
tuberculated, rough and grained upon their surfaces, and
not so hard, nor so compact or weighty, as the former, and
have an agglomerated composition.
Symptoms. — We appear to be without any that can be
RENAL CALCULI. 493
depended upon. In the early formation of the stone in
kidney, and for the most part during its increase, it would
appear that little or no inconvenience — certainly no expressed
pain — is occasioned by it. When it becomes weighty, how-
ever, and fills up the pelvic cavity, it must create considerable
impediment to the flow of urine, as well as prove a source of
more or less annoyance and irritation, which is likely to be
manifested from time to time by symptoms undistinguishable,
perhaps, from those of " gripes ;" though this irritation pro-
bably is in some degree lessened, perhaps altogether counter-
acted, by the hypertrophy of the cavity containing it keeping
pace with the incrementation of the stone ; and this is accom-
panied by dilatation of the infundibula as well, and by general
augmentation of the gland itself. These changes are often
attended by inflammation and suppuration. Purulent matter
pervades, and in time fills, all the canals and cavities ; and
sooner or later the subsequent work of disorganization com-
mences, and absorption of the substance of the gland follows;
first of the medullar}^, and afterwards of the cortical composi-
tion, in a greater or less degree, until the deformation ends
only with the destruction of life. Periodical colics, with ex-
pressions of extreme suffering, and these coming on after
exercise or exertion of any kind, and again ceasing as sud-
denly as they appeared, leaving behind them sedimentous
and gravelly urine, are what D'Arboval has off*ered as the
symptoms denoting this state of kidney. The condition of
the urine might certainly lead to a suspicion of stone, and
the absence of any in the bladder or urethra might induce
us to assume the presence of one in the kidney.
Our Treatment must be directed to the mitigation of
irritation, and any consequent febrile disturbance. Blood-
letting and purging ; fomentations, and mustard plasters to
the loins ; clysters ; and the subsequent exhibition of acids
— the acetous is one of the best — with a view of dissolving
or rendering unirritating the calculous matters. Purgatives
during the intervals of ease are also recommended, on the
ground of the commotion in the bowels produced by their
action being likely to cause a descent of the calculus.
494 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
URETAL CALCULI.
These are stones which have passed from the pelvis of the
kidney into the ureter, and there, on account of their size,
have remained fixed. They are of still rarer occurrence than
the former. Chabert asserts that such, when they exist, may
be felt with the hand introduced into the rectum ; and that
we have nothing more to do than to cut through the gut and
ureter in order to extract, or, at all events, to dislodge them.
Supposing both ureters to be plugged in this manner, of
course there would be a complete suppression of urine. I
might lengthen this account with further suppositions without
affording much useful or practical information: it will be
better, perhaps, to acknowledge the case to be one of that
exceeding rarity that, practically, we know but little about it.
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI.
Of these we find many cases standing on record, both in our
own veterinary annals and those of the Continent ; and we are
farther aided in our researches by an excellent little pamphlet
on the subject penned by the late distinguished professor of
the French school, M. Girard, as well as by a small work of
good service to veterinarians on the subject of ' Calculous
Concretions,^ by Professor Morton of the Royal Veterinary
College, who, at the commencement of his inquiry into
" urinary calculi,^^ makes the following sensible observa-
tion respecting the frequency of this occurrence among
horses :
" Although I have questioned the frequency of the existence
of calculi in the lower animals as compared with man, I at
once express my firm conviction, that they are nevertheless
present in them more commonly than is thought; nor is this
to be wondered at, when the functional relationship which
exists between the kidneys and the skin is borne in mind,
coupled with the alterations in temperature, and many acci-
dental circumstances, such as injuries, &c., to which the horse
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 495
more particularly is exposed. I come to this conclusion from
the multiplied specimens which are being continually brought
from the horse-slaughterers' yards to the college; and, on in-
quiry being made, in very many instances, we have not been
able to ascertain that, during life, the animals showed any
symptoms indicative of their presence. This may, in a great
measure, arise from the want of observation on the part of
their owners, or from the symptoms having been mistaken
for those of spasmodic colic. It is, however, sometimes the
case that indubitable proofs are aiforded of the existence of
these foreign bodies ; still the poor brutes, notwithstanding,
have been compelled to lengthen out a miserable existence,
until, exhausted by pain, they have become so feeble as to
be altogether incapable of further labour." '
Some of the stones found in the bladder were no doubt
originally renal calculi; i.e., formed within the kidneys;
others there are, however, which we believe to be originated,
and to receive their augmentation entirely within the bladder.
The late Professor Coleman was of opinion that most calculi
had their primitive formation within the kidney ; and that
in man, owing to his erect attitude, they readily descended
into the bladder; but that it was quite otherwise in the
horse, owing to his horizontal position ; and this circum-
stance, he added, rendered cases of renal calculi comparatively
frequent in horses. D'Arboval entertains a different opinion
— " quelques unes descendent des ureteres; mais c'est le plus
petit nombre.^' — Professor Morton says, " The origin of all
cystic concretions may be traced to the kidneys; at least there
their nuclei, when present, are first found. From the hori-
zontal position of the bodies of our patients, these do not find
their way down the ureters into the bladder so readily as in
man; hence renal calculi are more frequently met with in
the lower animals than in hira/'^
Of kinds or varieties of vesical calculi, according to
Girard, there are four : The first, or soft kind, comprising
' ' On Calculous Concretions in the Horse, or Sheep, and Dog,' by W. J. T.
Morton, Lecturer on Medical, Chemistry, &c., 1844.
» Op. cit.,p. 20.
496 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
the earthy inspissations, are soft like paste^ but grow firm
towards the centre. The second kind are yellowish or whitish
calculi, with rugged, grained, or simply fretted surfaces, com-
posed of an irregular mass of more or less coherent saline
material. Some present areolated interiors, and exhibit
different degrees of hardness in their composition. The third
kind are formed of concentric plates, and are void of any cen-
tral nuclei ; they are commonly gray, fretted upon their sur-
faces, and harder than the foregoing sorts. In some of these
the saline materials are found much less compact in the centre
than towards the circumference. The fourth kind is the caU
cuius with nucleus ; of which there occur two varieties : one
composed of concentric plates, as hard almost as flint, with
a wall-like kind of surface ; the other less compact, with a
granulated exterior and a diversified areolated interior.
In the year 1839, Mr. G. Baldwin forwarded to the
Veterinary Association (then in existence) a quantity of
subulous matter weighing eight pounds and a half, which he
had taken from the bladder of a horse, destroyed for old age.
During life no urgent symptoms presented themselves ; the
animal was observed to urinate frequently, and sometimes
the urine would be interrupted in its flow.
Chemical Composition, — Urinary calculi taken from
horses have been found by Fourcroy and Vauquelin to be as
remarkable for the uniformity of their composition as those
obtained from the human body have proved for their strange
diversity and variety in this respect. Classifying human
urinary calculi according to their different constituents, no
less than eleven kinds are described as being at times met
with ; whereas, in horses, taking the same mode of classifica-
tion, no more than one kind can be said to be produced.
Horses' calculi have proved uniformly to consist of carbonate
of lime, and a very small proportion — one-hundredth part —
of carbonate of magnesia, mixed up and cemented together
by an animal matter found to be mucus, mingled in some
cases with albumen. " By far the greater number of calculi
found both in the horse and ox are composed principally of
the carbonate of lime and animal matter. In a few I have
CYSTTC OR VESICAL CALCUTJ. 497
detected tlie phosphate of lime, and in some, traces of tlie
ammoniatc-magnesian phosphate," ' The carbonate of hme
is soluable with effervescence in the weakest acids ; and this
is an important fact to be acquainted with, because it leads
to the suggestion of the medicines best adapted to — if any
will — work some solution or diminution of them. As a
rare exception to this unvarying composition, M. Lambert
mentions an instance where a calculus so large was discovered,
that it completely filled the bladder, which was found to
contain a pretty considerable proportion of oxide of man-
ganese.
The Symptoms in the early stages of the formation of
calculus are, in general, either of a nature too trivial to
attract notice, or they are of that indefinite character, that
we are unable to draw from them any practical or safe de-
ductions ; and either of these states may continue for an
unlimited length of time — years even.
These indefinite or suspicious symptoms, according to
D'Arboval, are — " Less freedom in the movements of the hind
quarters ; lying down less, or reposing with the fore parts
raised from time to time, seated upon the croup ; frequent
motions of the tail ; the state of the urine — its growing by
degrees thicker and whiter, and depositing, on standing, a
sediment of the same nature as the composition of the soft
or first kind of calculus ; frequent desire to stale, and diffi-
culty and pain in accomplishing it. In some cases, the walk
will be tardy and straddling; the loins reached and stiff ;
the urin acrid and irritating; and the sheath or perineum
tumid". At Alfort College it has been remarked that the
penis sometimes becomes paralysed, and hangs out of its
sheath."
More characteristic symptoms " are likely to arise at
the time that the urinary concretion begins to assume the
solidity and hardness of a true calcnhis, in consequence of
the irritation produced by it upon the membrane of the
bladder; though in general" — accoi'ding to the same author
from whom I am now transcribing — "the pains are not
* Op. cit., p. 19.
II. 32
498 DISEASES OE THE URINARY ORGANS.
greatj except at the time that the calculus gets iuto the neck
of the bladder, obstructing the passage, either partially or
completely, and occasioning more or less difficulty in staling,
or altogether preventing the act. The irritation set up
causes frequent desire to stale, and to satisfy this the horse
is continually making efforts, violent in proportion to his
feelings : he stretches himself out and draws his yard, but
often in vain, or with ability only to dribble a little, and
that with extreme, pain. What he does pass is perhaps
bloody, perhaps gravelly. The urinary irritation may induce
colicky pains ; in which case he will try to strike his sheath
with his hind feet, and will look at his flank, grind his teeth,
and shake his head from pain : in fact, during suffering, he
may manifest all the worst symptoms of acute enteritic
disorder. In their agony, mares have been known to expel
their calculi, and in this manner effect their own cure.
A horse has stopped himself all at once in his gallop to make
"water, and, being unable to accomplish the act, has refused
to set off again. The animal can stale only at such times
as, through relaxation of the bladder, the stone has fallen
into its fundus. Towards the termination of this painful
disorder, a horse has been known to experience seven or
eight paroxysms of pain daily, and at last sink through
extreme suffering. On the other hand, cases occur wherein
calculus is breeding fatal mischief for years, and the horse
feeding and working and looking in health all the "while,
even up to the day of his death.'^
Examination per Eectum — a mode of inquiry known
even to Vegetius — is the veterinarian's grand confirming
test of the presence of calculus : it may be said to consti-
tute his dia(/nosis, for it will assuredly resolve all his doubts
and apprehensions, and, moreover, can be easily and readily
practised without the risk of any injury to the patient. The
most favorable moment for examination is immediately
after the voiding of the urine ; it being much easier to de-
tect the stone in an empty than in a full bladder. Should
the bladder be distended at the time, we may by pressing
upon it endeavour to force some urine out; and if none
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 499
flow, it will probably be owing to the lodgement of the cal-
culus within the neck, in which situation, by directing our
hand more backward and downward, we may be able to feel
the solid body, and possibly succeed in dislodging it, and
pushing it backward into the fundus, and so occasioning a
flux of urine. Should the stone have got so firmly im-
pacted that we cannot move it, we must have recourse to a
sound. In case we detect no calculus in our examination,
and yet not feel satisfied in our mind that none exists, we
must cast the horse, and examine the bladder afresh while
he is turned upon his back. Should no stone be felt in
this position neither, I should conclude there was none. I
should not deem it worth while to cut into the urethra to
sound the horse,^ although I might pass a sound in the case
of a mare ; added to which, in the latter case, we have in
our power the manual examination i^er vaginam, during
which we may pass our finger into the meatus urinarius,
and possibly actually feel the stone itself.^
The Consequences of Calculus remaining in the blad-
der are, inflammation producing cystorrhoea, thickening,
induration, schirrus, ulceration of the lining membrane, ex-
tending through the outer tunics, and ending in rupture of
the bladder and extravasation of the urine into the pelvic
and abdominal cavities ; the burst commonly happening at
the fundus. D'Arboval speaks of meeting with calculi en-
cysted within the bladder.
Treatment. — The existence of calculus being no longer
an afl'air of doubt, the next question which arises is — how
is it to be got rid of? We may take for granted" that the
basis of its composition is carbonate of lime ; and upon this
we know even weak acids make manifest impression. But
acids, if given by the mouth, are found to undergo such
change before they arrive in the bladder, that they no
longer possess the power of acting upon the stone ; and
' With Mr. Taylor's jointed sounrl, this operation may, possihly, he satis-
factorily effected without cutting.
^ See Professor Renault's operation for stone in a mare, in ' The Veterinarian'
for 1835.
500 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
when injected at once into the bladder, they have proved
irritating and otlierwise hurtful in a high degree. Dupuy
injected vinegar and Avater for a long while, but was at
length compelled to desist in consequence of both the
bladder and hind quarters being seized with paralysis. And
of all lithontriptics, this, says D'Arboval, is in most repute.
It has been ascertained at Alfort that it is capable of effect-
ing the dissolution of calculi out of the body, the harder the
stones the more acid being required ; some demanding equal
parts, with an elevation of the temperature of the mixture
to 90 degrees of Fahr. If ever success should attend this
mode of treatment, it will probably be, as D'Arboval justly
adds, in the case of small calculi. Professor Morton says
in regard to it, '' The acetic, nitric, or hydrochloric acid,
may be successfully employed. I should prefer the last-
named, from the fact that it is the same as that met with in
the alimentary canal, although I believe either of the others
would prove as efficacious.^^ And the Professor makes re-
lation of a case, in which the solution appeared to have
succeeded, in the hands of Mr. R. Hutton, V.S., Great
Yeldham.
The horse was eight years of age, and had for long suf-
fered much difficulty in urinating, and of late had gradually
fallen away. Mr. Hutton '^ detected two calculi in the
bladder," in addition to subulous matter. His owner ob-
jucting to operations, Mr. Hutton at once determined to
try hydrochloric acid ; of which he gave, at first, 5iij of the
acid in three gallons of water, which after a little difficulty,
the horse freely drank. There being but little improvement
after a fortnight, a purge was given, and in three days the
acid had again recourse to, the dose now being 5vj to three
gallons of water, thrice a day. This had the effect ; a large
quantity of calcareous matter was voided with the urine,
and the appetite improved. The treatment was persevered
in for four months, with occasional purging. The horse got
well, and now '' stands his work well."^
Even under favorable circumstances, one would hardly,
' Op. cit., p. 48—50.
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 501
perhaps, recommend a proceeding so uncertain in its results,
so liable to do harm, and so tedious and tiresome in its
effects, when we have remedies at hand which are now
brought, in human surgery at least, to such a degree of per-
fection that they are practised not only with certainty of
cure, but with comparative safety. At the present day three
operations are in vogue for stone ; two have its extraction
as their object ; the other, the comminution of it.
Dilatation — without cutting — of the natural passages
through which the urine is voided, may be said to be the
simplest of these operations. It is practicable both in the
male and female ; but from its nature and effects is more
especially suitable to the latter, in consequence of her urethra
being short and nearly straight, and readily operated on.
D'Arboval tells us that Heuier, of Prague, has performed it
upon a mare with success. And since, in our own country,
Mr. Pope, of Aberdeenshire, has put its practicability and
success to the test. In the case of one or more small cal-
culi, this simple mode of procedure certainly ought to be
preferred ; and in the case of large ones, they may admit,
first, of being broken to pieces. The best instrument for
comminution appears to be the forceps constructed by Mr.
Weiss of the Strand ; only they would require to be made
larger and longer than those used in human surgery. A
dilator so constructed as to be used as forceps when the requi-
site dilatation has been effected, would, I think, be found a
very useful instrument. Messrs. Field, I believe, have
never in their operations, even on the male, had occasion
to slit the urethra open : but have always succeeded by cut-
ting down in perineo upon the grooved and curved end of
a large straight metallic staff passed through the penis, and
afterw-ards introducing a pair of large long-shanked forceps.
This simplifies the operation very much, at the same time
that it diminishes the risk of dangerous consequences.
Some preparation of the patient and of the parts, by way of
relaxation, would seem to be required to facilitate the dila-
tation ; although, from the accounts given of it by surgeons,
it appears to be an operation which may be either effected
502 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
in some minutes or may occupy some hours. In some in-
stances, in order to expedite our proceedings, and enable us
to dilate the passage with more effect, it may be requisite
to slit up the urethra to some small extent : this became
necessary in Mr. Pope's case. The safest instrument for
this purpose is the bisiouri cache.
LiTHOTRiTY — the crushing and comminution of the cal-
culus— is an operation that has been and still continues to
be practised among surgeons, some of whom, with the as-
sistance of ingenious instrument-makers, imagine that it
will one day or other save the pain of cutting for the stone ;
the late Mr. Liston, however, said — and this is authority
we must all bow to- — '^I am not so sanguine as to suppose
that the breaking up of the stone in the bladder will ever
entirely supersede lithotomy."^ Many lithotritic- instru-
ments have been contrived and recommended of late years ;
the favourite one of the present day appears to be that
called the sci^ew lithotrite, also an invention of Mr. Weiss.
In human practice this operation, is recommended only for
the adult whose urethra, prostate, and bladder are healthy,
and in whom the calculus is below the magnitude of a
chestnut : considerations which the veterinarian will find it
his interest to keep in view. In a case of simple dilatation,
should difficulty be experienced in drawing the calculus
through the widened passage, it would be, perhaps, advisa-
ble to have recourse to the screw lithotrite ; supposing the
stone could not be crushed and broken in pieces, or be any
how reduced in bulk by the common forceps ; which, as I
shall show, has been effected in several instances.
Lithotomy — rather cystotomy, inasmuch as its meaning
is, cutting into the bladder to extract the stone — is an ope-
ration of very old date in the annals of veterinary practice ;
one of serious and dangerous tendency ; at the same time
one Avhich has in several instances of late years been per-
formed with complete success. Vegetius speaks of " horses
being incommoded with the stone ;" and gives directions 'Ho
put your fingers through the holes made in the rectum and
' Elements of Surgery, bj Robert Liston, 1840.
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 503
bladder^ aud with an instrument to take out the stone."
And this is certainly the simplest mode of procedure ;
thoughj in regard to its effects, we are informed by Chabert,
that he has on several occasions practised it with results too
varying to advise its repetition.
There are still two other ways of cutting into the blad-
der; one, called the high operation — in veterinary practice
it becomes the loiv one; the other, the lateral operation.
The former is one now not at all in favour among surgeons,
and for the same reasons — which it is not worth while here
to enter into — canuot be safely adopted by the veterina-
rian ; we will, therefore, proceed at once to the considera-
tion of the lateral or ordinary operation.
The earliest account we have of an operation being
performed in our own country is published in 'The Farrier
and Naturalist' for 1829, from which I here extract it : —
" We have been favored by Mr. Eandall, of Rotherliitlie, with the in-
spection of a calculus, taken from the bladder of a horse about forty-
six years ago. It now weighs five and a half ounces, has a rough and
uneven surface, from which a portion has been chipped off, and its
general outline approaches very near to the shape of an egg. The cal-
culus belongs to Mr. Thomas Bidwell, of Swafield, in Norfolk, and was
taken from a horse belonging to his grandfather, which had been under
the care of a farrier in the neighbourhood, named Miller, who considered
the horse to be labouring under disease of the kidneys. The operation
was performed by Dr. Shorting, then in surgical practice at North
Walsham, and the horse lived for some time afterwards. Mr. Bidwell
is unable to furnish the particulars of the operation, he being at the time
quite a lad ; \>\\i can recollect seeing the horse cast and secured in the
orchard, and the stone extracted ; from which time it has remained in
the possession of his family and himself."
The next account of lithotomy comes to us through ' The
London Medical aud Physical Journar for October 1824,
to which it appears to have been sent by the late Mr. White,
V.S. 1st or Royal Dragoons.
Mx. Mogford, formerly a pupil and assistant of l\h\ "White's, then in
practice at North Lew, near Oakhampton, Devon, was sent for by James
Veal, Esq., near Hatherleigh, to attend a horse, who, from being trouble-
504 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
some to break, liad experienced very rough usage, and been bard ridden.
There was a " peculiar stiffness in the movement of the hind legs ; urine
of a high colour and pungent smell, and a dribbling of urine from the
penis for some time after staling." By venesection, clysters, fomenta-
tions, &c., he got sufficiently well to be sent to grass. He there leaped
over a gate, which caused a return of his complaint ; and Mr. Mogford
was sent for again, and found him in the same state as before. This time
Mr. Mogford examined the bladder through the rectum, and felt a hard
substance which appeared to be a stone ; in vrhich opinion he was con-
firmed by Mr. Fisher, a surgeon of Hatherleigh. The following opera-
tion was performed : a whalebone rod was passed through the penis ; the
end of which, felt in the perina3uni, was cut down upon, and through the
opening thus made a director was introduced, " and with a probe-pointed
bistoury the opening was continued as far as the left side of the anus."
Mr. Mogford " then introduced his right hand into the rectum, and the
two fore fingers of his left hand into the bladder, and without any diffi-
culty pushed the stone against the middle finger, by which he guided it
to the neck of the bladder, and then easily forced it out through the
opening in the urethra. The stone weighed four and a half ounces.
These cases are, chronologically, followed by others occur-
ring to Messrs. Sewell, Dick, Taylor, and Robinson. Mr.
Sewell's — the late Professor's — case stands remarkable
in our annals for having been sent to the College of Phy-
sicians, notwithstanding there were at the time of its occur-
rence two veterinary journals, as well as two veterinary
societies, in existence; for which unfortunate predilection
the physicians made the sad return of taking no more notice
of the case than they would have done of any other horse or
veterinary ajQfair, and for which disregard of his own profes-
sion Mr. Sewell brought upon himself the censure of both
veterinary journals and societies, as well as that, I am afraid,
of a host of practitioners besides.
Mr. Sewell's patient was a horse belonging to the Hon. G. A. Broderick,
twelve years old, that had been hunted for seven seasons, and up to the
period of his admission into the Veterinary College. He bad for some
months passed very high-coloured and turbid urine, mixed occasionally
with blood, and had expressed great pain in the acts. Aperients and
light diet relieved, but work brought back his complaints. Suspecting
calculus, Mr. Sewell examined the bladder per rectum, and " distinctly
felt a firm roundish substance at the neck of the bladder, which was
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 505
empty and firmly contracted upon it." On a subsequent day Mr. Sew ell
renewed the examination, " when the bladder was nearly full," and could
then " move the stone very readily." The horse was admitted a patient
on the 14th of February. On the 26th " he appeared in a favorable
state for the operation of lithotomy. The horse was accordingly cast and
secured, turned upon his back, with his hind legs drawn forwards to the
shoulders." The penis being drawn out, a three-foot whalebone staff was
introduced as far as the perinteum, and the urethra opened by an incision
about three inches in length. A grooved sound was then passed straight
into the bladder, and the stone was distinctly felt, and heard on bein^
struck. It was attempted to be extracted without cutting open the pelvic
portion of the urethra and neck of the bladder, by being readily grasped
with the forceps, assisted by pressure made upon the calculus by the left
hand introduced into the rectum ; but being too large, these parts were
laid open by lateral incision, made with a strong curved and probe-
pointed bistoury. It was then by the same means, but with considerable
force, brought gradually forward to the perinjEum, where it was forcibly
contracted upon, and a flirther extension of the external incision was
necessarily made to effect its removal." — " The hemorrhage was not very
great or alarming ; but it was thought best to secure a perineal vessel with
ligature." — "The calculus is of the mulberry kind, very rough, of a de-
pressed oval form, weighing nearly three ounces. It has no distinct
nucleus. Dr. Prout having obligingly undertaken to analyse it, found it
composed principally of carbonate of lime, some phosphate of lime, and a
little phosphate of magnesia." "■ The horse immediately after the operation
became tranquil and cheerful, and the pulse by the evening fell to the
healthy standard, and so continued until the following day, when, beinw
rather agitated by numerous visitors, it rose to 38, and by night to 45. Four
quarts of blood were taken from the jugular vein, a mild purge given,
and frequent clysters." — " February 28, Pulse 40 and 44 ; bowels relaxed.
— March 1, Pulse 44; purge and clysters repeated." The pulse con-
tinued down ; and the bowels were kept open by aperient doses of aloes
and clysters. The urine passed partly by the wound until March 2, on
which day, the parts being healed, all of it flowed through the natural
channel. The horse is daily exercised, and fit to be discharged."
' Veterinarian,' for 1 829 from the ' Medical Gazette.'
In reply to a letter requesting to be informed of the result
of this case, Professor Sewell kindly sent me the following
particulars ; and annexed to them brief accounts of two other
cases which have occurred at the Veterinary College :
After being discharged on the 2d of April, the horse was turned out
506 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
for two months, affected, it was said, with an incontinence of urine. While
he remained out the weather proved very unfavorable, and he gradually
declined in health. In this state he was returned to his former owner,
who had him destoyed the following July. The urinary apparatus was
sent to the College for examination. The coats of the bladder were
thickened, but, otherwise, healthy in appearance. The incision made
through its neck, membranous part of the urethra, and perinseum, was
quite healed. The right kidney and ureter were enlarged, and contained -
purulent matter, the consequence of the formation and descent of a fresh
calculus, which was found lodged within the canal aboutthree inches before
its termination in the bladder. Its hardness and roughness, and irregular
shape, appeared to have stayed its progress into the bladder. Some small
calculi were also found within the kidney. To these irritations Mr. Sewell
ascribes, sympathetically, the incontinence of urine.
The next case was a small thorougli-bred horse — a racer.
The calculus, which was about the same size and form as the
preceding one, was extracted by a similar operation. He
was worked regularly for two years afterwards, and subse-
quently sold, in consequence of his owner not requiring his
services any longer.
The third case was a stout chaise-horse. The same opera-
tion proved entirely successful. The horse has been actively
worked since. The calculus proved rather larger than in
the other cases.
LiTHOTRITY PERFORMED BY Mr. AdAM PoPE, TaRVIS,
Aberdeenshire. This gentleman wrote to Mr. Dick, re-
questing his advice concerning a mare, who every ten
minutes was discharging her urine, and so suddenly that she
had not time to camp herself; the consequence of which was,
the running of the urine down her thighs and legs, excoriating
them. Her urine was tinged with blood. Mr. Dick con-
ceived the case might be one of stone, and recommended
manual examination, and the extraction of it by dilatation.
Mr. Dick's opinion proved correct ; and Mr. Pope proceeded to the
operation " by introducing the left hand into the rectum, and with itpress-
ing the stone towards the opening of the urethra." — "I had thus a full
view of the orifice ; but finding, from the size of the calculus, that it .
would require an imcommonly large wound to allow of the extraction of
the stone in one piece, I merely dilated the urethra by making an incision
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 507
about an inch and a half in length ; and then, introducing a pair of for-
ceps, I took hold of the stone, and broke it down. This was the more
easily effected from the circumstance of the stone being of a conglome-
rated texture. I then gradually removed the substance, piecemeal, which
when collected together, weighed upwards of eight ounces." The calculus
was analysed by Dr. Murray, and found to be composed of forty parts of
carbonate of lime, sixty of animal matter, apparently mucus of the bladder
and albumen indurated. A twelvemonth afterwards Mr. Pope found the
mare " about as ill as ever." " There was new stone formed ; but the
urine was mixed with sand." Mr. Pope tried muriatic acid, but gave it
up from the difficulty of administering it. At length she was destroyed.
Autopsy : The left kidney greatly enlarged ; the right less than usual,
and containing, in its pelvis, a stone weighing one ounce and a half, and
in its tubuli several small calculii. " Most of the tubuli uriniferi were
enlarged into cysts, containing, in both kidneys, a mixture of sand, urine,
and pus." The parenchymatous substance was rotten, crumbling down
between the fingers. Mr. Pope concludes with the conviction that the
mare must soon have died from emaciation ; that her whole complaint
was in the kidneys ; that it was incurable ; and that applications to the
bladder were futile. — 'The Veterinarian' for 1833.
The following case comes from Mr. C. Taylor, V.S, Not-
tingham. It is one doubly interesting, from the circum-
stance of its introducing a new instrument to our notice :
]Mr, Taylor was called to attend a chestnut hunter, belonging to Mr-
Wright, a surgeon, whom IMr. Taylor afterwards assisted in his opera-
tion. " The horse passed bloody urine, with frequent attemjjts to
evacuate the bladder, and which took place almost invariably after exer-
cise, and more so after quick exertion." On examination, Mr. Taylor
discovered " a solid body about the size of a pullet's egg within the blad-
der, near its neck, and which was moveable." Prior to operating, Mr.
Taylor was desirous to try if he could not invent some sort of sound
which would pass at once into the bladder ; and in this he succeeded.
" It was of polished round Iron, three feet long, one inch and a half in
circumference, with eight joints at its further extremity," or rather half-
joints, so that the moveable part could only act in a straight line and
curve in one direction, and be perfectly smooth either when straight or
bent^ Here the instrument is represented both in its straight and curved
state.
' For a minute description of the instrument see ' The Veterinarian ' for
1834.
508
DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
The following is Mr. Taylor's account of the operation in his own.
words: — "April 1, 1833, 9 o'clock a.m. — The horse (having been pre-
viously prepared by physic and bran diet) was cast, and secured on his
back as for castration, and bolstered in that situation with two sacks of
corn firmly tied up. Having the penis drawn from the sheath by an
assistant (the rectum having been previously emptied), I endeavoured to
inject the bladder with warm water, but was only able to distend the
urethra, from the resisting contraction of the sphincter. I then passed
my jointed sound into the bladder, and, having given it to an assistant to
hold, pushed my hand into the rectum, and brought the body in the
bladder into contact with it, and the assistant was satisfied it was a stone
that struck the end of the sound. Continuing this instrument in the
bladder, held by the assistant, I placed the fingers of my left hand upon the
perinseum, opposite the symphysis pubis, and, drawing the integuments
up, kept the parts tense. I then commenced the external incision imme-
diately below the arch of the pubes, close on the left of the raphe, and
continued it down obliquely by the side of the anus, making the external
wound three inches and a half in length. I then divided the faschia and
transversalis perintei muscle, and introduced the fore-finger of my left
hand into the wound, and distinctly felt the pubic artery where it enters
the bulb. I kept my finger upon it, and carried on my deeper incision
below it, laterally, down by the side of the rectum, through the connec-
ting cellular texture, occasionally feeling for the sound of the urethra,
which I cut down upon in its membranous part, beyond the bulb, 'though
with some little difiiculty, which I apprehend was in consequence of the
jointed part being moveable. A straight fluted staff was then introduced
into the bladder, through the opening in the urethra, and the calculus
again distinctly felt and heard on being struck. The sound was with-
drawn the forceps introduced, and the stone attempted to be extracted,
supposing from its size, compared with the dilatability of the neck of the
bladder, that it might be extracted without division of the neck ; but that
not being practicable on account of the sphincter forcibly contracting,
the fore-finger of the left hand was introduced into the bladder, which
served as a director to a long probe- pointed bistoury, which was then
passed within the neck of the bladder, and its division completed
by withdrawing the bistoui-y, keeping the edge downwards and
outwards in a line with the external wound. The empty calculus
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI.
509
was then easily extracted. It was of the size of a small pullet's
egg, rough on its surfoce, with a pungent urinary smell, sandy texture
beincr easily broken, and of a light nature, weighing not quite three
ounc°es. The hemorrhage was trifling, and I did not find it requisite to
take up a single branch of the small arteries necessarily divided. The
bladder was washed out with warm water, by using a patent syringe, and
two sutures were applied by the side of the anus, connecting it with the
common integuments." No unfavorable symptom appeared. The
horse rose well, and had a draught of tinct. opii. gss in aquse Oj. At
three o'clock p.m., the pulse being 48, and full and hard, he was [bled to
four quarts. He passed his urine principally by the urethra. He was
tied up with two halters, and a man sat up with him. April '2(?.— Dis-
charges his urine (which is tinged with blood) partly by the wound and
partly by the urethra ; appetite good ; bowels regular ; no medicine neces-
sary. Let loose in a box at day ; tied up at night as before ; and a man
sat up. 3fZ.— Suppuration in the wound. Urine evacuated from the
wound principally, and in a gush, and still bloody.— 4//i, Healthy suppu-
ration. Urine principally from the wound, but no longer bloody.— 5//<,
Lay down at mght.— 6th, Had an inflammatory swelling on the left of the
sacrum and above the ischium, which was fomented.— 7//;, The swelling
subsiding. Urine passes partly through the wound.— 8^A, Swelling nearly
gone, and a similar one coming on the right of the sacrum, which was
fomented.— 9;/i, Swellings disappearing.— 10/7;, Wound granulating.
Urine passing principally by the urethra.— lU/i, But little suppuration.
Granulation °luxuriant.—l2//(, Wound contracting.-U//(, Passed two
quarts of urine by the urethra ; none by the wound.— 15//^ Observed loss
of flesh about the quarters and loins ; though all continues going on well.
Clear urine passes by the urethra ; none by the wound, which is nearly
healed.— 22f/, Wound perfectly healed, and his urine discharged the same
as in health, both as to times and quantities.— 23(7 to 27th, Daily walking
exercise in hand.— 287/;, Was ridden a short distance.— 29//;, Discharged,
quite well.— Mr. Taylor concludes a case, so highly creditable to his pro-
fessional character, in these words :— " I consider that the successful
result of the operation is mainly attributable to the opening in the urethra
being made in its membranous part, and which could not well have been
carrred into eff'ect without the jointed sound, which acted as a principal
guide in the operation, and also the urethra not being laid open to any
extent." — ' Veterinarian' for 1834.
Tlie next case on record happened to Mr. Robinson, V.S.,
Tamworth, wlio sent an account of it to ' The Veterinarian/
for 1837, from which our extract is taken. Along with other
510 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
interest it possesses, it appears to confirm the utility of Mr,
Taylor's jointed sound.
A favourite black horse (Jack), the property of H. C. Hindle, Esq.,
Mayfielcl, "Walsall, was in April 1836 brought to Mr. Robinson for his
opinion. His symptoms, which had been noticed for four months, were
described to be " frequent and painful attempts to void his urine." Mr.
Robinson begged the horse might be sent to his infirmary. The bladder
was examined per rectum, and " a large solid body found firmly fixed
towards its neck." Mr. Hindle, was told that lithotomy was necessary ;
to the performance of which, "after a few months he gave consent."
A whalebone probe was first passed, " but from the struggles of the
animal it was withdrawn, and the jointed sound introduced. The opening
into the urethra was then enlarged, and the external incision carried
obliquely down by the anus for about four inches. The fore finger of the
' left hand was used as a director in opening the pelvic portion of the
urethra and neck of the bladder. The forceps being found to be too
weak, and inadequate for the extraction of the calculus, a further division
of the bladder was made, to admit the hand of Mr. Friend (considerably
smaller than my own) : but so firmly did the coats of the bladder adhere
to the rough mulberry surface cf the calculus, that it was with very great
difficulty the fingers could be insinuated between them ; and then so
tenacious was the grasp with which it was held by the contractile power
of the bladder, that it required considerable force to remove it." Only a
few ounces of blood were lost : no ligatures necessary. The calculus was
of the mulberry kind, weighed lib. troy, and measured nine inches by
eight in circumference. It has been presented by Mr. Robinson to the
Veterinary College Museum. A good deal of sloughing followed, so
extensive being the wound ; but all went on well, and on the 18th day
afterwards the urine passed, exclusively, through the natural passsage.
Unfortunately, however, in the tenth week after the operation, from some
sudden and violent exertion, "he produced some disarrangement of
parts in or near the neck of the bladder, from which he has never per-
fectly recovered. There began from that time, and has still continued to
exist, a slight draining of iirine occasionally by the urethra. There
appears a partial power, however, to restrain this, as frequently there will
be no discharge while he is being ridden or driven several miles, thougli
it will commence again as soon as he stands still." Mr. Robinson sus-
pects some fresh rupture of the wound in the neck of the bladder, whicli,
though healed again, has left some loss of power in the spliincter ; or there
may exist, he thinks, some scirrhous opening through the neck, which it
cannot always close.
Mr. Wn,LTAM Field's Method of Operating will be
CYSTIC OR VESICAL CALCULI. 511
best learnt from taking the narration of a case he sent to
' The Veterinarian/ in 1847. It rims thus : —
A gi-ey gelding, aged, the property of C. Smith, Esq., of Balham,
Surrey, was sent into Mr. Field's hospital for horses on the 28th of July
last. The symptoms being unequivocally those of stone in the hladder.
Mr. Field determined at once to perform the operation. Accordingly, after
some two or three days' of preparation, the horse was cast and secured in
the manner usual for lithotomy, and went through the operation without
anything extraordinary occurring : the casting and liberating and opera-
tion, altogether, not occupying more than twenty minutes. This being
the sixth case on which Mr. Field has operated, five out of which have
proved successful, and his mode of operating being as simple as it is
effectual and safe, it may be desirable here that we should briefly run
through its details. For the male subject he needs no more instruments
than staff, scalpel, and forceps ; which ought to be long enough in the
blades to admit of being opened wide while in the bladder, for the female
forceps only : nor does the latter require to be cast for the operation ; it
being most conveniently performable on her in the standing posture. The
male subject being cast, and turned upon his back, with his hind legs
drawn forward, the staff— which is-a polished iron one, of unusually large
size, with a curve at the end, having a groove along it — is passed throtigh
the penis along the urethra, and pushed on until it abuts against the sym-
physis pubis, or rather until its curved part has entered the curvature of
the urethra, which it will readily be found to do. Thus introduced, the
staff is to be committed to the operator's assistant, and by him held in the
upright position, at the same time that its end is kept steadily maintained
within the curvature of the urethra : this will enable the operator readily
to make an incision with his scapel through the perinteum into the groove of
the staff, of ample dimension to admit his forceps ; which are now, after the
finger has been introduced into the passage to make everything clear, to be
insinuated, and with moderate but sufficient force to be pushed onwards
into the bladder. No gorget or bistoury is used to dilate or to incise the
urethra; but a pair of straight forceps, having narrow spoon-shaped
blades, are at once cautiously introduced, the urethra, through its ex-
treme elasticity or dilatability, giving way to them.^ The stone extracted
in the present case was of the mulberry description, of a round oblong
shape, and weighed four ounces and a half It was dark-coloured, and
possessed a strong urinous odour. The extraction of the stone was fol-
lowed up by injections of tepid water into the bladder. Immediately
Does not the urethra suffer laceration or tearing open.
512 DISEASES or THE URINARY ORGANS.
after the operation the animal staled freely, his urine passing through the
■wound, which had been brought together by sutures, as well as through
the penis ; and for the three subsequent days, urine still issued, in part,
through the wound. On the fifth day, however, it came altogether by
the natural passage. The horse did not experience a single untoward
symptom ; neither did he, after the operation was ended, seem to labour
under any pain ; for he ate and drank well during the whole of the time.
He left Mr. Field's yard on the 4th of September, and is now at work,
quite recovered.
Mr. John Field, in his ' Posthumous Records/ has be-
queathed us five cases of lithotomy — four in geldings^ and one
in a mare ; out of which one, a gelding, proved fatal. His mode
of operating was much the same as that above described.
Dilatation Avas successfully practised in the mare. By
examination jwer rectum, " a large tumour could be felt be-
neath the vagina. The efforts of the mare in straining
enabled me, by introducing my hand into the vagina, and
two fingers into the urethra, to feel the calculus, and ascer-
tain it to be of the rough mulberry kind. Having two
pairs of forceps, and also my instrument for breaking down
calculi in females, I tried, but could only succeed with the
oval forceps. With them I grasped the stone by its long
axis, and found much difficulty in releasing them, owing to
the extent necessary to expand the instrument. I next
injected the bladder with warm water ; but from its irritable
condition, only a little was retained. This, however, assisted
in causing a dilatation in the urethra, so that after more
efforts, having grasped the stone by its short axis, we at
last succeeded in removing it. It weighed 3XJ 5vj ; length
3^ inches ; breadth 22.
Professor Spooner is reported by Mr. Morton to have
operated in two cases with success. On one, a gelding,
lithotrity was practised. An incision was made by the
Professor into the pelvic portion of the urethra, sufficient to
admit the index finger; which was used as a director with
a probe-pointed bistoury, to lay open the canal for two or
three inches in a line with the rectum. Lithotomy forceps
were introduced, but the stone proved too large for extrac-
tion unbroken. The crusher, used in human surgery, was
URETHRAL CALCULUS. 513
then tried, but its arms could not be extended sufficiently to
clutch the stone. The forceps Avere therefore again had re-
course to, and portions broken away Avith them of the
edges of the stone, until it was sufficiently reduced in mag-
nitude to admit of being withdrawn. The second case M^as
one of calculus in the urethra.
Professor Simouds has likewise operated for stone.
A mare was ascertained to have a calculus in her bladder,
and he was requested to operate. The meatus, it was de-
termined, should be dilated, and the stone crushed. After
trials with the speculum vaginse, nothing was found so effec-
tual as an hydrostatic dilator, an instrument invented by
Mr. Morton. Then, by the crushing instrument, with
considerable force, the stone was broken in pieces and ex-
tracted with the forceps, and Avith the hand too, Avithout
difficulty. The stone, analj'^sed, was found to consist of the
usual constituents — carbonate of lime and animal matter.
URETHRAL CALCULUS.
By which is meant calculus lodged within some part of the
canal of the urethra. Several instances of this are on our
annals. A great many years ago, a case occurred to my
father, in A\'hich a stone was removed out of the anterior
portion of the urethra, near the end of the penis. This
proved to be but a part of a stone, the remainder of Avhich
had stuck in the neck of the bladder, whence it had, after
manipulation, moved, spontaneously, to the curvature of the
canal, under the pubes. The horse ultimately died from
ulcerated bladder find extravasation of urine.
Mr. Field was, in March, 1839, sent for to Streatham,
to see a horse who had been in pain for a week, straining
without being able to pass a drop of urine for two days.
The horse Avas feverish ; pulse 48, and thready. The blad-
der, through the rectum, was found enormously distended with
urine. The cause soon iippeared evident. Within a short dis-
tance of its end, the urethra was found plugged by a calculus,
the size of a walnut, which could be felt with the nail of the
II. 33
514 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
finger, from the orifice. A longitudinal incision along the
under surface of the penis, opening the urethra for an inch,
set the stone at liberty. It was of the mulberry form, with
spiculse projecting, and its posterior part was partly filled with
sabulous matter.
Professor Spooner's second case was one of calculus in
the urethra. The horse belonged to Sir Robert Peel.
Some difficulty was experienced in passing the hand up the
rectum, owing to the pressure against it of the over-
distended bladder. At length, a calculus was detected, two
inches up the urethra, from the orifice of the penis. Mr.
Spooner was unable to move the stone far, and there would
have been no particular objection to cutting it out ; but
he preferred breaking it, which he was enabled to do with
obtusely-pointed forceps, although he had tried with them
in vain, to extract it entire. The stone was of the magni-
tude of a walnut, and consisted of carbonate of lime with
animal matter : the usual constituents.
In France, lithotomy has on several occasions, by differ-
ent practitioners, been performed with success. Girard
recommends the operation upon the horse standing. And
instead of introducing any sound or bougie through the penis,
has the urethra and bladder filled by injection with warm
water. The instruments he uses are, a long-bladed bistoury,
a straight fluted sound, and a pair of forceps curved at the
ends. He commences with an incision in the perinseum,
two inches in length, upon the side of the distended urethra.
Next, he pushes the point of the bistoury into the urethra,
which he dilates sufficiently to admit the sound to be now
introduced, and to be passed onward into the bladder. Sliding
the back of the bistoury along the groove in the sound, he
divides the urethra, and also, in part, the neck of the blad-
der, which latter he completes the section of as he with-
draAvs the bistoury. Lastly, he introduces the forceps, and
seizes the stone across its short axis, in which he assists
himself by having at the time his other hand insinuated in
recto. He lays much importance on the necessity of
making the incision through the urethra and bladder ob-
CYSTITIS CYSTORRHCEA. 515
liquely to one side, which is ensured by keeping the cutting
edge of the bistoury turned outwards, towards the angle of
the thigh : a mode of procedure that facilitates the dihxta-
tion of the parts, while it guards the operator from wound-
ing the rectum, and opening either the artery of the bulb
or that of the urethra, and also from dividing the suspensory
ligaments of the penis.
Modern surgical instruments suggest to us the pos-
sibility of extracting a calculus from the bladder of the male
animal by the same means as are practised in the case of
the femnle. When the urethra of the male comes to be
opened in the perinteum, and the passage into the bladder
is thereby reduced from a sharp curve to nearly a straight
line, it appears to me to afford all — or nearly all — the
facility for an experiment of this kind which the female
urethra presents ; and that we have only to furnish ourselves
with proper instruments for dilating the passage, and break-
ing the stone, should that be required, to, in some cases at
least, succeed without the necessity of slitting up theuiethra
and bladder : at all events, when the calculus is small or of
a friable sort, such simple means, I think, ought to be tried
before the formidable operation of lithotomy be determined
on.^
CYSTITIS CYST0RRHG5A.^
The first of these terms appears to be most generally used
to denote inflammation of the entire substance of the blad-
der ; the latter, any inflammation attended with flux of its
lining membrane, or even the flux alone : to this last
affection has likewise been given the appellation of vesical
catarrh.
I know of no instance of cystitis in the horse ; though it
is a disease which might occur, indeed would be very likely
' This paragraph was written in the year 1841; the practice of the present
day pretty well verifies the suggestions contained in it.
* A case of " Cystocele" is reported in the Index of the ' Veterinarian,' vol. xiv,
p. 48, hnt cannot he found.
516 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
to follow any injury of a mechanical or chemical nature.
And should acute inflammation attack the bladder, the
symptoms would certainly be of a very painful and distress-
ing kind ; such as would call for prompt and potent anti-
phlogistic measures, and at the same time require a deal of
soothing treatment to allay the extreme irritation which would
be sure to be present.
Mr. Siddall (V.S., Royal Horse Guards) has at this time
(Nov. 4th, 1852), a case very like cystitis. The (B Troop)
horse, eight years old, has frequent micturition, voiding
small quantities of urine, never amounting hardly to half a
pint, with, when not staling, occasional dropping of urine
from the sheath. During micturition, he expresses pain
and annoyance, though at other times he appears in full
health, his condition and his appetite being good, and his
coat fine and shining. He suffers large quantities of dung
to accumulate within the colon and rectum, rather than try
to void it, from the act, it is imagined, giving him pain.
His urine is always turbid, and mostly loaded with matters
swimming about in it, which become deposited on stand-
ing, and turn out, on examination, to be, for the major part,
the mucous secretions of the bladder, though at times sabu-
lous matters are detected, of which Mr. Siddall has col-
lected about half an ounce. He thinks, when his hand is
•up the rectum, he can feel some tumefaction about the
neck of the bladder, as though there M^as enlargement of
the prostate. The case seems to be that of (subacute)
cystitis. The urine, chemically tested, proved highly alka-
line, so much so, that it actually effervesced from the addi-
tion of (either acetic or muriatic) acid. I advised the
administration of acids. Passing the straight (guttapercha)'
catheter daily (which was readily done by the farrier-major),
gave issue to the urine, and this afforded relief (thougli
every now and then its continuous stream was arrested or
interrupted by matters clogging the tube). So quiet and
willing was the horse for this operation to be performed,
that he not only required no twitch, but even did not need
a bridle, or being held by the head.
ISCHURY — DYSURY STRANGURY. 517
Two notable cases of cystorrlioea used to be related by the
late Professor Coleman in liis lectures.
The Professor received a message to attend two mares,
dangerously ill, belonging to General Brownrig. Finding,
on his arrival, one of them dead, he had her body opened at
once, with a view of throwing a light on the nature of
the disease under which the other continued to suffer the
extremest agony : the symptoms in both cases being analo-
gous. The mucous coat of the bladder was discovered in a
high state of inflammation, in places mortified and eroded
in consequence, apparently, of some caustic substance ; a
suspicion which was afterwards confirmed by the admission of
the coachman that he had introduced some such substance —
by mistake — into the bladder, with the intention of exciting
the mares to become horsing. By active depletion and copious
injections of tepid water into the bladder the survivor waa
recovered.
ISCHURY — DYSURY STRANGURY.
The first of these terms denotes a total suppression of
urine ; the two others, but a partial arrest ; dysury implying a
difficulty in staling ; strangury, a painful and frequent
staling by drops only. la common parley we often make
use of the suppression and retentio7i of urine synonymously ;
though the former, properly speaking, signifies that no urine
is secreted — that there is none in the bladder; the latter,
that the bladder is full without the power of evacuation.
Various causes may give rise to a suppression or reten-
tion of urine. The kidneys may be in that state in which
they no longer retain the power of secretion : inflammation
may put a stop to their function as it does to the functions
of other glands. Spasm at the neck of the bladder — which,
I believe, occasionally attends colic — may cause ischury or
dysury. A calculus may give rise to dysury or strangury.
Paralysis of the bladder may likewise prove the occasion of it.
To draw ofi" a horse's urine, but a few years ago we
were told we had no alternative in the male but to cut into
518 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
the uretlira through the perinseum. We now know that a
flexible gum catheter, or one made of gutta percha, in the
hands of a skilful veterinarian, is, in the normal state of
the passages, capable of being passed through the entire
urinary canal ; and we may add, there seems reason to hope
that Mr. Taylor's jointed sound may lead to the invention
of some sort of flexible or jointed metallic catheter.^ This
is the more to be desired from the acknowledged inefficiency
of the gum or gutta percha instrument in cases wherein
much resistance or obstruction is to be overcome. Fortu-
nately for himself and us, the horse, however, is not
subject either to stricture of the urethra or to diseased
prostate glands.
The Operation of Cutting into the Perineum must,
however, still be had recourse to in cases in which no catheter
can be introduced. It consists in passing a full-sized whale-
bone staff", flattened and grooved at the end, through the penis,
until its extremity be felt by the other hand protruding in
the perinseum upon it, steadily held by an assistant in this
situation, making an incision down to its groove, laying
open the urethra to a sufficient extent to admit the intro-
duction of the straight or female metallic catheter into the
bladder, the same as is done for the admission of the gorget
or bistoury in stone. This is an operation very easy of
performance, and one that must at all times supersede the
necessity for puncturing or
Tapping the Bladder, as it is commonly called. Still,
there may possibly happen cases in which even the straight
catheter, per perinaum, cannot be made to enter the blad-
der; and as the organ in a state of distension must be,
some how or other, relieved, or it will burst, it is right we
should inform ourselves of the alternative mode of operating,
viz., tapping the bladder. One method of doing this con-
sists in carrying a curved trocar in one hand into the
rectum, and plunging it through the gut into the promi-
nence of the bladder felt below : the other, or low operation
' Could a catheter made of some material such as the flexible metallic bougie
at present in use in human surgery be made to pass ?
INVERSION 0¥ THE BLADDER. 519
— corresponding to the high one in human surgery — is
stabbing the bladder with a straiglit trocar of sufficient
length immediately above and in front of the pubes, through
the recti muscles. Taking into consideration the horizontal
posture of the animal, the comparative facility with which it
is practised^ and the fact that punctured abdominal wounds
are not of that dangerous character the}'" bear in man, there
appears to me reason to prefer the low to the intestinal
operation : at the same time I feel it my duty to state, that
this opinion has no other foundation than a theoretical one,
grounded upon anatomical knowledge, having always myself,
in practice, cut into the perinfeum rather than have re-
course to the trocar at all. No one, I should imagine,
would like to risk casting a horse with a bladder distended
to bursting; in the erect position, supposing the rectum
to be the medium of puncture, the fluid would have to
ascend to escape ; whereas, through the pubes, the urine
would certainly flow away most readily. Mr. Cartwright,
who has penned some very sensible practical observations on
this subject in 'The Veterinarian' for 1831, apprehends
that some intestine might be wounded, and seems persuaded
that the peritoneum must be, in the pubal operation. Per-
haps, under ordinary circumstances, the membrane would be
likely to be so; but while the bladder continued in that
altered condition and situation which a surcharge of urine
gives it, I should not fear either of these consequences.
INVERSION OF THE BLADDER.
M. Canu (Pere), in 1815, met with inversion of the
viscus, in a mare, in parturition. The mare had, after a
severe and painful labour, brought forth a dead foal, which
had survived but half an hour; and now exhibited a large
membranous mass hanging out of her vulva. In the course of
the efforts she was constantly making, the ureters launched
forth a stream of urine to a considerable distance, which
convinced me that the bladder was in the ejected mass.
Being unable to afl'ord relief through reduction, and inflam-
520 DISEASES or THE URINARY ORGANS.
mation, threatening mortification, coming on, a ligature was
passed round the mass, including the portion of bladder be-
hind the ureters, with directions for it to be tightened from
time to time. This caused the reduction in volume of the
parts until nothing but a particle remained behind the liga-
ture : this was subsequently cut through without hemorrhage.
The parts anteriorly, immediately retracted, and the vulva
completely closed upon them. The annoyance now was the
continual streaming of urine down the thighs, which was at
length directed outward by the contrivance of a gutter of
tin, fixed within the vagina. In six weeks the mare resumed
her work. — 'Veterinakian,^ vol. xiv, p. 501.
Mr. Leech, V.S., Asbourne, met with a similar case in
1847, which proved fatal. He was requested to attend an
aged cart-mare, who had foaled but a few days before, in
consequence of her having " put her reed down." On exa-
mining her, he found that instead of the protruded mass being
the uterus or " reed,^^ it Avas the bladder which had become
inverted. It was much inflamed and tumefied ; but not-
withstanding, a little distance from its neck, could be seen
the termini of the ureters, from which orifices the urine was
every now and then ejected, trickling down the legs and
excoriating them. I passed a strong ligature around the
neck of the bladder, taking care to be behind the ureters,
and then directed to bleed and physic, &c. The ligature was
tightened every day. On the sixth day afterwards, I cut off
the mass behind. It weighed seven ounces. Symptoms, how-
ever, inclined me to the belief that mortification had set in,
and three days from this operation she died. " The neck of
the bladder and the part that had been anterior to the liga-
ture was four or five times thicker than in health, and was
in a state of sphacelus.''
521
SECTION XV.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
IN THE MALE.'
DISEASE OF THE SCROTUM.
DISEASE SIMILATING SYPHILIS.
URETHRITIS.
GONORRHCEA.
PHYMOSIS.
PARAPHYxMOSIS.
AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS.
IN THE FEMALE.
LEUCORRHCEA.
VAGINITIS.
TUMOURS ON THE VULVA.
HYSTERITIS.
HYSTERIA.
HYDROMETRA.
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES.
PROLAPSUS UTERI.2
APPENDIX TO THE FIFTEENTH SECTION.
THE OPERATION OF CASTRATION.— THE DISEASES INCIDENT TO IT.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.
Fertile and important as the subject on which I am
now about to enter is to the human pathologist, it is one
which presents but little interest for the veterinarian. In the
absence of causes of a syphilitic nature, the horse, in com-
parison with man, appears but little obnoxious to disease of
his generative organs ; so little, indeed, that British writers
are all but silent on the subject : a proof that their practice
— to which I rQRj add my ov/n — has afforded very few such
cases for treatment. The custom of castration in our own
country, in depriving the animal of two important glandular
organs, has liberated him from passions and sympathies of
the most influential nature, and constitutes, in the male,
' The custom of castration in this country has rendered all notice of the dis-
eases of (he testicks unnecessary ; at least, such could only prove of service to
veterinarians practising in parts of the country where racing establishments exist,
from the practical observations of whom, indeed, they must he furnished.
^ For Prolapsus Uteri, vide 'Veterinarian,' vol. ix, p. 332.
522 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
another reason for the rarity of disorder of the sexual parts ;
at the same time that it accounts in some measure for the
difference between our own circumscribed list of the dis-
eases of these parts and the comparatively extended one
presented to us by veterinarians of those countries in which
castration is not generally practised.
D'Arbovalj with disgust and indignation, repudiates the
idea of animals being the subjects of syphilis. He justly
observes, that we now well know that lues venerea is a dis-
ease peculiar to man ; that it can have but one and that a
specific origin ; and that, for animals to contract the disor-
der we must suppose an intercourse between them and
human beings at once of the most unuatural and revolting
character : adding, however, that such monstrous acts
have been known to take place, although, as far as the
animal — especially the horse — is concerned, connection with
any other than its own species and like, is, throughout
nature, observed to be most abhorrent. Notwithstanding
this admitted fact, and notwithstanding the assertion raised
upon it by some one or more continental veterinarians, that
the horse has been seen affected by syphilis, D'Arboval still
maintains his disbelief in any such doctrines, and is only
surprised that the College at Alfort should have counte-
nanced them. His words are — " I have not passed through
a long course of practice without meeting with cases which
biassed minds might have taken for syphilis. I have had
occasion particularly to observe and to treat irritations, in-
flammations, paraphymoses, discharges, ulcerations, &c. I
have even remarked an obstinacy in some of these genital
affections, with sympathetic swelling of the inguinal glands,
and of one or both testicles, without, for all that, entertain-
ing any notion of the disease being syphilitic. So far from
it, I have always been contented with simple antiphlogistic
treatment, modified as circumstances required ; and I
have never had cause to repent of not having introduced
mercurials.^'
DISEASE OF THE SCROTUM.
In October 1849, Colonel Biddulph's little black charger,
a colt he bought out of a lot of the dealer's, noAV four years
old, was brought to me with considerable swelling over one
side only of the scrotum. Examination showed that there Avas
a tumour about the magnitude of a small orange, contained
in this side of the bag, Avhich appeared loose and floating, as
though isolated, and did not seem to have any connexion
wdth the chord. There was not much tenderness in it, and it
was solid and firm to the feel. It had not been discovered
before it reached its present size, and would not perhaps even
now had it not given rise to some infiltration of the pendulous
part of the sheath below. In the course of a week the
swelling appeared augmented, and when felt no longer con-
veyed the sense of isolation, but seemed to involve the entire
substance, skin and all, of one half, of the scrotum. In a
few days it in one spot came to a head, the abscess upon it
being as large as a marble. This I opened, letting out a
spoonful of such aqueous pus. Physic and fomentation have
been prescribed, and latterly has been given the alterative
ball (Bol. Plumeri), night and morning. Since the suppura-
tion, the swelling has been gradually diminishing, and he has
been dismissed for work. It is possible, though castration
must have been performed long before — say, certainlj'-, two,
perhaps three or four years, antecedent to the period of what
appeared to be scrotal disease — that this attack may have
owed its origin to disease of the end of the chord, though
there existed no proofs of it.
THE DISEASE MISTAKEN FOE SYPHILIS.
This affection according to D'Arboval's observation,
" ordinarily commences by an inflammatory irritation of the
glans penis, which extends to the enveloping membrane, runs
along the dorsum penis, and thence sometimes spreads upon
the lining of the sheath. So long as no morbid exudation is
524 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
present, the parts continue tense and shining, and painful
from inflammation; but as soon as any issue appears, the
usual lubrefaetive secretion becomes augmented and thickened,
and acquires a strong, penetrating, fetid odour : sometimes
the secretion is mingled with a whitish serosity, and the
cuticle of the penis peels off in flakes. The irritation may
give rise to phymosis or to paraphymosis. When partial, or
exhibiting intensity only in certain points or places, little
circumsci-ibed patches of redness become apparent, succeeded
by small vesicles, which break and leave little ulcers, con-
sidered improperly to be chancres. But the irritation does
not confine itself to the part first attacked ; it spreads to the
membrane lining the urethra, connected, sympathetically,
with the integument, and produces those morbid discharges
known as runnings from the penis. And should the animal
have connection with the female while this running continues,
the same sort of irritation may manifest itself in the vagina.
" Causes for this irritation may be found in the habitually
uncleansed condition of the genitals of animals ; in the divers
accidents to which they are exposed ; in the introduction of
foreign substances into the sheath ; in collections of concreted
sebaceous matters underneath the prepuce ; in any abuses in
coitation ; in acrid injections into the urethra, or in the
presence of calculus or any other strange body within the
canal.
"The Treatment most suitable for these cases consists in
applying tonic emollients so long as any serous exudation is
present ; refrigerants, when not : aided by nitred mucilaginous
drinks and injections, and strict attention to diet and regi-
men. When the cuticle separates, to allay the irritability of
the denuded parts, we use narcotics either in decoction or
aqueous solution. We are rarely compelled to have recourse
to any phagedenic lotions, still more rarely to catheterism,
or caustics.^^
525
URETHRITIS GONORRHCEA.
The same irritation which now and then becomes manifest
upon the exterior, may attack or extend to the interior of
the penis; or it may be engendered exclusively within the
urethra by causes existing within the canal itself. Owing to
almost all our hoi'ses being geldings, this affection, like the
foregoing is extremely rare in its occurrence — so rare,
indeed, in our own country, that, for any systematic account
of it, we are forced to borrow from the continent. When
accompanied by any discharge, the disease will assume the
form o^ gonorrhoea : in fact, when running constitutes the only
complaint — all inflammation having left — the urethritis
becomes, in the nosology of Cullen, a veritable gonorrhoea
puraxel benigna. I have seen a well-marked case of this in
a dog, but never one in a horse.
The Causes, according to D^Arboval, are divisible into
such as are direct and local, indirect and inter-nal. " The
former comprise foreign substances within the canal, and too
frequent acts of copulation, especially with a female having
vaginitis, or in whom the vagina is small compared to the size
of the organ of the male. Among the second class of causes
come different irritations of the alimentary canal, such as
drenches or balls of cantharides given on occasions to rein-
vigorate the stone-horse ; the presence of ascarides within the
rectum ; metastasis of irritation ; inflammation in the bladder ;
retention of urine.
" Symptoms. — It is difficult to detect the beginning of an
affection of this kind, and almost impossible to say what
amount of pungency or scalding the horse may experience,
unless it be great enough to create pain ; and then the
animal, while in the act of staling, may be observed to cast
looks back at his flank, stamp with his feet, and shake his
tail about, and, having finished, to moan and express a good
deal of uneasiness, as if he felt a veritable ai'dor nrince.
There is no examining the penis unless it* be drawn ; and to
induce a horse to draw, a mare may be shown him ; the
orifice of the urethra may then be observed to be red and
526 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
tumid, and to issue a little mucous discharge. Some few days
afterwards the desire to stale becomes more frequent, aiul the
emissions ofurine more painful; the running also increases and
grows thicker, turns yellow or green, and is capable of being
forced out by pressure from above downwards ; tlie end of the
penis and the prepuce become swollen ; and all this is accom-
panied by frequent and painful erections, AVhen the inflam-
mation runs high, pressure upon the penis occasions a great
deal of pain in the urethra, bloody streaks are perceptible in
the discharge, and so great is the tumidity of the membrane of
the urethra, that the urine can be emitted but in small jets or
drops, and with considerable difficulty and pain. Erections
become more frequent and painful ; the penis grows curved ;
and engorgement of the testicles, spermatic cords, and scrotum
or sheath, supervene. The testicles hang lower than usual,
sometimes they swell, and grow hard and painful, in particular
the epididymes ; the spermatic cord partakes of all this, and
occasionally presents the appearance of cliamp\gnon. Besides
this, ulcerations may be observable upon the body of the
penis, particularly about its lower extremity ; and buds, or
kinds of nodosities with large bases, more or less developed
and prominent, are found firmly adherent to the corpus
cavernosum, raising the skin up from it. These ulcerations
vary in extent ; sometimes they possess callous elevated
borders and livid bases. Lastly, the fossa navicularis at
times sends forth red exuberant granulations, which we
may take as an indication that the interior of the urethra is
in a state of ulceration.
" This aflection is complicated now and then with the
disorder of some other mucous membrane, commonly of the
bronchitic orenteritic character.
"The Treatment is necessarily antiphlogistic. Tepid,
bland, nitred, mucilaginous fluids both oflPered as drink, in
lieu of water, and given as drenches ; green meat, or, Avhen
that cannot be obtained, some good straw; roots, such as
carrots and turnips; vapour bath or fomentations ; clysters;
and the application of some sort of suspensory bandage to
keep tlte testicles up, and so relieve the chords, constitute
piiYMOSis. 527
the remedial means indicated in slight cases : but when the
inflammation runs high, there will be necessity for frequent
fomentations ; for cataplasms, which may be retained by a
suspensory bandage ; for applying leeches upon the penis ;
and in some cases for one or two general bloodlettings.
Should the pains experienced be very great, laudanum may be
added to the drenches ; the fomentations and poultices may
likewise be rendered narcotic. When the testicles become
affected, leeches may be oftener applied, and in greater
numbers.
" Astringents and discutients will be required so soon
as all pain has left, and the inflammation has abated. We
must commence with the weakest. The fumes of vinegar,
the vegeto-mineral water, the solution of diacetate of lead,
or alum dissolved in strong vinegar, may be employed.
Champignon, or other intractable ulcerations, must be touched
with lunar caustic."
PHYMOSIS.
Phymosis — from <^j^oc a bridle — denotes that morbid
condition of the prepuce or sheath which, from contraction
of the orifice, prevents the drawing or exit of the penis. lu
man, phymosis may arise from natural causes ', but in
animals I believe it will be found to be always the eff"ect of
disease. Our best source of information, on the subject is
D'Arlioval's Dictionary : from tliis we learn that —
" Phymosis is, ordinarily, the product either of inflamma-
tion and engorgement of the prepuce, round about its orifice,
or of tumefaction of the glans penis, or of the co-existence of
thes,e morbid states. Blows, kicks, contusions, wounds, ab-
scesses within the sheath, the presence of warts or excres-
cences of any kind, polypi even, may all be set down as
occasional causes. In geldings, the penis becomes dimi-
nished in volume and length, so much so in some horses
as not to be protruded in the act of staling, in which case
the sebaceous secretion furnished by the interior of the pre-
528 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
puce accunmlates within the folds of the integument, and
acquires by detention irritating properties, which cause the
glans penis to inflame and swell to that degree that the
animal can no longer pass his urine. The consequence of
this is, that the animal stales inwardly — pisse dedans, as the
French phrase goes. And the presence of the urine in
time gives rise to concretions within the cavity and around
the glans, or else to abnormal growths, or to ulceration of the
prepuce, or to such an inflammatory engorgement of the
parts as will be likely to end in gangrene. Such an event
puts a stop to copulation, and frequently ends in para-
phymosis.
" The most common and favorable termination of all
this is resolution, and such may reasonably be expected so
long as the inflammation continues moderate, or shews a
disposition to abate. To bring this about we ought to em-
ploy active antiphlogistic treatment with emollient and
narcotic fomentations, poultices, &c., such, in fact, as are
recommended for urethritis. In addition, we may abstract
blood from the superficial abdominal veins, and, by way of
general bloodletting, from the saphena veins. Leeches and
scarifications may also be advantageously employed, fol-
lowed up by vapour fomentations and poultices.
" The Operation for Phymosis is rarely required.
Unless there be concealed ulcerations, or concretions, or
granulations, that call for it. And then the prepuce must
be slit far enough back to allow of its retraction ; by which
all subjacent disease becomes exposed, and by being treated
according as it may require, will be speedily cured.
" The following case shews that phymosis may prove the
forerunner of serious mischief:
" A mule, two years old, had a considerable swelling of the sheath and
surrounding parts, in which points of suppuration had made their appear-
ance. The urine came away by drops. There was phymosis. M.
Maupis learnt that two months before some warts had been excised, and
that since, the skin had become indurated and thickened around the
orifice of the prepuce. The mule being cast, the contracted preputial
orifice was dilated, and openings and counter-openings were made in the
PARAPHYMOSIS. 529
surrounding parts. For twelve clays afterwards the animal continued
amending, when one morning he was discovered agitated, stamping, trying
every moment to stale, and trembling. But little urine passed ; the glans
penis was very much swollen ; and the pulse very quick. We were about
examining into the state of the bladder, when the mule threw himself
down, then rose again, and in this convulsive effort discharged a quantity
of highly offensive urine per anum. This relieved him ; though still he
continued to strain, and every now and then passed more urine, as before.
Notwithstanding there must have existed here a urethro-rectal fistula,
not many days elapsed before it healed ; for the urine again took its natural
course, and the animal perfectly recovered."
PARAPHYMOSIS
Is tlie opposite to pliymosis. Instead of the penis being
covered and confined within its sheath, it is protruded out,
and remains uncovered, and cannot be drawn back within
its sheath or prepuce again. This may arise either from
the prepuce being in such an inflamed tumefied condition
in its retracted state as to become tightly girthed round
about the neck of the glans penis, forming a sort of bridling
or strangulation of it : or, from the glans itself being swollen
to that degree that the prepuce cannot be drawn forward to
cover it.
D'Arboval informs us, that paraphymosis is seen some-
times in horses, but oftener in dogs ; and that the stone-
horse is more subject to it than the gelding.
" In the Horse, paraphymosis may be the result of acci-
dent, or of an operation, or of castration. In the stallion
it may have its rise from excessive venereal action; from
long and continued friction, before coitus, against the
female; from strokes with a whip or stick upon the yard
while in a state of erection; from kicks upon the part,
which the male renders himself subject to in attempts to
cover a vicious mare ; from the introduction of the penis
into the anus of the mare ; from negligence or mal-addresse
of the groom in directing the penis into the vagina; from
vain attempts to cover a ringed mare {jument bouclee) ; from
introduction of irritating substances into the prepuce with
II. 34
530 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
a view of inducing staling ; from the penis becoming loaded
with warts, or scirrhous or other excrescences. Chabert
saw a stallion with an enormous paraphymosis, and having
involuntary discharges of semen, occasioned by fretting and
harassing himself during the night after other horses.
" The penis, paraphymosed, appears, with its glans,
evolved out of its sheath to the extent of about half a foot,
swollen to the size, perhaps, of a raan^s thigh, evidently the
consequence of effusion into the cellular tissue of its enve-
lopes, curved in the form of an arc, and knotted from partial
circular contractions, which, when excessive, are productive
of coldness of the organ. Its glandular extremity, the part
most tumefied, turns of a red brown. Violent inflamma-
tion accompanies all this, and the pain consequent on it is
extreme. For all there is so much swelling, however, in
general the urine works a passage. Still, should the in-
flammation run very high, and spread over the body of the
penis, gangrene is not unlikely to be the result/'
Treatment. — In favorable cases, cold bathing in some
river or lotions of iced water may be all that may be re-
quired to efiect the reduction of the penis : caution, how-
ever, is necessary in the use of these means. In other
cases, emollient remedies succeed best, and particularly in
such as are the consequence of inflammatory engorgement,
from continued erection, or from the irritation of covering.
Should the protruded portion of the penis be very much
inflamed and painful, vapour baths may be employed to it,
and emollient poultices be applied, with the help of the sus-
pensory bandage. These means prove of no avail, however,
when the paraphymosis is extreme : local bloodlettings by
leeches or scarifications must in this case be adopted : free
evacuation of blood being the only thing to effect a reduc-
tion, either spontaneously or with assistance from the
practitioner.
M. Dehan attended a colt, four months old, for paraphymosis, with
extreme tumefaction. He made eight pretty extensive incisions into the
swollen parts, which produced an abundant issue of blood. The following
morning the swelling was considerably reduced, as well as the concomi-
PARAPHYMOSIS. 531
tant fever, and there was return of appetite. Four additional scarifica-
tions were made. The morning after, the yard had begun to recede
within its sheath, and in two days more the colt was well.
To M. Lecoq occurred the case of a stallion who had escaped during the
night from a field wherein he was turned, and got into an enclosure
where there were some mares. The next morning he was found with his
penis greatly swollen, and with difficulty in passing his urine. The
protruded yard was curved from before backward, and exceeded in volume
a man's head ; it also felt hot, and pressure upon it caused pain, though
the horse bore its being handled. The testicles were not affected. The
pulse was full, and quicker than natural. Lecoq was not called in until
the third day after the accident had happened. The enormous amount of
tumefaction forbidding all hope of resolution, M. Lecoq made five incisions
upon the anterior surface of the penis, each about eight centimetres in
length and three in depth. From these, blood, mingled with serous
efi"usIon, issued in tolerable abundance, and, through the aid of fomenta-
tion, continued for four hours, thus suj)erseding all necessity for general
bloodletting. The next day, the tumefaction, though diminished, still
being considerable, four fresh incisions, of less length and depth, were
made between the former ones. The day after, the penis was not half the
size, and the pulse was normal. Suppuration soon commenced, after
which the wounds rapidly healed and cicatrized.
. " We might probably obtain tlie same result by the ap-
plication of a great many leeches, cold lotions, and strict
regimen : to which might be added, general bloodletting,
should it be required. In regard to scarifications, they
ought always to be made lengthwise, and along the superior
and lateral parts of the penis, so as to run no risk of punc-
turing the urethra. Exercise, when the case permits it, will
likewise prove useful. In scarifying the sheath let the inci-
sions be sufficiently deep to penetrate it, and extensive enough
to set the penis at liberty. We need not be afraid of making
scarifications too lengthy, inasmuch as they become small
enough on the parts recovering their natural volume.
" Should not these measures prove of avail in procuring
or rendering spontaneous the return of the penis within its
sheath, they will, at all events, diminish pain and inflam-
mation, and facilitate the steps next to be taken for its re-
duction : in fact, proceeding to any operation without such
preparatory means might make the case a great deal worse
532 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
than it was at first. The operation for paraphymosis con-
sists in passing a curved sharp-pointed bistoury underneath
the stricture, and dividing it, and doing this in as many
places and to as great an extent as is required for the com-
plete liberation of the yard. Any hemorrhage that may
follow will prove beneficial in facilitating the reduction, and
should therefore be encouraged by fomentation ; afterwards
poultices will be required.''
AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS.
This operation, formidable to the animal if not to the
operator, has been performed several times in this country
as well as in France, it being one which extreme cases ap-
pear to render expedient, sometimes necessary. A state of
disease, either of the penis or of its preputial covering, such
as has resisted, and seems likely to resist, all ordinary
treatment, or, indeed, such as would probably occupy any
unreasonable length of time to cure, might warrant a re-
course to amputation. Warts or excrescences, or enlarge-
ments of any description, intractable either from their
magnitude or number, or from leaving behind them, after
being removed, a disposition to reproduction ; extensive
ulcerations of a phagedenic, foul, malignant character ;
paralysis or relaxation ; or, in fact, any condition of parts
opposing the withdrawal of a protruded penis within its
sheath, may reasonably call for the performance of such an
operation. Different methods, regulated by circumstances,
have been pursued in the performance of the operation,
which, as well as the diseases for which it has been found
requisite, will probably be best shown by the recital of the
cases themselves.
Huzard (senior) appears to have been one of tlie first veterinarians to
practise this operation. His case was that of a gelding, whose penis was
covered with chancres and warts. Calculating that he should have
dangerous hemorrhage, and foreseeing the difficulty, nay, impossibility, of
recovering the remainder of the penis once retracted within the sheath,
AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS. 533
Huzard determined on removing the diseased portion by ligature. To
accomplish this object, he provided a hollow sound or catheter, of suffi-
cient length to reach beyond the place proposed to be severed, and still to
project sufficiently out of the penis to admit of being confined by some
sort of circingle to the body. The end to be introduced terminated in a
little bulb ; the other end had a couple of rings affixed to it, for the
greater facility of confining it. The animal being secured in an erect
posture, the instrument is introduced into the urethra, and pushed on
until its bulbous extremity is felt beyond the part proposed to be sloughed
off. A ligature is then passed around the penis, immediately anterior
to the bulb, and, vphen being properly adjusted, is made as tight as it can
be drawn, with the view of strangulating all that portion of the organ
which is left projecting In front of it. The other end of the instrument
is afterwards, by means of its rings, confined sufficiently close against the
belly to prevent any dependence of the parts, in which state of suspension
the urine can readily flow through it. At the expiration of twenty-four
or from that to forty-eight hours, mortification will have taken place of the
superficial, and to a certain depth of the subjacent parts, and a fresh
ligature will be required, the old one remaining undisturbed. This in the
course of three or four days commonly reduces the constricted part to a
mere pedicle, which may be safely severed with the knife. The sound
may now be withdrawn, and the parts left to heal over. Should the ori-
fice of the urethra afterwards become contracted, which will be manifested
by the smallness of the stream of urine and its tardy manner of flowing, a
gum (or guttapercha) catheter may be introduced, and confined within it
for some time. Any constitutional irritation that may arise must be met
by antiphlogistics.
M. Barthelemy, in the year 1826, presented a paper on amputation
of the penis to the Royal Academy of Medicine, detailing an interesting-
case for which he practised some very instructive and ingenious opera-
tions. The case consisted in relaxation, or a sort of paralysis of the penis,
a sequel of a severe gastro-enteritis. Instead of pursuing Huzard's plan,
Barthelemy preferred, as more expeditious and less painful, amputation
with the knife, thinking the hemorrhage would not prove dangerous —
although he had to operate on an organ in a state of erection and nearly as
large as his arm — from knowing that the arteries of the penis are not dis-
tended save during erection. He commenced by introducing acanula or
hollow sound into the urethra, of sufficient length and size ; and about an
inch beyond the place chosen for excision, passed a flat ligature around
the penis, so as to arrest hemorrhage, and prevent the retraction of what
remained into the sheath. " An assistant now grasped the end of the
penis, while I with a straight bistoui'y performed the amputation ; which
was no sooner accomplished than away went the remnant, in spite of the
ligature, into the sheath. It was impossible to re-introduce the canula.
534 DISEASES or THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
No hemorrhage appeared at the moment ; but there was some afterwards
for a few days, every time semi-erection took place for the purpose of
staling. Every thing went on pretty well until the thirtieth day, when
some difficulty in staling occurred. On examination of the penis, it was
found that this was owing to the process of cicatrization having drawn
the skin over the urethral orifice, and that the urine had forced an artificial
passage through a fistulous opening directed upward, whose outlet was
through the middle of the cicatrix . There was no getting at the part to
dilate this orifice and introduce the canula, and still the retention of the
urine was increasing." Amidst these difficulties M. Barthelemy deter-
mined on a new operation. He made an incision into the urethra four
inches above the ischial arch ; but, in proceeding, he met with so many
unexpected difficulties that he was obliged to give the operation up.
Undismayed by this failure, he practised a novel operation, he intended,
upon some condemned horses first, and then commenced anew on his
patient, by making a fresh incision between the old one and the ischial
arch. Here the urethra was easily found, and, a catheter being introduced,
the bladder was emptied of its urine. The catheter being withdrawn, a
pewter sound was introduced, and directed to the extremity of the penis,
and the cicatrix there crucially divided, sufficiently to admit of a ready
psssage. An oesophagus-tube was substituted in place of the sound, and
confined within the canal by means of strips of waxed linen and strings,
carried through the sides of the sheath, the same as setons, and the whole
maintained for two months, at the end of which time, complete success
crowned Barthelemy's enterprising operations. The-author concludes
his paper with these deductions : — 1st, That amputation of the penis may
be performed on the gelding without any apprehension from hemorrhage ;
2dly, that to avoid any obstruction of the urethra, a pipe ought to be
placed in the canal, and, by rings affixed to it, sustained therein for at
least two months.
In our own country, the operation has been practised by
Professor Sewell ; by Mr. Snewing, of Coventry ; Daws, of
London ; Bailey, of Culoden ; Hutton, of Winterton ; Dyer,
of Jersey ; Spencer, of Scotland ; Woodger, of London ;
Cartwright, of Whitchurch ; Lewis, of Monmouth, &c.
Mr. Sewell's patient — whose case I extract from the 'Farrier and
Naturalist' for 1828 — was a horse sent to the College by Messrs.
Hanbury, with the penis hanging down, out of the sheath, considerably •
swollen and excoriated, apparently occasioned by a stricture of the pre-
puce. This, in the course of a couple of months, by leeches, Goulard
lotion, bread and water poultices, fomentations, scarifications, suspen-
sory bandages, purges, diuretics, and rowels, was relieved, and .the
AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS. 535
horse was discharged. A fortnight afterwards he was readmitted, with
the penis swollen again, supposed to have been occasioned by some stimu-
lating application having been used to the part. Some such treatment
as had been before employed was recurred to, with the addition of blood-
letting from the femoral vein, and the exhibition of doses of powdered
white hellebore in water. Six weeks after admission, Mr. Sewell ampu-
tated the penis " by slow and cautious cuts," alternating the cuts with
cauterizations. Considerable hemorrhage followed the operation. After
three weeks' further treatment, the horse was sent away with " enlarge-
ment and thickening of the sheath," though reduced from what it had
been ; " the part originally diseased still remaining."
Mr. Snewing's ('Veterinarian,' vol. xi, p. 5G8) patient was an aged
pony which had been purchased ten days prior to the operation by his
present owner, who, on riding him home, discovered, while he was in the act
of staling, the penis unusually projected, but took no further notice of this
until he came to alight, when he perceived the yard still drawn, and that
it was bloody : there were also visible around the mai-gin of the sheath
marks of stitches, rendering it evident that means had been taken to brace
up the organ, which, from some cause, had become incapable of being
retracted. Vexed at the trick that had been played him, he sent for the
knacker to despatch the pony ; the knacker, however, in a laudable si:)irit
of humanity and disinterestedness, persuaded him first to seek medical
advice. Mr, Snewing was sent for, and found the poor animal much
emaciated, with "amass of corruption" — as the owner described it —
hanging from his belly, which was found to be a portion of penis in a
state of ulceration, or rather gone on to gangrene, discharging " a thin
watery sanious fluid,with blood, and highly offensive matter." — " There was
also present what may be considered paraphymosis, arising from serous
infiltration into the cellular tissue which connects together the convolu-
tions of the sheath, producing strangury of the lower end of the penis."
Mr. Snewing concluded that nothing but amputation close up to the
groin could offer any chance of relief. Having washed the parts with a
solution of chloride of lime to destroy the fetor, he included, by means of the
caustic clams, between two long thin pieces of iron, the upper parts of the
sheath and penis, and approximated their ends with strings sufficiently
close to make the required compression. " I next proceeded," continues
Mr. Snewiug, " cautiously to incise the lower portion, securing by liga-
ture in my progress the pudic arteries, and other vessels of importance.
Near to the side of the penis I met with an encysted tumour, containing
some thick crude offensive matter. On cutting through the urethra, a
purulent matter escaped. Another cut carried my scalpel through the
penis, which, by its retraction, prevented me securing a vessel on its
dorsum, and which continued to bleed rather freely for a few minutes ;
536 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
partly, I presume, from the corpora cavernosa. Having completed the
operation and released the animal from the rope, he got up immediately.
I had him led into the stable, and though the parts then bled freely, in ten
minutes the hemorrhage had ceased, and no untoward symptom after-
wards made it appearance."
Mr. Daws (' Vetebinarian,' vol. xv, p. 38), V.S., London, operated
on a cart stallion, twenty years old. He had experienced an attack of
" spasms of the bowels." This had left continued erection of the penis
with constant desire to void urine. The penis became enormously
swollen and hard from interstitial deposition, and was beset with " many
irregular unhealthy ulcerations." It was determined to amputate. To
prevent the retraction of the stump of the amputated penis, Mr. Daws
" passed a straight-pointed scalpel through the substance of the penis, a
little above the urethra, and, at one incision, divided the corpora caver-
nosa and the vessels on its dorsum, close to the prepuce." The hemor-
rhage from the pudic arteries was not so much as might have been
expected, and was speedily arrested by the judicious application of the
actual cautery. The urethra and corpus spongiosum were now divided,
and the stump immediately retracted.
Mr. Hutton ('Veterinarian,' vol. xv, p. 199), V.S., Winterton, at-
tended a pony with " a large tumour, of a schirrous nature, on and quite
round the lower and membranous part of the penis." He removed the
tumour, " cutting into the integuments nearly round in so doing." He
then brought the edges of the skin in apposition to each other, and con-
fined them by sutures. Under physic, low diet, &c., the patient soon
recovered.
Mr. Bailey (' Veterinarian,' vol. xv. p. 451), late 1st R.I. Lancers,
was called to a cart-gelding, ten years old, " which was unable to retract
his penis from an enlargement at the end of it." He had " extensive
schirrus of the glans penis and prepuce : the penis dangling between the
hocks, presenting an exceedingly disgusting spectacle." I recommended
amputation. " I passed a ligature about four or five inches above the
schirrus (which allowed of an assistant more securely grasping the
stump that would be left), and then proceeded to abscission of the ex-
tremity by a sweeping stroke of a long bistoury through the substance
of the penis, about three inches above the afiected part. After due appli-
cation of the cautery, I removed the ligature, and hemorrhage from the
larger vessels being arrested, I allowed the horse to rise." The case
did well.
Mr. Dyer's case ('Veterinarian,' vol. xviii, p. 438) was one of warts
and chancrous condition of the glans penis, with discharge from it, which
rendered amputation advisable. Mr. Dyer excised four inches of the
penis with a bistoury. The part bled profusely afterwards for six hours,
AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS. 537
no cautery or anything else being used, saving dashing cold water over the
parts after the operation. The horse did well.
Mr. Spencer (' Veterinarian,' vol. xviii, p. 492), V.S., Scotland,
consulted Professor Dick on the case of a cob, who for three years had
been affected with ulceration of the penis, which was frequently attended
with hemorrhage, quite alarming. After drawing and cleansing the
penis, ]VIr. Spencer " took a strong piece of tape, and made it fast round
the sound portion of the penis ;" and, while tliis was held, " removed,
with one stroke of the bistoury, in the same manner as I have seen you
(Professor Dick) operate." The larger vessels, which were distinctly
seen, were secured (with ligatures), while the smaller one were "gently
cauterized."
Mr. Woodger ('Veterinarian,' vol. xviii, p. 619), V.S., London,
has performed this operation several limes. A thorough-bred entire
horse had " a schirrous enlargement surrounding the penis, situated about
six inches from the glans, and above three times the natural thickness of the
penis itself, which rendered it impossible for the horse to retract it ; con-
sequently, the appearance was most unsightly, and prevented the owner
from working him." In operating, " I took the glans in my left hand,
and with my right made one bold cut, which severed about nine inches of
penis, with the exception of a little of the outer covering, which I left
to hold until I had slightly cauterized the bleeding vessels." The animal
did well. " In the various cases upon which I have operated, I have
not found it necessary to delay the operation by securing the larger
vessels ; but have simply applied the cautery to the whole. I should
apprehend but little danger even if the entire penis was simply divided,
and no cautery at all applied or ligature either."
Mr. Cartwright ('Veterinarian,' vol. xxiii, p. 21), V.S., Whit-
church, operated on a pony, eighteen years old, which had been ailing for
some time from schirrous and cancerous condition of the glans penis. A
ligature being put above the diseased part, around the penis, and the
organ held fast by an assistant, " I plunged a sharp-pointed bistoury
through its centre, and separated one half of it, and applied the cautery
to its surface ; I then separated the other half, and applied the cautery to
it likewise." All went on well ultimately, though there was a recurrence
of the hemorrhage, calling for re-application of the cautery.
]\Ir. Lewis (' Veterinarian,' vol. xxvi, p. 72), V.S., Monmouth, was
shown a cart-horse with a cancerous glans penis, involving the prepuce,
which was enormously enlarged and ulcerated. He had had the disease for
two years. He urinated with difficulty, and the urine was spread in all
directions. Having washed the part to destroy the fetor which was intole-
rable, IVIi-. Lewis proceeded to amputate; but no vessels made their
appearance in the course of operation ; not even after the removal of the
538 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
ligature. The horse did not lose altogether Jiv of blood. Mr. Lewis
mentioned the circumstance to a surgeon, who informed him that he had
seen the same want of hemorrhage in the human subject when ampu-
tating ; " the retraction being so forcible as to render lifjatures needless."
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION OF
THE FEMALE.
From the state of inaction in which these organs remain
in all mares save such as are kept for the purposes of breeding,
they are not, any more than those of the male, found to be
the seat of much disease : a circumstance quite in accordance
with the general law of nature, which almost exempts that
from derangement whose functions are suffered to lie dormant
or are but rarely called into action. In breeding counties
and establishments, no doubt, diseases of these parts are
occasionally met with ; but in common localities, where no
breeding is carried on, cases of the kind are but of rare
occurrence : so that any account of the diseases connected
with parturition, at the same time that it can prove of service
only to the veterinarian in the former situation, can by him
alone be accurately given. In ordinary practice we now
and then meet with cases of
VAGINITIS AND LEUCORRHCEA.
Vaginitis is the technical denomination for any inflam-
mation, acute or chronic, existing in the vagina, while
leucorrhoea and fluor albus are — the one Greek, the other
Latin — appellations given to the morbid discharges issuing
from the vaginal cavity, which are generally white, and
ordinarily concomitant with, though sometimes unaccom-
panied by, and at other times remaining after, the inflam-
mation of its mucous lining ; the same, in point of fact, as
happens in the nose or bladder, or any other mucous cavity,
it being nothing more, in pathology, than a catarrh of the
vagina. Although mares in common use, not being allowed
to breed, are never put to the horse, still, as the warm and
VAGINITIS AND LEUCORRHCEA. 539
copulating season annually returns, do they — or most of
tliem — feel a relapse of the venereal oestrum, and during its
continuance experience a sort of seminal emission, which is
evidence to us that the female is in a condition to take the
male. From causes which are not always evident, it would
appear that this natural discharge occasionally continues
much beyond its ordinary duration, assumes other than its
natural characters, or comes on, contrary to habit, at the
cold or winter season of the year, when its presence cannot
be regarded as owing to normal causes, or as manifesting
the usual indications. T have known several instances of
derangement of this kind. In some, the discharge has
appeared white like whey ; in others it has assumed a yellow
and even purulent character ; very often the flux, though at
first white or yellow, turns to a thin colourless emission, in
appearance like water. The discharge collects within the
fossa navicularis, and comes away every time the lips of the
vulva are opened, in a sort of gush. In general, there is not
much concomitant reddening of the inside of the vagina; in
some cases only a faint blush, or there may be none whatever.
In these cases, I have found serviceable such medicines as
are known to allay the irritability of mucous membranes
and restrain their discharges : I have given, once or twice
a day, a ball according to one of the subjoined formulae.
R Plumbi Acetat., 5j ;
Opii, 9j ;
Farinse, ^ss;
Tereb. com. q. s. ut fiat bol.
R Cantharidum, gr. v;
Farinse, 3J ;
Balsam. Copaibse q. s. ut fiat bol.
At the same time the practitioner should use — unless
existing inflammation forbid it — an astringent injection four
or five or six times a day. And, in addition, he will find
useful cold affusion, or, where it can be had, cold bathing.
R Cupri Sulphat., 5J— jiij ;
Aquaj Distillat., Oj.
M. pro injectione.
R Decoction. Cincbon8e,5J
(double strength) ;
Acid. Sulphuric, 5j.
M. pro injectione.
It is advisable to sprinkle common flour over the external
510 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
genitals and tliighs after using the injection, to prevent
excoriation. The watery issue will sometimes continue for
weeks after the white running has ceased, and prove very
troublesome to suppress.
Vaginitis, in its acute form, in the absence of any external
injury, I take to be a disease hardly ever occurring, unless
it be in breeding mares, in whom such an aflFection would
be likely to follow some of the accidents liable to occur in
the act of parturition : but of such occurrences I can only
speak from hearsay, not being in the way myself of meeting
with labour cases.
Mr. Fitter, M.E.C.V.S., Wolverhampton, relates a case
of leucorrhcea, in ' The Veterinarian ' for November, 1849.
This is a disease not so prevalent in the animal as gonorrhoea.
The distinctive characters of these diseases are — in gonor-
rhoea the discharge is constant, but in small quantities, and
there is much itching of the pudendum, and swelling of the
labia; and I have frequently seen, says Mr. Fitter, ulceration
of these parts. The mare is often at cestrum, there seems to
be an increased desire to venery ; whereas, in leucorrhcea,
the discharge is irregular and in considerable quantities, and
is neither preceded by, nor accompanied with, any inflam-
matory symptom.
Mr. Fitter was requested to give his opinion about a
hackney-mare, having a profuse discharge from the vagina,
of a thick, yellow, shining nature, coming away *' to the
extent of more than half a gallon a day." The mare had
been put to horse, and about six weeks after showed the
discharge. Several mares had been put to the same horse
without any such consequences. The discharge collects in
the fossa navicularis, and comes away by gushes. The sides
of the vulva become agglutinated by the discharge. The
mucous membrane appeared rather blanched than inflamed.
The discharge ran down the thighs. The organs of genera-
tion in this mare are evidently very small, so that there is
no doubt but that force in coitu has occasioned irritation in
the membrane. The gentleman who kept the entire horse
had a mare die from such cause. Mr. Fitter first gave the
VAGINITIS AND LEUCORRIICEA. 541
mare physic, and used a zinc injection with the patent enema
syringe ; and after the physic had quite set, administered a
ball, daily, composed of 5ij of Ferri Sulphas ; half a drachm
of Zingiber and Gentian; Pulv. Conii and Mass. Com.,
a drachm and a half each ; with sufficient Copaiba to form a
ball : a ball I can strongly recommend for imitation.
This treatment, increasing the injections in quantity, was
persevered in for two months, when she was perfectly restored
to health, and has so remained. Previous to convalescence,
the discharge turned white and pellucid, then gradually
disappeared.
Scirrhous Tumour upon the Vulva. — The Compte
Rendu of the Transactions of the Veterinary School at Lyons,
for the session 1837-8, contains the following remarkable
case :
A draught mare, employed in farming, six years old, that had never
bred, exhibited a carcinomatous enlargement growing in the inferior
commissure of her vulva, which had existed for two years. It being in
a state of inflammation, she kicked violently when it was meddled with ;
and what with the irritation of the urine, the brushing of the tail upon
it, and the pungency of the remedies that had been applied, the tumour
had been rendered, greater. When first brought to the school, the swell-
ing measured two inches across, and had irregular, indurated, fetid
ulcerations upon it. Simple treatment with lotions appeared to stay its
progress for a time ; but on her second visit, six months afterwards, the
tumour was found to occupy at least two thirds of the entire vulva, and
had assumed the aspect of schirrus, beset with tubercles and ulcers. To
do any good in this state, excision of at least two thirds of the labia be-
came necessary. The mammary glands were found to have partaken of
the schirrous action. They were rubbed with mercurial and iodine
ointment. Ill-conditioned purulent discharges succeeded the operation ;
the appetite began to fail ; loss of flesh followed, with dropsical swellings
of the legs and belly ; and the local afiection was becoming cancerous :
she was in consequence destroyed.
Post-mortem. — The vaginal membrane deeply reddened and ati'ophied :
an incision through It discovered a lardaceous tissue, studded with tu-
bercles, with some surrounding Infiltration. The mammary glands were
In the first stage towards schirrus. This case shows how long a cancer-
ous affection may exist in, and confine Itself to, one spot ; for it was in
the last stage only that this spread to the udder.
542 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
HYSTERITIS OR METRITIS.
Inflammation of the womb appears to be no uncommon
disease in cows^ but one of rare occurrence in mares : at least
this is the inference we may fairly draw from the great deal
we hear about the one, and the little, or comparatively
nothing, we hear or know concerning the other. Indeed,
it is only to such veterinarians as are engaged in practice in
parts of the country where breeding is carried on, that cases
of hysteritis are likely to occur ; since we know of no other
causes for inflammation of the womb save such as are directly
or indirectly connected with utero-gestation and parturition.
The following case, published in ' The Veterinarian ' for
1833, by Mr. Barker, V.S., Stokesly, Yorkshire, is interesting,
as well from its rarity as from its characteristic and strongly-
marked symptoms and result, notwithstanding the account
is but a brief one :
" Sept. 3d, 1833," says Mr. Barker, " I was sent for to a
mare that had been ill all day. The principal symptoms
were, lying down and getting up ; lifting one hind leg and
then the other; with a discharge of bloody fluid from the
vagina. Pulse 80. She had been bled ; but I took away
eight quarts of blood more. I gave her an opiate enema,
containing four ounces of tincture of opium, and two ounces
of spirit of nitrous ether, in gruel ; and an hour afterwards
she had a ball, containing three drachms of aloes, with ten
grains of calomel. — Sept. 4th. Pulse 75. I again bled her,
and gave her a laxative ball, containing two drachms of
aloes : a laxative enema was also administered. — Sept. 5th.
Pulse 48. Give two drachms of aloes. — Sept. 6th. She
is well, and gone to grass."
Were I to venture an opinion on a case I had never seen,
I should say that, in the treatment of the one above related,
a/w// close of cathartic medicine might, with advantage, have
been administered in the first instance : in other respects,
the management of the case appears to me extremely judi-
cious.
HYSTERITIS OR METRITIS. 543
Since this was published, another account of the disease
occurring in practice, and a very interesting one, has reached
' The Veterinarian^ (vol. xvii, p. 177), from Mr. Coperaan,
V.S., Halesworth.
" The meagre state of our literature in regard to this
disease in the mare — for, indeed, British writers are almost
all silent on it — would seem to afford incontestible proof that
it is a disease of rare occurrence ; though I am inclined to
think that in the breeding districts such is not really the
case.^^
Jan. 11th, 1844, Mr. Copeman was requested to see a
seven-year-old cart-mare, in good condition. She had aborted
twin foals on the night of the 9th ; but as her appetite
continued, no notice was taken of her until this afternoon.
There was now a slight rigor ; body bedewed in patches with
sweat; looks gloomy and depressed; at times she becomes
uneasy; frequently lies down; looks at her flanks; but without
violence or attempt to roll on her back ; walk stiffly, and
with back rounded ; no appetite. Pulse 85, hard and com-
pressible ; visible mucous tissues highly injected ; vagina red,
and discharging a fetid, bloody fluid ; with pus quite normal.
Bled largely; clothed warmly; full dose of physic; bran
mash. 12th. Better. 13th. Improving. Fever ball. In a
few days after convalescent.
Observation. — In all the cases of hysteritis Mr. Cope-
man has treated, bloodletting has been borne surprisingly
well. The symptoms resemble those of colic and enteritis ;
but the sufi'erings are not so acute as in either of those
diseases. The disease generally occurs between the second
and fourth days after dehvery. The fetid discharge from
the vagina, and the stiff awkward gait, will assist very much
in distinguishing it from enteritis ; while for colic it never
can be mistaken, by one who pays any diligent attention to
such a case.
544 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
HYSTERIA.
Dr. Cullen has described four species under the genus
Hysteria, viz., hysteria chlorotica, hysteria leucorrhoea;
hysteria menorrhagia ; hysteria libidinosa, of which oiympho-
mania denominates excess.
Windsor Barracks, May 8th, 1850. — A case of the
latter has just occurred in a mare in C troop (No. 27).
This mare has been noted for being more than usually
excitable at the spring of the year, and during the horsing
season ; and appears to have shown this the more apparently,
from the circumstance of her being known to be, by nature,
a violent, highly-excitable mare. She has often bolted and
run away with her rider, and on one occasion started out of
the ranks of the Queen's guard, in St. James's Park, and
ran with her rider against the mortar on the parade in front
of the Horse Guards. She is now in the greatest state of
excitement ; is continually switching her tail about ; ejecting,
vagince, from time to time, somewhere about half a pint of
a yellow creamy matter ; having her eyes full of the aspect
of wild suspicion, appearing as if starting from her head ;
and is exceedingly dangerous of approach : she being
continually in motion, and on the watch for any one who
comes near her. By quiet means, she was, after a time,
bridled, and led by a man who was a stranger to her, (for
she would not suffer her own man to come near her) from her
stable into a box; and then she was tied up with two
halters, to stand, without food and water, until her maniacal
fit should subside. This, however, availed but little or
nothing. She was put to horse — to a stallion at Cumberland
Lodge — whom she took on two occasions ; which tranquillised
her. But still she remained fidgety and restless, and on
that account was ultimately sold.
Hurtrel d'Arboval asks, if the following case cannot
be considered of this nature. It occurred to M. Guillaume,
and was published in the ' Memoires de la Societe Royal et
Centrale d' Agriculture ' for 1825.
HYSTERIA. 545
A female ass shewed signs of horsing, in conjunction with some tetanic
indications, which were referred to the presence of the venereal orgasm '■
among these were clenching of the jaws, grinding of the teeth, tardy and
difficult mastication, and inconvenience in swallowing. At first the male
was denied her. She was bled, and took a nitred decoction of valerian
with sulphuric acid, and had enemata of assafcetida dissolved in sulphuric
acid, and frictions with camphorated liniment upon the cheeks, neck, and
back and loins, which dissipated the nervous disorder ; but left the
horsing as before. She was now given a stallion ass ; she took him, be-
came with foal, and from that day recovered.
Mr. Haycock, V.S,, Huddersfield, has written an Essay
' On Hysteria in the Mare ; ' the deductions I have drawn
from the facts detailed in which are the following : — If
Mr. Haycock's disease anywise assume the hysterical charac-
ter, it is Avhen hysteria puts on the garb of the irregular
and anomalous disease, leaving all but untouched and undis-
turbed the generative organs. Dr. Copland's pathology of
hysteria is, " That hysteria arises from the state of the
organic nervous influence, endowing the generative organs of
the female, and that a similar state of the sexual organs of
the male very rarely occasions it," &c. And Dr. Elliotson,
in his ' Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Medicine/
says, " This (hysteria) is a disease which occurs much more
frequently in females than in males ; and in females par-
ticularly during their sexual period, if I may so call it/' &c,
" Any woman may have hysteria if she can have hut
emotion of mind enough." Mr. Haycock's cases owe their
origin to neither mental aflPection nor to any excitement
or abnormality of the sexual organs. In only one of
the cases (case IV) were any symptoms manifested of the
mare being "in use for the horse:" the others are
nervous, convulsive, or spasmodic affections, which, though
called " hysteria," were wanting in some important requisites
to make up that affection, properly so called ; such as no
choking and globus hystericus (wanting perhaps, from the
circumstance of the horse not being an animal capable of
vomitiou), no pale, limpid urine ; only a single one instead
of a succession of fits ; a fatal disease ; although " simple
and pure hysteria," as Dr. Copland says, " is rarely or almost
II. 35
546 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
never fatal. ^^ But what appears to us (allopathists) most
extraordinary of all, is, that the two cases that died were
treated allopathically , or, in the language of our school,
secundum artem ; whereas, the four horses which recovered
took hoiyiceopathic doses of belladonna, aconite, mercurius,
Pulsatilla ! &c.
HYDROMETRA.
Of the extremely rare disease, dropsy of the womb, a case
is chronicled by Gohier.
The uterus of an old mare grew so large that it spread and occupied
the anterior region of the abdomen, and gave her the appearance of being
with foal. This was found to be owing to distension of the uterus with
six quarts of thick white matter, similar to what would be called laudable
pus.
Prolapsus and inversion of the Uterus. — These are
subjects which properly belong to Veterinary Obstetricy.
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES.
The late much-respected Mr. Mayer, sen., introduced
to our notice a case of " Diseased Ovaria,^' which he sent
to ' The Veterinarian,^ in 1837, with the following sen-
sible observations, for guiding our practice, in those and
other obscure abdominal ailments : — " Unfortunately, the
ovarium goes through its early derangement and alteration
of structure before we suspect, or are aware of, the true
nature of the disease, until we make an early examination
per-rectum, which we ought always to do in what appears
obscure bowel affections.'^ In the early stages of the
disease, there will, I think, be detected slight and occa-
sional griping pains, from time to time, accompanied with
febrile action. The urinary organs likewise would, fi-om
sympathy, be temporarily deranged, and the bladder more
irritable. But, to the common observer, this would be lost
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. 547
sight of, or merge into " gripes." Nor would the true
nature of the case be suspected, until the enlargement had
increased so far as to protrude into the pubis, and, by its
pressure upon the rectum and urethra, form a partial
impediment to the free course of the faeces and urine. At
the same time, the labia pudendi become thickened and
enlarged, and their absorbents and blood-vessels in a vari-
cose condition ; forming a strong diagnostic symptom, con-
jointly with the others already enumerated. " And all would
be attended, as the disease progressed with falling away and
emaciation."
The Causes of this particular disease are very obscure.
Some constitutions are more prone to glandular affections
and disease than others ; but why, we cannot tell. In the
human subject, one of the most frequent exciting causes
is an excess in venery.
The Treatment should consist in keeping the faeces soluble
by the least irritating processes, such as 01. Lini., Sal. Glaub.,
Sal. Epsom., &c., at the same time pushing to the utmost
the administration of hydriodate of potash, conjoined with
that of hemlock. The diet ought to consist of flax-seed
mashes, nice hay, and, when the season allows, green-meat.
Whenever the animal is attacked with much occasional pain
and with rolling about from its urgency, depletion may be
had recourse to, according to the violence of the symptoms :
hot fomentations to the pubic region ; frequent warm clys-
ters ; antiphlogistic remedies externally, until such symptoms
be removed, when the previous treatment must be steadily
resorted to again. No mare ought to be allowed to be put
to the horse in such a condition.
In a case Mr, Mayer had occasion to attend, of a half-
bred mare, the post-mortem appearances were these : " On
opening the abdomen, there was nothing particular in view
except the large intestines ; but as soon as these were turned
to one side, a very considerable tumour presented itself,
appearing not only to occupy the cavity of the pelvis, but
likewise the regio pubis, stretching itself along the left side
of the lumbar region, as far as the left kidney : the other
548 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION,
portion, pointing towards the right lumbar region, occupied
no more than the pubic division of the abdomen. The
right kidney appeared diminished in size, of a leaden hue,
and much firmer to the touch than natural ; the left kidney
was enlarged, but exhibited externally its natural healthy
appearance.
" The parts surrounding the whole were now carefully taken
out, and, on a minute examination, I found that the ovaria
had become diseased; that, on the left, being scirrhous, and
the other in a state of dropsy. As the scirrhous ovarium,
from its great size, was completely wedged into the pelvic
cavity, I was necessitated to divide the symphysis pubis
before I could get a clear view of its dimensions, and dis-
engage it from its attachment. Its sliape was triangular,
two angles being directed into the abdominal cavity, and
the third into the pelvic cavity, occupying the greater por-
tion of it. It had completely lost all vestige of its original
and natural structure, and presented one extended homo-
geneous yellow-coloured scirrhous mass, not weighing less
than from twenty to twenty-five pounds, and connecting
itself by a kind of projecting isthmus across to the opposite
ovarium and fallopian tubes. When cut into, it was found
made up of a congeries of abscesses, each having a distinct
sac, the walls of which were composed of half-organized lymph.
The right ovarium retained its natural structure, was very
vascular, was enlarged to the size of a large foot-ball, and dis-
tended with a serous fluid. How far this latter phenomenon
depended upon the impregnated state of the uterus, as the
mare was in foal (the foetus being about the size of a cat) I
do not know. This circumstance was very remarkable, as
clearly showing the capability of one ovarium being perfectly
competent to the fulfilling of the functions of generation in
the female, the same as one testicle is in the male : a wise
provision of Nature, one showing how providently her
arrangements are made for the propagation of every species
of animal. On making a section of the left kidney, no trace of
disease evinced itself ; but, on cutting through the right one,
it was found in a complete scirrhous, disorganized condition.
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. 549
full of small tubercles^ situated at the origin and along the
course of the tubuli uriniferi ; so that it must have been quite
incapable of performing its functions."
The following very instructive case comes from Mr. Wm.
Field.
Scirrhous enlargement of one ovary, accompanied by ascites.
— A bay mare, the property of the Hon. Jas. Norton, was
sent to Mr. Field's hospital for horses, on the 1st June last.
She was, from the circumstance of her belly having undergone,
of late, visible enlargement, suspected to be with foal; though
from her present owner having not long ago purchased her,
there were no very ready means of ascertaining whether she
had been to any horse. The mare exhibits no pain nor ill
health, save that she is losing flesh ; and on that account
needs something to afford her relief.
" The enlarged abdomen was the only visible symptom Mr.
Field had for his guidance ; and although this was unac-
companied by any oedema of the belly, breast, or legs, yet
did careful examination of it convince Mr. Field that it indi-
cated neither more nor less than ascites ; at the same time, it
led to the discovery of a tumour in the interval between the
ileum, transverse lumbar processes, and ribs, which, from its
situation, he took to be an enlarged ovary : and such it
proved to be. Acting on this firm belief, he tapped the mare,
and drew off four gallons of fluid. This had but little if any
effect upon her, either for good or ill. She had all along
breathed tranquilly, and had an undisturbed pulse : still, she
continued to lose flesh, and was evidently, altogether, in a
hopeless condition. Mr. Field, willing to give her every
chance, sent her away to his farm, where she remained six
weeks. Her belly during this interval growing large again,
she was tapped a second time, and had, as before, four gallons
of fluid withdrawn. After this she was put to death. In
addition to what had been drawn off, thirty-two gallons of
fluid were found within the pei'itoneal cavity ; there was also
discovered, on the near side, a scirrhous ovary, of the mag-
nitude of a man's head, and of a globular form, weighing
twenty-two pounds. Contrasted with its fellow ovary,
550 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS GE GENERATION.
which, perhaps, was somewhat smaller than natural, it looked
in point of size like a pumpkin by the side of a walnut.
" The tumour, cut in half, presented surfaces of a marbled
aspect : an appearance produced by an ash-coloured sub-
stance, of which it was almost entirely composed, being
crossed and intersected in every direction by white fibrous
bands, issuing at short intervals one from another, from the
inner surface of the proper tunic of the ovary, by which its
component substauce was irregularly partitioned into num-
berless compartments of all shapes and sizes ; the ash-
coloured substance itself exhibiting more toughness than
firmness, and looking like organized and converted albu-
minous deposit. In the centre, the tumour had undergone
the ulcerous degeneration. There was an irregular cavity,
presenting the appearance of having had its origin in two
or more abscesses ulcerating into one, which, altogether,
contained about a tea-cupful of purulent matter, looking
like good laudable fluid pus, without any grumous or case-
ous admixture. The tunic of the ovary had grown with
the tumour, and acquired thickness and strength with its
increased growth, and presented a fibrous character. The
blood-vessels had likewise undergone proportionate aug-
mentation. Altogether, the case turned out an exceedingly
interesting one."
The following cases comprise all the information I have
been able to collect in this fallow-field of hippopathology :
nine of them are quoted by D'Arboval — seven from
M. Bouley, junior, the eighth from Lapoussee — the tenth
is taken from the Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire,
1. A mare, five years old, who bad been eight days ailing, appeared
suflFering under slight colic : her tail shook, she walked stiffly, her belly
was swollen, her back reached, and a fetid sanious issue escaped from
her vulva ; the udder also was tumefied, and, by compression, yielded a
serous lactescent exudation. It was suspected she had metritis, having
but a little while before foaled. Antiphlogistic treatment produced sen-
sible amelioration at first ; but at the end of four days her fever and
colics returned, the pulse became imperceptible, and on the sixth day she
expired. A large quantity of red fluid was found effused into the abdo-
men ; the visceral surfiices of the peritoneum presented evident traces of
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. 551
inflammation; the womb contained sanious matter; its mucous mem-
brane appeared in folds, reddened and thickened ; the right ovary was
converted into a soft spheroid tumour, seven pounds in weight, and
contained a blueish homogeneous, odourless fluid ; and its parietes, which
had become much attenuated, were reddened and injected. The left
ovary was double its natural volume, and contained several serous cysts.
2. Another mare, four years old, fell suddenly ill. Diminished appe-
tite and gaiety were the only symptoms at first observed. These excited
no apprehension until the fourth day, when they assumed an alarming
character. The mare became gloomy and dejaressed, refused every kind
of food, and appeared suffering some abdominal pain ; her pulse was 70,
and rather full ; she walked stiffly, and had some difficulty in dunging ;
and her dung was shiny. Notwithstanding she was bled, for three days
there appeared no change. After this, all her symptoms became exaspe-
rated : the colics more frequent and intense ; the pulse quicker and less
perceptible ; partial sweats bedewed the flanks ; the belly seemed full of
pain, particularly about the left flank ; the loins were tense and inflexible.
On the 10th day she died. The stomach and small intestines proved
slightly inflamed. The left ovary was no longer in existence : a soft
round mass, six pounds in weight, occupied its place, which contamed a
grayish, granulous, slightly odorous pus, and had fibrous parietes, thick-
ened and injected. The mucous lining of the womb was likewise reddened
and thickened. The right ovary, much larger than "natural, consisted of
a great number of small serous cysts.
3. A harness-mare, who had been at work for two years without ex-
periencing the slightest indisposition, was suddenly, and without any
manifest cause, seized with a disease which in a very short time proved
fatal. The only symptoms at first were a slight rigor and breaking out
into a sweat, with, some moments afterwards, slabbering and foaming at
the mouth. Subsequently, the pulse became all but imperceptible, sink-
ing under the fingers ; the membranes colourless ; extremities cold ; and
death ensued at the expiration of some minutes. A large quantity of blood
found effiised into the abdomen. A considerable tumour occupied the
sub-lumbar region, continuous in substance with the right horn of the
uterus. This tumour, twenty-four pounds in weight, was of an oblong
shape, and exhibited at the anterior part a rupture occupied by a clot of
blood, from which had pi-oceeded the hemorrhage, the cause of death.
Its tissue, white and homogeneous, was softened in the centre, where was
found a small quantity of encephaloid matter. Its parieties, generally
fibrous, varied in density, and in some places had the consistence of
cartilage.
4. A mare, aged, had a chronic enlai'gement of the right hind leg,
which after some months disappeared spontaneously ; but the belly, which
553 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
was also large, still remained so, and without any announcements of
foaling being near. For some years she did her work excellently well,
when all on a sudden she was seized with violent colics, from which she
died in less than six hours. An encysted tumour of the left ovary occu-
pied a great part of the cavity of the abdomen, where it had contracted
adhesions with the omentum. This tumour, weighing forty-six pounds,
slightly flattened above and below, presented a bright red surface and
rounded borders, and contained some clots of blood, and a large quantity
of granulous, inodoi'ous liquid, of the colour of wine-lees. Its parietes,
which were mostly fibro-cartilaginous, were in some places osseous. A
false membrane, two or three lines in thickness, lined its cavity, which
was covered with a red matter, looking like the sediment of the liquid
within. The right ovary was triple its ordinary volume.
5. Violent colics seized during the night an aged mare, who died the
following morning. The left ovary had become changed into an en-
cysted tumour, weighing twenty-eight pounds, with its capsule, and was
ruptured to the extent of about eight centimetres. Considerable hemor-
rhage had taken place into the abdominal cavity. The contents of the
tumour were a grayish odourless matter.
6. A mare, nine years of age, suddenly attacked with sharp colic, died
in the space of a few hours. The abdominal viscera were found bathed
in blood, and the right ovary was converted into an encysted tumour of
the weight of 24 lbs. The fibrous covering of the tumour, thickened in
places, presented a rupture through which the blood had escaped.
7. A mare, eleven years old, had been ill for some hours, manifesting
all the signs of slight enteritis — pawing and looking at her belly, and
lying down — with a pulse hard and but little accelerated, and much
fuller than it ordinarily is in abdominal affections, and a troublesome
tenesmus, which caused violent straining and the discharge of a consider-
able quantity of mucous matter. In spite of all treatment the colic
continued for two days, and then all the symptoms subsided as it were by
an act of enchantment. Evacuations returned, the spirits returned, and
the appetite returned. But in two days more the complaint returned,
and with increased violence, which nothing could subdue, until terminated
by death on the 6th day afterwards. The right ovary, formed into a
cyst, had contracted an extensive -though lax adhesion with the arch of
the colon, with the functions of which, in its usual situation, it must in
consequence have interfered, had it not in some unaccountable manner
changed its position and got above instead of below the gut, and from the
right to the left side, where it had embraced and drawn it down upon the
pubes, and caused an internal strangulation of the intestine, in whose
cavity were found masses of dried dung. Within the tumour was a large
quantity of limpid inodorous fluid ; and embedded in its coats were several
serous cysts, and some melanotic tumours.
DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. 553
A case of a female ass is reported by M. Lapoussee. Ever since she
had foaled, she had at times emitted blood from the vulva ; but as this did
not appear to injure her, little notice was taken of it. After four months
she was seized with violent colic, while suffering from which she emitted
blood in rapid jets, black and partly coagulated. The vagina was red and
very hot ; the abdomen somewhat distended ; the pulse small ; extremities
cold ; and weakness prevailed to that degree that the animal could hardly
stand. The next morning the hemorrhage returned, and on the fourth
day from that the ass died. The mucous membranes of the vagina and
nose were violet-coloured, that of the uterus presenting general traces of
inflammation, with some gangrenous spots, particularly within the left
horn. The ovary, much enlarged, contained a mass of black fetid blood,
which, during life, must have passed into the womb through the Fallopian
tube, whose caliber was double that natural to it.
In the Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire, we read of the post-mortem
examination of a mare in whom was found a tumour weighing 32 lb.
growing from the left horn of the uterus, and consisting of a degenerated
ovary. It presented all the anatomical characters of scirrhus, with an
appearance of cancer in some places ; but, in more, of clots of blood. A
cyst, formed in one of the sides of the tumour, enclosed a saline substance,
mingled with hair, which we looked upon as the debris of a foetus that had
become developed in an ovarian vesicle.
These highly interesting and valuable observations, remarks
D'Arboval, coupled with some accounts of the symptoms
during life, may not suffice to enable us to trace unerringly
the history of diseases of the ovary ; but they will serve to
erect a standard upon, around which other facts may be
ranged, which, collectively, will one day fill up this hiatus
in hippo-pathology. We, at least, learn from them — that such
diseases may exist either in an acute or a chronic form ;
that those of the first class give rise to much the same
symptoms as denote peritonitis and metritis ; — that the
others, not indicated by any appreciable symptoms, lay the
foundation for tumours of considerable volume, which may
exist without disturbance of function ; — and that the acute
affections are likely to end in resolution, though they may
terminate in suppuration, or run into the chronic stage, after
which any of those organic alterations may ensue which
take^ place in other parts ; and, lastly, that when the tumour
554 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
bursts and discharges its contents into the abdomen, death
becomes inevitable.
CASTRATION.
British custom has so universally established the practice
of castration, that, with the exception of the comparatively
small number of horses kept for the purposes of racing and
covering, every male horse in our own country may be said
to be a gelding.^ With us, the colt is emasculated at a
very early period of his life, before the testicles have acquired
any glandular or secretory power, and, consequently, before
any of those remarkable phenomena, which it is well known
attend on the production of semen, have had opportunity of
developing themselves. A comparison of the stone-horse
with the gelding, cannot fail to demonstrate that the former
is an animal in many respects of very superior pretensions to
the latter. The gelding falls off in his physical structure
no less than he dwindles down in his vis vitcs to much below
what he would have proved as an entire animal. His neck
loses its beautiful crest and powerful development ; his quar-
ters fall away in volume and plumpness ; his penis and
sheath look more like a remnant of such parts than the
organs themselves ; indeed, to such an extent in some horses
that have been cut early does this degeneration proceed,
that, without looking close, we hardly, at first sight, distin-
guish between the gelding and the mare. And, as to the
head, so much has it lost of its original contour and ex-
pression, that we do not discover in our examinations of the
mouth (before the tusks appear) whether we are I'ooking at
that of a mare or a gelding. The coat of the stallion is like-
wise of finer texture ; added to which, he is in possession of a
gracefulness of form and carriage and action, which he no
longer retains in the eunuch condition ; but, on the con-
trary, tame down into a comparatively mild, quiet, tractable
animal, reduced in stamina and constitution, and, as a con-
' In France, such colts as are destined for draught, as well as for covering,
are left entire ; those only are cut which are destined for the saddle. The spay-
ing of mares is prohibited by law — has been, since the year 171 7 — in consequence
of its having proved the occasion of many deaths. (Hurtrel d'Arboval.)
CASTRATION. 555
sequence, rendered more liable to disease. Certainly, we
obtain by castration the object Ave have in view, viz., more
complete dominion over the animal and manageableness of
him. But, in accomplishing this, we lose a great deal com-
pared to the little we gain ; — so much, indeed, that it might
fairly become a national question, why we, the same as
foreign nations, cannot, for certain purposes and in certain
situations, contrive to manage and do our work with entire
horses.^
To reduce the stone-horse, in point of nature, down to
the gelding, it is not absolutely necessary to exti'act the
testicles : any operation that will disorganize or destroy the
functions of the gland, or that will even intercept the conduit
of semen from it, will be attended with like effects, in
the course of time, as so speedily follow on actual castration.
A knowledge of this fact it is which has led to the practices
of bruising the testicles, excising the epidydimes or portions
of the spermatic duct, &c. The objections to such alterna-
tives for castration are — that many of them create qviite as
much pain and irritation, and evil effect, as gelding itself
does — some even more ; and that none of them so speedily
and so completely accomplish the object we have in view as
the absolute abstraction of the testicles.
Concerning the best age for castration, there is some
difference of opinion, arising, in a great measure, from
viewing the subject through different media. The man who
confines his views to the simplicity and safety of the opera-
tion, rightly argues, the earlier it is performed the better.
Mr. Brettargh, V.S., Preston, in a letter to me, says,
"Every spring since I left you at the College I have
• Castration has a strange efifect. It emasculates man, beast, and bird, and
brings them to a near resemblance to the other sex. Eunuchs have smooth and
beardless chins, and squeaking voices. Wethers have small horns, like ewes, and
oxen large bent horns, and hoarse voices when they low, like cows ; but bidls
have short straight horns, and though they mutter and grumble in a deep
tremulous voice, yet they low in a shrill high key. Capons have small combs
and gills, and look hke pullets about the head ; they walk without any parade,
and hover on the chickens like the hen. Barrow hogs have likewise small tusks,
like sows. (' Veterinarian,' vol. xx, p. 118.)
556 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OP GENERATION.
operated on foals at all ages^ from ten days to four months
old, and am convinced of that being the most eligible
period." — " Colts grow larger than when castrated later."
— " Colts are foaled with their testicles within the scrotum,
wherein they remain, in ordinary cases, initil the fifth or
sixth month, at which period they are taken up between the
internal and external abdominal rings, and continue concealed
until the eleventh, twelfth, or thirteenth month, all depending
upon the degree of keep ; since in some, which are particularly
well fed, the testicles can at all times be found within the
scrotum." This does not quite accord with the account
D'Arboval gives : he tells us — " the horse cannot be cas-
trated prior to the fourth or fifth month of his age, the
testicles not appearing until then within the scrotum." I
am, not, myself, in a situation to resolve these apparently
discrepant statements : extensive opportunities of observa-
tion in large breeding establishments can alone set us right
in this — as it would appear as yet, not very much to our
credit — simple though unascertained fact. In respect to the
age of puberty in horses, we in general do not notice any
manifestation of venereal desires prior to the second year.
About this period these seem to become engendered : un-
less, therefore, it be intended that the colt should experi-
ence the efl'ects of this change, I see no good reason for
not operating at the earliest possible age : on the other
hand, should there be a desire that the growing animal
partake, either in his bodily frame, constitution, or temper,
of the nature of the stallion, then, protraction of the
operation beyond the period of puberty, or period when
he first begins to notice mares, will become desirable to
attain the object in view. I cannot myself discover any
advantage or use in pursuing a middle course : it appears to
me all nonsense to say this or that age is to be preferred,
without having reference either to the operation itself, or to
the influence of the testicles on the animal's growth and
economy. D'Arboval says that the horse will bear the
operation so late as his twentieth year.
The METHODS OF CASTRATION practised at the present
CASTRATION. 557
day may be said to comprise seven different modes of procedure
— by cauterization, by compression or by caustic, or by both in
combination ; by ligature ; by torsion ; by scraping ; by the
barbarous operation of plucking or "tearing out" the testicles
with the hand, which was once practised upon horses, and still
continues in use for small animals ; having been, at least as far
as the former is concerned, very properly abandoned, though
not so much on account of any danger, in proper hands,
attending the operation, as from the unscientific and barba-
rous aspect such an operation puts on. The late Professor
Coleman used to relate the case of an old stallion, in which
this operation of laceration or tearing-out was executed with
success. First, one testicle was torn out without any con-
sequent alarming hemorrhage ; then, after the lapse of a
few days, its fellow was extracted. Had both spermatic
chords been lacerated^ at the same operation, dangerous
bleeding might probably have ensued.
In regard to season and weather. — The operator
ought — where he can — to object to castrate either during
very cold or very sultry weather, or at the time when the horse
is shedding his coat, or in the season when, or in the situation
where, flies prevail. These precautions will especially
demand attention should our subject be an aged horse, or one
that has been up to the moment highly groomed or fed. The
season to be preferred is, late in the spring, after the horse
has shed his coat, and before the flies have begun to make
their appearance.
Preparation of some sort is, in most cases, recommended;
and it is indispensable that the subject for operation be at the
time in a state of sound health. Should he be a colt at
grass, nothing beyond confining him in some place where he
can procure nothing to eat for the twelve hours preceding
the operation will be necessary. More than this will, how-
ever, be requisite when we have to deal with a colt or stone-
horse standing in the stable, and particularly in the case of
an. aged stallion or one in high condition. In his case,
mashing for some days, coupled with a dose of physic or
two, may be called for, or bloodletting may seem advisable ;
558 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
attention being paid (as with the colt at grass) to keeping
him fasting the night prior to operating, in order that he
may in a measure unload his bowels ; to ensure which
a muzzle had better be put on him over-night.
PRE-EXiiMiNATioN of the subject for hernia, is a pre-
caution more demanded than any one I have mentioned.
Should the horse have raced, or have been in training, or even
have hunted, rupture is not unlikely to exist, and might, of
course, tend to circumscribe or alter our views in regard to the
operation. A judicious veterinarian will submit all subjects to
manual exploration prior to their being cast, young as well
as old ; though he will so rarely meet with hernia in the
unbroke colt that in his case it may look like a work of
supererogation : still, it is possible that rupture, concealed,
might exist, and therefore will the precautionary search
turn out satisfactory, and, since it constitutes but the act of
a minute, had better be observed.^
Fettering, casting, and securing the subject for opera-
tion is an affair promptly and easily executed, when performed
with method and suitable apparatus. It commonly happens
that the veterinarian has to cut a colt unbroke ; — perhaps one
that has never been haltered. Supposing him to be out at
grass, to be driven up into the corner of a field, or other place,
the first thing to accomplish is, by coaxing or stratagem,
to slip upon or over his head a flat hempen halter ; with
which it is advisable, should he prove very refractory, to tie
him up to some strong place for a time, to give him an
opportunity of expending some of the rebellious spirit we
have roused in him — by hanging back and tugging at the
halter-rope — prior to taking further liberties with him.
In some cases, by way of a more effectual quietus, he may,
by adding some lengths to the halter-rope, be longed for a
while upon a dungheap or ploughed field. As soon as he is
rendered tranquil, or rather has become sullen enough to
admit of approach to him, an attempt may be made to put a
twitch upon his nose, or, that failing, upon his ear : not that
this is in all cases necessary, or even prudential ; some colts
' For the tests of Hernia, turn back to pp. 377-8,
CASTRATION. 559
proving more manageable without such painful expedient.
In other cases, blinds prove excellent means of intimidation,
and of the greatest service. Having led or pushed him to
the place upon which we intend to cast him, providing we
can manage to fasten hobbles^ around his legs, he may be
thrown and secured in the ordinary manner, care being
taken that he falls, or is afterwards turned, upon his off
side ; which being done, the near hind leg is to be drawn
up, either with a broad web or a hobble and side-line,
against the shoulder, and as close to it as possible, and con-
fined in that extended position by passing the web or rope,
coming from it, around the neck, and from thence, a second
time, by means of a half-hitch, around the heel, or else
through the ring of the hobble : the remainder of the web
or rope being made fast by a knot, or, what is better (when
people are at hand), firmly held tight by one or two men. One
man will be sufficient to maintain the extension of the other
three legs : making the hobble-rope fast to any place,
though often done where assistance is scarce, is not un-
attended with danger. In every case, a man will be
required to take charge of the head, in order, the moment
the colt falls, to cushion his knee forcibly in the hollow
behind the ear, upon the side of the neck, in such manner as to
be able to keep the head pressed down, while, with his hands,
by protruding the muzzle, he prevents the animal from incur-
vating his neck, and getting his nose towards his chest, and
thereby flexing neck and materially adding to his power of
resistance. It may so happen that hobbles are not provided,
or that the colt turns out so wild and unruly that they cannot
be put on : in such a case as this what is to be done ? A rope
about thirty yards in length and two or three inches in
diameter, will serve as an excellent substitute : a cart-rope
will answer, and one can generally be obtained. Let this
be equally doubled, and formed at the folded end, by a
knot, into a loop sufficiently large to admit the head and
neck, and hang upon the shoulders, the same as a harness-
' See the account of " Hobbles " of different kinds, in the first volume of
' Hippopathology.'
560 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
collar, with the knot turned downwards. The two ends of
the rope coming from the knot in front of the breast, are
now to be carried backward between the fore legs, and
brought round the hollows of the heels of the hind legs,
forward again, on the outer sides, in order to be run through
the collar-rope, from which being carried again backwards,
and extended in a direct line behind the animal, they are
ready to serve, on the application of force, as a double-pulley,
operating in drawing the hind feet forward close against the
elbows : thus at once casting the animal, and securing him,
when down, in a position highly advantageous to the operator.^
One man will be required — two answer better — for each
rope, who should be stationed directly behind the colt, and
as near as they durst approach to his quarters, it being im-
possible now for him to kick. Just before the pull be made,
it is a good preparation to falling (if we can or durst venture
to do it) to advance his hind feet by lifting them forwards
under his body ; and, as soon as the time arrives, to make
the pull, the men ought to exert themselves all at once, and
no less forcibly and simultaneously than suddenly, it being
desirable to take the animal oflF his legs by surprise — before
he receives that warning of what- is about to be done to him
that sets him struggling and resisting. The moment he
is cast, the man at his head must with his knee confine
him down in the manner before mentioned, while the pullers
are still steadily continuing to draw the hind legs forward.
The hind feet being drawn close up to the elbows, the force
must be. steadily maintained, until each rope, by half-
hitches, be made twice more to encircle the fetlock : one
rope may then be carried backward, and the other forward ;
each being firmly held, in a state of extension, by an assis-
tant. The colt thus secured may be turned upon his back,
and bolstered up in that position by bundles of straw, or be
> Mr. Read, V.S., Buntingford, in a letter, in vol. xvii, p. 423, of the
' Veterinarian,' suggests that, " after having formed the middle of the rope into a
collar, to place the knot on the top of the withers, and the two ends backward
around the heels of the hind legs, instead of placing the knot on the breast ;
this would be found an improvement."
CASTRATION.
561
maintained reclining upon his side, at the pleasure of
the operator ; who^ so long as he is kept thus secured^ will
in any situation find himself in perfect safety.
Cleansing and lubricating the Genitals is a pre-
parative adopted by most gelders and farriers. It may be
observed, in regard to it, that, to drawing the penis, and
sponging and cleansing it, and the sheath, with tepid water,
wiping them dry with a linen cloth, and afterwards smear-
ing them both with lard, there cannot be any objection ;
nor, unless the parts really be foul, will, I think, any mate-
rial advantage be found to result from it.
Castration by Cauterization is the operation gene-
rally practised in our own country ; though one wh ch the
veterinarians of France, D'Arboval informs us, have aban-
doned for these sixty years past : the operation being there
in the hands of gelders only, whose knowledge is tradi-
tional. It is by us performed as follows : — The instru-
ments, &c. required are, a sharp scalpel of large size; a pair
of steel clams, slightly curved ; two budding or common
firing irons, the latter with straight edges, to be made red-
hot; a sponge, and pailful of water. The operation is com-
menced by imprisoning between both hands the testicle
lying uppermost, and then grasping and holding it fast
with the right hand, while the left is slid round in front of
it to obtain firm hold of the cord, above the epidydhnis,
which enables the operator to carry the testicle backward
and upward, and, by so doing, to render the skin over it
smooth and tense. The raphe must he his guide in regard
to the skin being drawn into its proper relative situation, as
well as for his first incision, which is to be made in a line
parallel with it, and at the distance of about a finger's
breadth from the side of it. Should the action of the
crera aster oppose the operator getting complete possession
of the testicle, a sudden thwack upon the body of the horse
or violent shake of his head, taking him by surprise, will gene-
rally occasion a momentary relaxation, of which the operator
must not fail to take advantage. With the scalpel in his
right hand, now at liberty, the operator draws a fine inci-
II. ' 36
562 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
sion along the inferior {upper) border or long axis of the
testicle, sufficiently deep only to divide the skin — which is here
remarkably thin — but of sufficient extent to reach from
one extremity of the gland to the other. This he follows
up by dividing, with a light hand, in like manner, the
cellular and fibrous substance underneath ; and lastly, by
similarly cutting through, in a more cautious way still,
so as not to wound the testicle uprising (from the com-
pression of the hand grasping it) all the while against
the knife, its immediate covering, the tunica vaginalis:
in doing which, we should not carry the incision further
than is absolutely necessary to make an aperture large
enough for the emission of the testicle. Some persons use the
actual cautery, instead of the knife, for the section of the
envelopes, assigning, as their reason for so doing, that not
only is any hemorrhage which is likely to annoy them
thereby suppressed, but that subsequent union by the first
intention is thereby efl'ectually destroyed. The French
employ a bistoury for the same purpose ; a practice, I
think, as far as the vaginal tunic is concerned, which may
be worthy our imitation, from its guarding against all possi-
bility of wounding the substance of the testicle. No sooner
is its vaginal tunic sufficiently incised than the testicle starts
from its case, humid and shining upon its surface, and arbo-
rescently and beautifully venous : an event almost constantly
announced by a violent struggle, during which the cremaster
exerts such astonishing power that, unless we quickly seize
the spermatic cord with our left hand and firmly maintain
our hold, the testicle will be sure to escape and slip up into
its canal. Should one testis be comparatively small — which
is now and then the case — it may even be drawn up through
the ring, and occasion the operator considerable difficulty in
finding and securing it afresh, as well as delay in the opera-
tion. The subsidence of the struggle will be attended by
relaxation of the cremaster, the effect of which will be, to allow
of the elongation of the cord, and consequent complete pos-
session by the operator and control of the testicle. This is the
time to put on the clams. Prior to closing them, however, for
CASTRATION. 563
compression, it is good practice to divide the vas deferens
with the scalpel, so as to liberate it from their grasp ; by
which not only will the animal be afterwards spared unne-
cessary pain, but the operator be enabled more effectually
to exert compression upon the blood-vessels. Before the
clams be finally closed and locked, the operator must deter-
mine on the place of section, for cauterization of the cord.
For this, no invariable rule can be given : if left too long,
it may hang out of the wound after the operation, prevent
union, and grow into champignon ; if cut too short, and there
should happen to be any secondary hemorrhage, it may
become a difficult matter to recover it again. The natural
length of the cord, though not the same in all subjects,
may be estimated, and this the moment relaxation has taken
place, must be his guide. Having in his eye marked the
place of division, the clams are to be closed and
compressed sufficiently to arrest the circulation of the
blood, and, at the same time, to retain the cord between
them without risk of its slipping through the. moment
the testicle comes to be seared off: they may be locked or
not, as happens best to suit the convenience of the operator.
The firing-iron being handed to him, the operator is to
commence his cauterization through the posterior part of
the cord, in the situation of the spermatic artery, at the
distance of about three fourths of an inch from the surface
of the clams ; dividing the artery first with the edge of
the cautery, and then searing its mouth with one corner of
the thick side or heel of the firing-iron, while at its greatest
heat.^ The spermatic artery being once seared up, the
remainder of the cord will simply require cutting through
with the edge of the iron. Another mode of procedure —
more surgical than this and one that is growing in estima-
tion— is the division of the cord with the knife, and the
* This is the practice of the French gelders. They divide the cord with a
bistoury, and then — instead of a firing-iron — apply a budding-iron to the mouths
of the bleeding vessels only, but at a white-heat, so as to carbonize them : it
appearing a matter of consequence, says D'Arboval, not to cauterize the tunica
vas;inalis.
56i DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
subsequent application of a heated budding-iron to the
raoutb of tlie spermatic artery, the same as French gelders
do, leaving untouched with the cautery every other part.
It is imagined, by not cauterizing the vaginal tunics, we
run less risk of peritoneal or dangerous inflammation after-
wards'. The testicle removed, and the hemorrhage stanched,
the clams may be dilated in that slow and cautious manner
which affords no risk of the end of the cord escaping, and yet
sufficiently mitigates compression, pro tempore, to ascertain if
the mouth of the artery be really sealed up : should it not,
a fresh heated iron had better be applied upon the bleeding
spot. In some cases, the artery, corrugated by repeated caute-
rizations, becomes so shrunk and embedded in the surrounding
substance that the cautery can no longer reach its naked
orifice : when this happens, it is best to cut with the cautery
or knife a slice off the cord, whereby a fresh surface will be
obtained for renewed cauterization. As soon as all bleeding
has ceased, before liberating the end of the cord from the
clams, it. is usual to sprinkle its seared surface with some
powdered resin, and to melt this with the cautery so as to
give it a sort of coating of cement, the more effectually, it
is sai'd, " to seal up the mouths of the blood-vessels.^^ I
very much doubt, however, that it can have upon the already
constringed vessels any useful effect : indeeed, the practice
is apt rather to prove an additional source of irritation.
Done or not done, as pleases the operator, he is now gra-
dually and cautiously to dilate the clams, and admit of the
escape of the cord into the scrotum. By a similar proce-
dure, the other testicle is to be extracted. In the event of
either of the cords bleeding anew after the parts are re-
leased, bowlfuls or bucketfuls of very cold water may be
dashed upon the parts, and the animal still kept secured, and
quite quiet for some minutes : should it continue in spite of
remission, and appear to be arterial, it will be advisable —
• If the iron be not at a white heat it adheres to the eschar, and detaches it,
so that the blood continues to flow ; and even when it is apphed at the proper
heat, if it be allowed to remain too long, the same effect will follow. (Costello's
Paper on ' Torsion.')
CASTRATION. 565
particularly in the case of an adult or aged horse — to try to
recover the end of the cord, and submit it afresh to cau-
terization. In the event of hemorrliage after the colt has
risen, it is the practice, in some parts of the country,
among gelders, to whip the bleeding parts with a bunch of
stinging-nettles.
The objections urged against cauterization are^^lst. That
it is apt to induce afterwards, violent inflammation and its
consequences ; 2dly, That there is risk of secondary hemor-
rhage at the period of separation of tlie eschar. The best
replies to which objections are, that cauterization can be
shown to be — in colts at least — as generally successful as
any other of the methods of operating in practice; and that,
as for fatal secondary hemorrhage, it is a thing un-heard of.
The after-treatment to be pursued must very much
depend upon circumstances. Supposing the colt to be at
grass at the time of being castrated, and the weather to be
neither cold nor wet, and there be no flies abroad, he had
better be turned out again after the operation : nothing
farther in general being required than cleansing the parts
now and then from any discharges; and taking care that
the wounds be kept from healing by the first intention, by
the introduction of the finger into them, should it be required,
on the second or third day following the operation ; else, when
suppuration comes on, should the matter be pent up, abscess
and a good deal of concomitant swelling will be the conse-
quences. For a horse standing in a stable at the time of being
cut, a loose box is the best situation after the operation. Even
in this case, however,if the weather prove fine,and therehappen
to be a small paddock adjoining, allowing him to take his liberty,
even from the day following the operation, will prove beneficial :
for, with the view of promoting suppuration and discharge
from the parts, and of so abating swelling, exercise is found
to be of all things the most beneficial, of which no horse
will take sufficient of himself in a box, while in a stall he
can take none : it is therefore, under such circumstances, a
good practice in general to have our patient led out in hand,
at a lounging walk, twice or thrice in the course of the day.
566 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OE GENERATION.
A masli-diet ought to be enforced. And some simple
enemata, which are safer than aperient medicine (should the
bowels require softening) may be exhibited. Attention being
paid, as in the case of the colt, to the wounds in the scrotum,
and to cleanliness.
Castration by Compression was first introduced to the
notice of veterinarians of this country by Mr. Goodwin,
through a paper he read on the subject at the Veterinary
Medical Society in 1828, which was afterwards published in
' The Veterinarian.^ It appears to be the most ancient
of any of the different modes of operating ; and is, according
to D'Arboval, at the present time almost the only one in
vogue in France. The rationale of it consists in devising
means to squeeze the spermatic cord to that degree that all
communication, vascular and nervous, become intercepted
between the testicle below and the cord above the part com-
pressed ; the consequence of which, of course, is, the destruc-
tion of the vitality of the testicle, and, ultimately, its spon-
taneous separation from the body by the process of sloughing.
The pressure may be made upon the cord either while covered
by the tunica vaginalis, or after it has been uncovered, or
deprived of that membrane. The instruments requisite for
its performance are, a scalpel or bistoury ; two pairs of wooden
clams, each pair already fastened at one end ; strong waxed
ligatures to secure the other ends ; and a pair of pincers for
closing and holding the clams. The clams commonly made use
of are nothing more than sections of old and seasoned elder-
wood ; though some have since been manufactured of box and
lance-wood, which appear more conveniently shaped, though
there is no great advantage in them over the others. The
grooves in them are usually filled with a caustic paste : one
composed of the bichloride of mercury or sulphate of copper,
and flour and water, appears well suited for the purpose.
I have on several occasions, however, omitted using any
caustic whatever, imagining it could not exert any — or any
actual — effect under the unremitting pressure of the clams ;
but I found I had not produced the same mortifying results
oil these occasions, and therefore I now always employ
CASTRATION. 567
caustic of some sort. I once introduced — so long ago as
1821 — jjotassa fusa into the clams; but this proved too
active, the testicles after a few hours dropping off into my
hands; and besides, it proved objectionable on account of
its propensity to liquefy and spread. Although no more
than two pairs of clams are actually required, it is as well
to have a third pair loaded, ready, in case of accident.
"We will suppose the horse to have been prepared for the
operation in the manner already prescribed for that of
cauterization, and to be cast and bound upon his near side,
likewise, as afore directed, and the operator to be ready with
his instruments and apparatus, which had better be spread upon
a board or tray, and handed to him according as required by
his assistant. The incipient steps of the operation are also
the same as those for cauterization, save that in this case the
left or u}idermost^ testicle is to be first operated on. After
dividing the scrotum, whether he proceed or not to incise
the tunica vaginalis, and lay bare the testicle, will depend
npon which operation he is about to perform, the covered or
the uncovered. Supposing it is to be the latter — the one
commonly practised — the vaginal tunic is to be cut or slit
open, the same as is done in the former operation. The
operator grasps the bare testicle,^ and then, drawing it out,
maintains that steady extension of the cord which is requi-
site to enable his assistant to place the clams properly upon
it ; which done, he takes the clams in his (own) left hand,
' lu the operations by cauterization, ligature, or torsion, it is desirable to re-
move the testicle lying uppermost first, in order that it may be out of the
operator's way when he comes to extract the other stone : but should he be
going to use tbe pressure claras, he will find it very inconvenient unless he
operate first upon the testicle U7iderneath.
* It often will happen in strong colts — always in old horses — that as soon as
the bare testicle is grasped, retraction of the cord will instantly take place, and
with such force, perhaps, as to require considerable strength and steadiness in
the hand of the operator to maintain the testicle. He must, however, firmly and
steadily do so, and maintain all his steadiness and firmness until he has tired out
the resisting eff'orts of the cremaster ; which sooner or later must ensue, and
of which he will have notice given him by a violent struggle on the part of the
animal. Then will the cord become all at once relaxed, and the testicle so much
imder his control, that he can easily now make the required elongation, to fix
568 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENEllATION.
and adjusts tliem upon the cord as high up or close to the
belly as he possibly can : it being most desirable to fix them
completely above the epididymis ; since, should any portion
of that body become included in the compression, not only
will much additional pain result, but it will be very likely
to be followed by champignon. Care must also be taken,
by keeping the cord spread out, that every part is uniformly
subjected to pressure at the time that the assistant squeezes
the ends together with the clam-pincers.^ This done, the
operator himself takes the pincers in his (right) hand — leaving
now his hold of the testicle — and maintains them closed
(locked, if he likes), while his assistant secures the clams
with a waxed ligature. The other, or uppermost testicle
and cord, are now dealt with after the same manner, and
the operation is concluded. The common gelders in France
are in the habit of cutting off the testicles after putting on
the clams, leaving only sufficient of the epididymes remaining
to prevent the cord from slipping through the clams ; while
those who practise this mode of castrating in our own country,
leave the testicles on until the time arrive to remove the
clams ; which some do at the expiration of twenty-four, others
of forty-eight hours : but D'Arboval recommends that the
clams continue on until the testicles spontaneously slough
away, which they will do about the fifth day afterwards.
The removal of the testicles at the time of the operation,^
or within one day afterwards, sometimes even after two have
elapsed, is usually followed by hemorrhage, which, though
it may be nowise dangerous, is liable to prove troublesome.
Another objection to the early abscission of the testes is,
that the cremaster, losing the counterpoise of their depen-
011 the clams. Let the operator by no means take his scalpel, and attempt by
cutting to relax the cord. I did this in Col. P — 's brown stallion, aged, and
much regretted it afterwards, in consequence of the great length of cord after-
wards manifested such as to require a second operation — one of ligature.
' The vas deferens is not to be divided, as is recommended to be done in the
operation by cauterization. Of itself, the vascular portion of the cord is found
incapable of supporting the weight of the pendent testicles.
■^ Should the testicles be cut off, the epididymes, I repeat, will be required to
be left remaining, to serve as a stay against the too forcible contractions of the
cremaster.
CAS'I'RATION. 569
dence, draws the clams up so violently against tlie belly that
irritation and swelling are likely to be the consequence. I
have knov/n this to happen while the testicles have been
left hanging on, and I have been obliged on this account to
cut them away, with the clams, twenty-four hours before the
usual period of time. The only thing that can be urged, I
think, against their remaining on until they come away
spontaneously, is the protraction of a spectacle of which,
from its being disagreeable to common observers, we are
perhaps desirous in general to abridge the duration.
The "coverkd" Operation has always appeared to me
to be more difficult of performance than the " uncovered "
one : there is more trouble in getting on the clams, and a
great deal more force required to close them ; in conse-
quence of which, I should imagine, the pain must be a great
deal more ; and this is one, we are told, from which tetanus
has resulted. In a case where hernia was either present or
suspected, certainly the covered mode ought to have the
preference : added to which, its advocates tell us, it possesses
the advantage of not exposing the abdominal cavity to the
influx of air.
After the operation, if the weather be fine, and parti-
cularly should our patient be manifesting any uneasiness,
walking exercise in hand for an hour will prove of service
to him ; and as soon as he is returned to his stable or box,
he should be secured to the rack Avith one or two strong
halter-ropes, so that he can nowise get his head to his flank
and tear himself. Should he have a long tail, it had better
be plaited and doubled up, to prevent him switching his
genitals. In respect to exercise, according to D'Arboval,
no harm can arise from giving it for some hours,
weather permitting, immediately after the operation, and it
ought to be repeated daily until suppuration be completely
established ; and afterwards too, with the precautions that,
at this period, it be now limited and confined to the finest
part of the day. Should there be more than ordinary tume-
faction, fomentation and aperient medicine may be required.
In a case where much constitutional irritation prevails, we
570 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
may bleed as well : nothing will sooner allay any cause we
may have for alarm than abstraction of blood. While
everything is going on well, nothing farther will be required
beyond exercise, and keeping the parts clean by fomentation ;
with, perhaps, an occasional enema. In fine, he will require
watching up to the tenth or twelfth day, after which the
patient may be regarded as out of danger.
The Removal of the Clams, unless tumefaction of the
parts demand it earlier, had better be deferred until the
second or third day, by which time the testicles, should they
not already have been cut off, will be quite dead, and the cords,
when they come to be cut through, will resemble so much
dried bladder : if the clams be removed before the cords and
testicles begin to assume the dried shrivelled aspect (which
is evidence of their complete mortification), secondary hemor-
rhage is liable to ensue. In fact, the condition of the
testicles must be our guide : in some cases twenty-four or
forty-eight hours being sutficient ; in others — from the com-
pression probably being incomplete — double that time will
be required. In all cases, they will need to remain on much
longer after the covered than after the uncovered operation.
In taking them off, there is a knack of procedure which it
may be as well to follow. The horse being twitched, and
his fore leg held up, the operator places himself by the side of
the near quarter of the patient, and with his left hand grasps
the tail, upon which he balances himself while he stoops to
carry his right hand, with a knife in it, between the animal's
thighs, behind, in order to rest his thumb upon the posterior
ends of the clams, while with the knife, clenched between his
fingers, he cuts through the ligature holding them together.
This done, the knife is laid down and the clams forced apart
with one or both hands ; for sometimes, in consequence of
their being clogged with adhesive matters that have run
from the wound, there is difficulty in separating them.
Afterwards, the parts had better be bathed with warm water,
if it merely be for the sake of cleansing them.
Castration by Ligature has for many years been aban-
doned by the generality of practitioners. The late Pro-
CASTRATION. 571
fessor Coleman was in the habit of decrying it^ on 'the score
of its being occasionally followed by disastrous consequences :
an opinion which subsequent experience appears to have
strengthened, though there still exist practitioners who give
the ligature the preference. The reason assigned, why an
operation so well adapted for man that no other is ever
thought of, should not be found to answer for horses, must
be, the anatomical one, of their existing an open communi-
cation between the cavities of the scrotum and abdomen in
the horse^ but not in man : in the one instance, inflam-
mation may be set up in the cord with comparative safety
to what it can in the other; there being danger of perito-
nitis so long as the communication remains open, but none
after it is shut. That operation, therefore, which either
admits of the scrotal wound closing at once, or else excites
such a degree of inflammation, in the first instance, as glues
up the abdominal ring, appears better adapted for the horse
than one which, like that of ligature, is tardy in bringing on
inflammation, and, after all, does so too feebly to produce
the adhesive action necessary to seal up the cavity of the
abdomen while the suppurative action is going on.
The Mode op Operating by Ligature is quite simple.
The scrotum and coverings of the testicle may be divided
with a scalpel, in the manner afore described. The testicle
being denuded, is to be given to an assistant, who must
make a full and firm grasp of it, in order to counteract the
contractions of the cremaster, and stoutly maintain his hold
until the operator has divided the vas deferens, which will
render his task comparatively easy. The operator will now,
with forceps and the point of his knife, or with scissors, ex-
pose the artery, which he will find serpentining along the
posterior part of the cord. A ligature of strong silk is then
introduced underneath it, by means of an aneurismal needle
or eyed silver probe ; having tied which, he severs with
his scalpel the cord below it, and the operation is ended.
One end of the ligature may be cut oflF close to the knot ;
the other is to be left hanging out of the wound, until the
second or third day, after which it may be removed.
572 DISEASKS OF THE ORGANS OF GENF.RATION.
Mr. Thomson, V.S., Beith, in a letter to Mr. Dick, pub-
lished in 'The Veterinarian' for 1835, writes — "I have
made many experiments as to the use of the ligature in the
castration of colts and horses, and the removal of this
ligature on the second or third day. However humane the
plan may appear, there are serious objections to it. Suppu-
ration, in the generality of cases, does not commence until
the fifth day — rarely sooner, sometimes later. Inflammation
of the scrotal portion of the peritoneum must extend more
or less during that period, and its progress is not arrested
until suppuration commences." " I have cut about ten
colts j some did remarkably well, in others the swelling was
very great before suppuration commenced. In one that
died it was uncommonly extensive. Suppuration did not com-
mence until the sixth day. The animal got better at the
time the swelling subsided, but he died two months after-
wards." " I will geld no more upon this principle (ligature)
unless particularly requested to do so."
Castration by Torsion^ remains to be considered : not
in the barbarous manner in which, years ago, it used to be
performed in this country and France, but in accordance
with the new lights shed on the subject of torsion by Messrs.
Araussat and Costello. It is known, well enough, that in
young animals — even in the colt — the testicles may be torn
out of the scrotum after being denuded, or may be detached
by twisting round the cord until it breaks, and yet no
dangerous hemorrhage ensue. As has been stated, Pro-
fessor Coleman once saw the stones of an aged stallion torn
out : one testicle was extracted without much hemorrhage,
and, after the lapse of a few days, the other : had both been
torn out at one operation the animal might — and would most
probably — have bled to death. The operation of twisting
' I believe "twisting" the vessels, or "torsion," as it is called, is almost
abandoned. It will answer now and then, in vessels that stand out, detached
from the neighbouring tissues, such as the facial ; but we cannot take hold of the
majority of vessels, and it is not safe to trust to torsion in the larger ones.
You had better put ligatures about them. (Liston's Lectures, in the ' Lancet,'
June 1, 1844.)
CASTRATION. - 573
the cord is performed by first laying the parts bare, and
then taking firm hold of the upper part of the cord with
the left hand, while the right is engaged in twisting off the
testicle, by repeatedly turning it round between the finger
and thumb. And this operation, coarse and unscientific as
it is, does not appear to be a very painful one, nor, in young
animals, to be succeeded, when the rupture takes place, by
any alarming hemorrhage.
CosTELLo's — or rather Amussat^s — improvement upon
this consists, in twisting the blood-vessels, the arteries, only.
From reflecting upon the fact that contused and lacerated
blood-vessels seldom emit blood, M. Amussat instituted some
experiments, the object of which was to imitate these effects
artificially ; in the course of which, happening on one occa-
sion to twist an artery, he was struck with the fact of its
emitting no blood ; thus accident led to a discovery which
deductions from facts such as the foregoing might have
anticipated. " In practising torsion, Amussat seizes the
divided vessel with a pair of forceps, in such a manner as to
hold and close the vessel within their teeth. The artery is
then drawn from out of the tissues surrounding it, to the
extent of a few lines, and freed Avith another forceps from
its cellular envelope, so as to lay bare its external coat.
The index-finger and thumb of the left hand are then ap-
plied above the forceps, in order to press back the blood
contained in the vessel. He then begins to twist the artery.
One of the methods consists in continuing the torsion until
the part held in the forceps is detached. When, however,
the operator does not intend to produce this effect, he ceases
after from four to six revolutions of the vessel on its axis
for the small arteries, and from eight to twelve for the
large ones. The hemorrhage instantly stops." — " It is of
the utmost importance to seize the artery perfectly, and to
make the stated number of twists ; otherwise, the security
against the danger of consecutive hemorrhage will not be so
perfect." M. Amussat is so satisfied with torsion, that he
now employs no other hsemostatic agent. He has found it
successful in castration, amputations of the thigh and arm.
574 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
and in disarticulation of the shoulder-joint. The effects of
torsion upon the vessel are — the internal membrane is
broken, and becomes I'olled up in the form of a cul-de-sac,
containing in its middle a clot of blood, to which it after-
wards adheres, through the effusion of plastic lymph. In no
instance has the artery been observed to ulcerate or become
grangrenous.
To Mr. Molyneux, V.S., London, belongs the credit of
being the first to introduce torsion as a mode of castration
of horses. In 'The Veterinarian' for 1835, appears the
following :
In November, 1834, Mr. Molyneux was requested by
Mr. Geale, job -master. Regent Street, to castrate a colt.
Torsion was suggested and consented to. The colt was cast
and secured in the usual mode. Mr. Molyneux laid bare
the testicle in the ordinary manner; and first divided the
vas deferens and cellular membrane, immediately above the
epididymis, leaving nothing attached to the testicle but the
spermatic artery and vein. " I then took the torsion-forceps
and applied them as tight as possible, after the clams had
been placed on the cord about three inches from the epidi-
dymis in the usual manner, and the testicle cut off. The
forceps where turned eight or nine times, and held firmly
for four or five minutes, when the cord was suffered to re-
turn gradually into the abdomen. I waited five minutes,
and, no hemorrhage ensuing, I operated in the same manner
on the left testicle. The colt was then let up, and only the
trifling quantity of blood which is usually discharged by the
scrotal vessels, was lost.'' Annexed to this — the first case —
are accounts of two others, one of the horses being five and
a half years old, both equally successful in their results.
By way of caution, Mr. Molyneux adds, that the operator
ought to make the requisite number of torsions steadily and
without stopping, and "hold the cord, firmly, for two or three
minutes afterwards." According to Amussat and Costello,
however, this last injunction is unnecessary. " If, after a
certain number of turns, the operator pauses, and then, fear-
ing he may not have done enough, gives another turn, and,
CASTRATION. 575
after that, perhaps another, the coagulum or clot is dis-
turbed or broken, and hemorrhage will possibly follow."
In the short lapse of time in which Amussat and Costello,
continuously, seize, twist, and replace the vessel, it is im-
possible coagulation of its blood can take place.
Mr, Eichardson is the next to adventure in this bold but
commendable line of practice. Confessing himself " among
the number who entertained doubts respecting the efficacy
of torsion in the horse ;" he, now that he has tested it,
" does not hesitate to express his firm conviction that this
will be the only method, . in after-days, resorted to by
veterinarians for the removal of the testicles."
Mr. Kichardson made his first essay on an ass. The re-
sult exceeded his most sanguine expectations. He after-
wards operated on three colts ; and " never saw colts do so
well as they did afterwards." Being at grass, the colts
were in the morning taken into the crewyard, and kept
without food until the afternoon. They were then cut, and
" immediately allowed to go at large again in the fields."
('Veterinarian' for 1835.)
To Messrs. Simonds and Daws are the profession indebted
for most valuable and confirmatory information on this sub-
ject, published in * The Veterinarian' for 1840.
Mr. Simonds has drawn up a " report " of nine cases. — Case I, was a
four-year old donkey. The testicle was let out with a scalpel, the finger
passed between the vas deferens and vascular part of the cord, and the
latter divided, which gave the operator full control over the cremaster.
The spermatic artery was now laid bare, about an inch above its testicle,
and was then seized with the torsion -forceps, and, lastly, divided immedi-
ately behind the forceps. The artery was drawn gently out, and about
a dozen twists given to it. It was then liberated. No blood escaped for
a few seconds ; but afterwards the jet was so considerable that Mr. Simonds
was obliged to seize it anew, and make fresh twists. This effectually
stanched the hemorrhage, and the testicle was cut away. The other
testicle was similarly extracted ; and the animal let up. A quarter of an
hour after, Mr. Simonds found the right spermatic artery bleeding —
arising from his not being aufait at manipulating his forceps. The ass
was re-cast, and the vessel tied. Some swelling followed ; but the ass
eventually did well.
576 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
Cases II, III, IV, and V, similarly operated on, all did well.
Case VI. — A four-year-old donkey bled, after rising. But, as the
hemorrhage appeared to come from the artery of the cord, nothing was
done. It stopped, and he in the end did well.
Case VII. — A thorough-bred yearling. Testicles small, and not com-
pletely down. The cord so short that great difficulty was experienced
in applying the forceps. With the left cord Mr. Simonds succeeded, and
by a few turns prevented bleeding ; but with the right he was compelled
to have recourse to the actual cautery. This shows we cannot always
succeed by torsion.
Case VIII. — A valuable chestnut horse, seven years old. The left
cord was considerably enlarged, and serous effusion had taken place into
its tissue. The artery, about two inches above the gland, was found to
divide into three branches. By proceeding cautiously, these were in
turns seized and twisted with the forceps. The artery of the cord gave
out a fine stream ; but, as Mr. Simonds has seldom attended to this, the
animal was, notwithstanding, let up without any attempt to arrest it. The
bleeding continued for two hours, and the scrotum on that side was filled
with coagulated blood, producing some pain, accompanied by an accele-
rated pulse and hurried breathing. An opiate was given. This shortly
produced relief, and all went on well. The coagulum was removed on the
fi)Ilowing day, and the parts fomented. More swelling took place in this
than in any preceding case ; still it yielded to fomentation and exercise.
Case IX. — A two-year-old, the property of the Queen Dowager.
The left testicle was double the size of the other, and the artery of the
cord was very large. Having had some reason to regret not having
applied torsion to this vessel in Case VIII, in the present one Mr.
Simonds twisted it. Very slight preputial swelling ensued, and the case
was discharged the day after operating.
Mr. Daws, in 1838, by way of experiment, cut an aged stallion by
torsion, who died the following morning from hemorrhage of the riffht
cord. On examination of the parts, the left spermatic artery was found
perfectly plugged : the right had recoiled and untwisted itself. Its mouth
was open and free from blood. The same year Mr. Daws operated on
another subject, more than twenty years of age, who had covered a short
period before the operation. Being bought for the experiment, he was
destroyed four days after the operation. Clots at the divided ends of the
vessel had rendered them completely impervious. Their inner tunics
were torn and adherent. There was a slight appearance of healthy
purulent secretion on some spots. The following year 'Mr. Daws operated
on three colts. No constitutional excitement supervened, and tumefaction
of the sheath resulted. Mr. Daws's words are — " These results exceeded
my expectations."
CASTRATION. 577
In 'conclusion, let me mention, that Mr. Wardle, V.S., East Sheen, in
1838, operated by torsion on sixteen colts, all of whom have done well.
His own conviction is, that he " shall never again use the actual
cautery."
These accounts of torsion are flattering indeed. He
must be at least a more than ordinary sceptic who will not,
after perusing them, be induced to put the new remedy to
the test, and judge for himself. There appears to be little
or no apprehension entertainable about secondary hemor-
rhage in colts ; but that such may ensue, and prove fatal,
in aged stone-horses, is sufficiently manifest from one of
Mr. Daw^s cases ; and should such an event happen to a
veterinary surgeon in private practice it might be enough
to blast his reputation,^ in addition to the disrepute into
which it could not fail to bring the operation itself. In the
army, cases of castration are so few that I have not yet
myself^ had an opportunity of practising torsion •? when I
have, I think I shall, by w^ay of precaution, run, with a
needle, single but strong threads through the cords, and
leave them hanging for some distance out of the wounds,
with a view of enabling me to recover the cord, should
secondary hemorrhage come on ; otherwise, they might
readily be withdrawn on the next day. Such a simple ad-
dition as this could not irritate, and yet might, it strikes
me, prove of very great service. I may now add to the
above account, in spite of the favorable aspect altogether
put on by it, that torsion has not made way with us. The
reason appears to be, that in castration we cannot endure
the thought of risk of any sort, however small it may be
represented to be.
' " Among the numerous difficulties which the country veterinarian has to
encounter, there are none that hurt his character or blast his reputation more
than a case of unsuccessful gelding." So, truly, writes Mr. Thomson, of Beith.
2 Widely difterent, this, from the French service. M. Texier, V.S. in the
French cavalry, says, "From the beginning of December, 1830 to April, 1831,
I received for my regiment at Erreux about 2900 horses, 2000 of which were
castrated, but by a gelder provided by the contractors."
^ Since this was written I have experimented on an ass with success.
II. 37
578 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
Castration by Scraping. — Mr. Hurford, V.S., 12th
Royal Lancers, now at Bangalore^ Madi-as, in answer to the
question, " Which is the best mode of castration ? '^ says,
" I have tried the actual cautery, the clams, the ligature,
and scraping, and I prefer the last ; it being simple, safe,
and speedy .^^ To perform it — " You begin as for castration
in the ordinary way. Free the testicle, and grasp it with
the left hand ; divide the seminal part of the cord, and,
with a rough-edged knife scrape the vascular cord length-
ways, until you scrape through it. Simple enough, and
speedy too, since from first cut to last scrape takes rather
less than twenty seconds, I have done it in sixteen, and
safely, for I never knew a horse bleed more than I wanted,
and you have a simple wound without any foreign substances
to deal with. The horses stand quiet for three days, being
merely rubbed down. On the third day, the coagulum is
washed away, and the parts cleansed, and nothing more is
required after than to continue to keep them clean. Tetanus
is not a frequent sequel to castration ; though I saw last
month you had put a (?) after what I wrote : as to the time
most likely for an attack, I have always found it to come on
just as the wound had healed, no matter in what part of the
body it may be. Those attacks arising from castration,
generally manifest themselves from the fifteenth to the twen-
tieth day ; but I have seen them both earlier and later. As
a rule, I do not castrate during the hot months, nor during
the heavy rains. Wounds and ulcers generally take on an
unhealthy action at those seasons, and particularly during
rains. But I have operated in every month of the year."
In the year 1848, Mr, Broderick, V.S., 4th Madras Light
Cavalry, sent to the " Veterinarian" (vol. xxi, p. 607) an
account of this operation, practised as follows : — " After
securing the horse, cutting through the scrotum, and draw-
ing out the testicle, uncovered, in the usual way, divide the
vas deferens pretty high up -, take hold then of the vascular
part of the cord, with testicle attached, and spread it out
between the thumbs and fore fingers ; by so doing, the sper-
matic artery is somewhat elevated; now press the finger
CASTRATION. 579
through the fascia, immediately underneath the artery, and
divide all below with a scalpel, leaving little or nothing but
the artery remaining : afterwards take hold of the testicle,
and with a large knife, with a slightly roughened edge
(common post-mortem or table knife), scrape through the
artery, turning the edge of the knife (as the horse lies)
downwards, and slightly inclined towards the belly. The
movement of the knife must be rapid, and about four back-
ward and forward motions will do. Give then a dash of
cold water, and lead the horse to a stall well littered. Some-
times a few drops of blood fall for about half an hour,
seldom longer. Keep the animal quiet ; give him his grass
or hay, and half a feed of corn ; maintain him standing the
first day, but let him lie down the next; exercise half an
hour morning and evening ; gradually increase feed and
exercise. '
" A system somewhat similar was introduced by Mr.
Jennings, late V.S. of Artillery, who, whilst at the Cape on
leave, saw it performed on colts by a farmer. But the
manner in which he saw it done, and afterwards practised
it, was scraping through the whole cord : this, I need not
say, is a disgusting and fearfully tiresome operation, espe-
cially in old horses ; for when you get half-way through the
cord you cut a little, and just in the wrong place, it being
impossible to see the artery, and then you have the blood
spirting in your eyes the remainder of the time. Mr.
Western, V.S. of the Body Guard, was of the same opinion as
myself. I was, nevertheless, struck by the manner in which
those horses I operated upon recovered, showing little or no
pain, leaving the ' sick lines^ cured, and in as good condition
as when they entered ; so I tried it on my present plan, and
with complete success. The operation takes me from one
minute to one and a half, from the time I make the first
incision to the horse being on his legs again. Of course,
with adhesion of the vaginal covering it takes longer. I
have castrated on my new plan 270 horses in my own
regiment, about fifteen daily, and every horse has done well.
Ten by caustic clams ; two by firing (one died) ; two by
580 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
ligature (one died) ; and six by torsiop, altogether 290 ; and
besides my own regiment about twenty in tlie Artillery, on
my ' scraping method/ and every case successful. Messrs.
Crundall, Crowley, and Field (gentlemen who have been
doing duty with me) can all perform the operation equally
as well as myself, and are delighted with its simplicity and
cleanliness ; for you need hardly soil your fingers. I think
gelding must be a safer business in India than at home ; for
our old horses do quite as well as the young. 1 have cut
some eighteen years of age, thirteen of which have been
passed in hard regimental duty. Of the 300 above alluded
to, most were aged : thirty-six averaged sixteen years, and
all of these did well. It may be in place here to say, that
in one or two cases the dropping of blood increased, and I
found it necessary to introduce small pieces of tow up the
scrotum as the horse stood. I fear you will consider me too
prolix, and somewhat egotistical, when I tell you, that I
have been honoured with the approbation of the Commander-
in-Chief, for — to use his Excellency's language — ' the ability
and care evinced in carrying out the important duty that
devolved upon me.'' This is flattering; but I attribute my
success entirely to the system I adopted ; and feel convinced,
taking into consideration the age of my patients, heat of
climate, and many other circumstances, that the old plan
would, in numerous instances, have been attended with fatal
results."
Anormal Appearances during Castration now and
then, not often, present themselves. When they do, it is
generally in adult or old subjects, and in such as have been
in training, or have raced or hunted. Against them the
castrator must be prepared to act at the moment of their
occurrence, there being little time then for consideration,
and no excuse for being — what he never ought to be — taken
by surprise. The first unusual appearance — and very unu-
sual, unless in aged stone-horses, I believe it to be — is,
adhesion between the vaginal and albugineous tunics, the
common situation for which is the infero-posterior part of
the testicle. Should the adhesion be recent, the tunics will
CASTRATION. 581
admit of separation either with the finger or the handle of
the scalpel ; an old and firm one may require cutting. This
will but somewhat protract the operation — in nowise alter
it. The worst accident likely to befal the operator is —
Hernia; and this, should he have done his duty in ex-
amining the animal beforehand, may generally be guarded
against, i. e. by modifying the operation and using every pre-
caution during its performance ; or not encountered. Com-
menting practically on this passage, Mr. Hurford, V.S., 12th
Dragoons, Madras, writes to me, in the " Veterinarian/^
vol. XXV, p. 242 — " I confess I do not understand how, and
should be very glad to be informed. I have operated on a
great number of horses, and I know of no way of preventing
hernia. I have also castrated horses that I know have been
ruptured, several times; and though I would rather not
have done it, I was obliged to go on. Nevertheless, no un-
toward symptoms manifested themselves ; while with others
in perfect health I have had hernia. Pray notice this, such
paragraph in your book, with the authority of your name,
might lead non-professional people to blame the operator,
though no blame really attached to him :" i. e. by re-
fusing to undertake an operation, under such circumstances,
at all. It is very often of little use in some of these
unwelcome cases to represent the risk and danger attendant
on castration . the owner perhaps will have it performed.
In this case, the operation, of all others, especially adapted
for the case, is the " covered" one, with pressure-clams.
Should hernia, not pre-existent, unexpectedly come on during
the operation, the pressure-clams must still be resorted to as
the most effectual means of preventing protrusion; and in
such a case, the longer they are kept on the better. In a
case of actual protrusion of bowels, the introduction of one
hand into the rectum, for the purpose of withdrawing them,
while the other is employed at the scrotum, will be found
the readiest mode of returning them. Should intestines be
inflated, and thereby augmented in volume, it may be neces-
sary to puncture them in places ; at the same time any
requisite dilatation is to be made at the abdominal ring, as
582 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
in case of strangulated hernia, which in fact the case has
now become. Should a portion of omentum protrude, and
be not easily returnable, it had better be cut ofF.^
The consequences of CASTRATION are either
normal or abnormal. The former comprise pain, inflamma-
tion, and its sequels, tumour, suppuration : the latter, hemor-
rhage, hernia, peritonitis and enteritis, champignon and
scirrhus, gangrene, tetanus and palsy, amaurosis, strangles,
farcy and glanders.
The NORMAL or natural Consequences are, expression
of pain, more or less violent, which gradually subsides in the
course of a few hours after the operation ; and tumour of
the parts, appearing about the second day, greatest in the
anterior or most dependent portion of the sheath, and,
according to D'Arboval, greater in colts than adult horses.
Even though the swelling be considerable, still so long as it
is confined to this part, and is evidently " dropping," it need
excite no alarm. It is only when the tumour occupies the
circumference of the wounds, acquires a globular and tense
and shining aspect, extends underneath the belly, and occa-
sions evident stiffness and dragging of the hind quarters,
that it will become necessary to pay especial attention to it ;
not so much on account of its liability to augment outwardly,
and occasion (as it sometimes does) a sort of phymosis and
difficulty of staling, as from its inwardly extending up the
cord, and ending we know hardly where or in what. A full
bloodletting is of all others the best counter-active of such
extension. Frequent walking exercise likewise contributes
much to the dispersion of the swelling. Fomentation may
occupy the intervals. And let copious enemata supply the
place of a cathartic j though, should that appear requisite, I
would give it, notwithstanding certain alleged objections,
without hesitation. When tumour and tension is excessive,
scarifications will often afford great relief: should the conse-
quent issue be reddish, filamentous, and serous, D'Arboval
says, it is ominous of a tendescy to peritonitis and gangrene,
' For further information on this subject turn back to the account of the
operation for the " Hernia of Castration," at p. 390.
CASTRATION. 583
and this danger is much enhanced by the concomitant en-
gorgement of one or both cords.
Suppuration, in reference to the operation by pressure-
clams, according to the same accurate observer, is announced
by some fulness of the lips of the wounds, accompanied by
febrile disorder, commencing on the second or third day,
reaching its height on the fourth, and continuing until the
suppurative process is completely established. At first a
yellow serous issue is observed, which afterwards turns white,
and at last assumes all the characters of pus. This laudable
secretion, though its course may be interrupted by a variety
of circumstances, continues augmenting up to the tenth or
twelfth day, after which it slowly or quickly diminishes,
sometimes not ceasing before the twenty-fourth or thirtieth
day. So that often at the end of a month cicatrization is
not complete, there still remaining some discharge.
The following are the observations of the late Mr. John
Field, in regard to suppuration.
"A grey horse castrated (with the clams) 23d October,
1836, had no regular purulent discharge, until the 29th;
only a serous exudation existing previously to that.
'• A black colt castrated with sticks (clams) 19th October,
and, fourteen hours after, the sticks were removed. Three
hours after this, pulse 42. 27th October, we first noticed
purulent discharge. Particular attention was paid to dis-
cover at what period this took place.
" 18th October, 1826. — The hair was shorn off a place in
the skin, by the side of the right nasal bone. Caustic
potash was rubbed in partly through the skin. 30th Octo-
ber, first commenced separating at the lowest part.''
The ABNORMAL or INAUSPICIOUS Consequences of castra-
• tion include one which is hardly ever noticed, or perhaps
little thought of, viz. the admission of air into the abdomen :
one very properly mentioned by D'Arboval as liable to occur
in every operation save the " covered" one, and often, as he
says, demonstrable at the time, by the gurgling in the
sheath audible on inspiration and expiration. Its presence
has never appeared to do harm.
584 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
Hemorrhage, either unavoidable or from mismanage-
ment, may occur after any of the operations ; though it
rarely does to an amount to excite apprehension ; and when
alarm has arisen, there are still so many chances in favour
of its stopping that we need be in no hurry about recasting
the horse, or taking any desperate measures. Bleeding
from a single spermatic artery — and it is not likely blood
is flowing from both — though left without any measures
whatever being taken to staunch the hemorrhage, is exceeding
unlikely to proceed to any dangerous length. Professor
Coleman^s experiment warrants this assertion. To be sure,
his case was one of arrachement ; but then it was that of an
old stallion : a young one would have had a still better
chance of surviving.
Lafosse could not conceive why people took so much pains about castra-
tion. He assures us he has cut many horses without either cautery or
ligature, and they perfectly recovered : it is true, a good deal of hemor-
rhage followed, but this was in no case mortal, at least that he heard of,
Matheron excised both the testicles of a glandered horse. The animal
bled copiously for four hours, when he fell from weakness, and sank into
a state of stupor ; in which he lay six hours, and then recovered sufficiently
to eat. On the fifth day after, he was destroyed, being in a fair way of
recovery. Mathia performed the same experiment at Turin, in presence
of Toffia, and the horse recovered. Excision of the testicles of a young
vigorous horse, whose value was guaranteed, was also exhibited at the
Alfort School, in the presence of the Professors Gilbert and Barruel ; an
account of which will be found in the Report of the Public Session held
at the School on 12th Nov. 1815. In several countries in Europe castra-
tion is accomplished simply by laying open the scrotum and tearing out
the testicles : the spermatic vessels are left unsecured and unsealed, and
yet there is no dangerous hemorrhage ; but the acute pains which lacera-
tion of the nerves occasion even produce so much inflammation and en-
gorgement that it would be better to cut than to tear the cord. — Bar-
thelemy, desirous of setting the question beyond the pale of doubt, cut
both spermatic cords, just above the epididymes, in five horses intended
for dissection. One had risen a quarter of an hour before bleeding com-
menced. Another lost nearly a quart of blood. A third lost but a few
ounces. It was observed that the hemorrhage continued longest in those
that were weakest. Gohier has likewise made some similar experiments
not on horses only, but on other animals, from which he has drawn three con-
clusions:— 1st, That the castration of solipedes by simple excision of the
CASTRATION. 585
spermatic cords is not always a proceeding unattended with danger, some
having lost within the space of a few hours as much as from two to four
gallons of blood. 2dly, That such a procedure appeared less perilous in
dogs. 3dly, That in small dogs, cats, young boars, lambs, and goats, the
hemorrhage was of hardly any amount.
If the improbability of the animal bleeding to death be
great even when simple excision is practised and no means
are taken to seal or secure the vessels, how much greater
must this be when but partial hemorrhage ensues from one
or other of these styptic measures having failed ! I never
heard of a horse bleeding to death after castration by cau-
terization ; and after the use of pressure-clams, providing
the clams be not removed, or the horse do not tear them
off, before the testicles slough away, or they be not taken
off in a manner to lacerate or unglue the sealed extremity
of the cord, there can be none. In case there should be
any small stream of hemorrhage after the removal of the
clams, it is in general very easy to catch the bleeding orifice
with forceps or tenaculum, and pass a simple ligature around
it ; or, if it be difficult to do this, or there be two or three
places bleeding, the clams may be put on again. There is
no diflSculty so long as the end of the cord is visible ; it is
when the bleeding cord has been shortened by excision or
cauterization, or by the clams being torn off to that degree
that it subsequently becomes retracted and drawn up into
the vaginal sheath, that the case turns out embarrassing.
In this predicament, the promptest and simplest remedy we
can adopt is dashing buckets of ice-cold water upon the
sheath ; the surest, getting hold, if possible, of the end of
the cord with a pair of long and bowed forceps, and drawing
it down, and putting a ligature around it, or applying the
cautery to it : not being likely, however, to effect this, unless
the horse be cast — which may or may not be advisable or
convenient — should the cold affusion fail, we may try if we
can plug the bleeding side of the scrotum with tow dipped
in a solution of alum, and made up into hard pellets. Even
this, however, according to D'Arboval, may prove objection-
able, from the blood having been known to ascend and enter
586 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
the abdomen : tlius^ perhaps^ occasioning death in another
way.
Hernia rarely occurs after castration : indeed, when the
pressure-clams have been properly applied, it is almost im-
possible for it to happen. Should any bowel protrude, it
will become necessary to cast the horse again, in order that
it may be completely returned, and effectual measures taken
to prevent return, and ensure its permanent reduction. Where
no pressure-clams have been or can be used, the best —
indeed the only — means of security we possess against re-
lapsed protrusion, consist in stitching up the scrotum -, for
which the quill-suture will be found the strongest and most
durable,^
Cases of Descent of Bowel after Castration do, on
occasions, occur, and in some instances, such is the restora-
tive power in the young animal, occur with impunity, as the
following case shows :
" A few weeks since I was sent for in great haste a distance of about
three miles to see a well-bred two-year-old colt that had that afternoon
been castrated. After the operation, when the animal began to walk,
the castrator observed an enlargement in the scrotum, which in a few
minutes proved to be the intestine. It began to increase, and descended
nearly to the hock. I was immediately sent for, and by the time I arrived
the castrator had the colt again cast, replaced the intestines, and put
three stitches of small twine in the abdominal ring through and across ;
also three more stitches through the upper part of the scrotum, as close
to the ring as possible. The stitches appeared to be well placed in the
ring, and I did not consider it necessary to make any alteration : had I
been there a few minutes earlier, I should have used the metallic wire,
instead of the twine. The colt did well, without any further treatment
more than a little physic and a restricted diet.
This person informed me that he had operated on more than 3000
colts, but never had such a case before. The omentum he frequently
found in the scrotum : that he never hesitates to take off, even to the
extent of a yard."
Peritonitis is a serious and sad consequence of the opera-
tion, and one that may show itself at any period, even during
' For further information on the subject of this hernia, turn back to p. 390.
CASTRATION.
687
convalescence, at the same time, one which, but too com-
monly, by rapid strides, in spite of all that can be done,
ends in mortification and death. Inflammation aggravated
or protracted in the scrotal wounds from some source of
irritation, will readily find its way into the abdomen ; though
this probably is not so frequent a cause as catching cold or
exposure to cold : turning a colt out after being operated on
during cold damp weather, or into wet marshy pasture, and
particularly at the fall of the year or in winter, is certainly
hazarding an attack of peritonitis. It was observed at the
Veterinary School at Lyons, during the sessional year 1817-
18, that the inclement weather 'which prevailed proved the
occasion of several horses being suddenly seized with peri-
tonitis after castration, and of some dying from it in spite
of all that could be done. Dulness and dejection ; loss of
appetite ; a tucked-up and tense abdomen ; disturbance of
respiration and pulse, ending in the manifestation of abdo-
minal pain ; will denote its attack, and immediately set us
about the employment of appropriate remedies.
Enteritis, according to D'Arboval, may prove a complica-
tion of peritonitis, and render the case so much the more
dangerous. This is more likely to happen when the horse
has not received the preparation of fasting for the operation,
pr has taken cold after it. It is indicated by the presence
of the most violent griping pains. Should peritonitis not
be already present, these fits of colic may bring it on. It
must be treated accordingly.^
Champignon — for which we have not yet got an English
name — is one of the occasional consequences after castration
of the pressure-clams : in no case, that I am aware of, has
it supervened upon cauterization ; hence the little we as yet
know about it in this country compared with the knowledge
which the experience of years has put French veterinarians
ijito the possession of concerning it. D'ArbovaFs definition
of it, is, a fungous enlargement of a scirrhous nature of the
lower extremities of the spermatic cord ; and the account he
' For an account of the symptoms and treatment turn back to " Peritonitis "
and " Enteritis."
588 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
gives of it is as follows : So long as the disease is confined
to the extreme end of the cord, it retains the appellation of
champignon; when a sarcomatous change comes to affect the
entire cord as high as, or even beyond, the abdominal ring,
it then takes the name of scirrhus of the cord. Champignon
oftener appears on the left than on the right side : not
owing to any particularity of structure, but simph^, appa-
rently, to the greater difficulty of placing the clams upon
the left cord, owing to the right testicle being in the opera-
tor's way. One is apt not to be able to get the clams so
high up or so completely closed, and thus a portion of the
epididymis is very apt to become included, a circumstance
which is the usual cause of champignon. In some of these
cases the swelling runs up the cord, reaching even to the
loins, and becomes a source of great pain. The cord con-
tracts adhesions with the surrounding parts, and sometimes
itself turns to a cancerous mass. Now and then, in the
first instance, the scrotum partakes of the scirrhous tumefac-
tion : but this gradually subsides — seldom any cicatrization
or adhesion of it taking place. In general the aperture
remains open and discharging, and the end of the cord,
hanging loose within it^ continues ascending and descending
according to the action of the cremaster. Champignons
vary in their size and form : sometimes their largest part is
below, sometimes above. Soon after the commencement of
this disease, commonly between the sixth and tenth day, the
horse manifests stiffness in moving the limb of the aftected
side. This dragging of one or both hind legs is evident on
his first leaving his box or stable : should it not diminish
or disappear from exercise, but, on the contrary, continue
or become worse after it, we have good reason to suspect
champignon ; for, as for the stifihess arising from the opera-
tion itself, that is dispersed by exercise. In proportion as
the swelling of the cord augments, the difficulty of progres-
sion increases, both the croup and loins manifesting it in
their movements : the horse also on occasions draws up his
leg while standing, becomes dull, tucked up, and falls away.
When the tumefaction of the cord is excessive, the animal
CASTRATION. 589
halts upon the aflfected side, and at times the limb becomes
swollen all the way down ; and, should both cords be diseased,
the movement of both hind limbs becomes painful : the
patient no longer lying down, but continuing to be preyed
upon by an exhausting suppuration and fever, ending in
marasm and death. The cord on dissection appears solid,
thick, and scirrhous, and as large as a man^s arm in volume,
all the way from the wound to the loins, having vessels in
it the size of one's finger, and divers abscesses full of black,
sanious, fetid mat.ter. The kidney, haunch, and thigh of
the same side contain fistulous ulcerations ; the bladder has
the appearance of scirrhus : in fine, all the surrounding parts
participating more or less in the general disorganization.
Scirrhus and champignon constitute a grave, often indeed
a mortal, affection. Among the numerous and discernible
causes for it, the principal are such as occasion inflammatory
irritation. It is generally believed that placing the clams
upon the epididymis, or not immediately above it, may pro-
duce the disease. Let not the fear of being able to accom-
plish the drawing down of the testicle induce us to place the
clams close upon it, where the compression must necessarily
be incomplete ; on the other hand, let us not place the clams
unreasonably high up, lest the cord become dragged by the
expansion and pressure of the belly against it. Aged horses
are more liable than colts to champignon ; and stallions more
than stone-horses who have never had mares. Lastly,
champignon may result from the cord being diseased prior
to operation.
Treatment of Champignon. — In robust and healthy
subjects, champignon and scirrhus often become dissipated,
in the course of time, by a continued profuse suppuration ;
in which case the swelling disappears in from six to twelve
months. Fomentations, dressings, and exercise, promote
this favorable termination. When there is no prospect of
resolution in this manner, the operations of amputation and
ligature are offered for our notice. It has been proposed to
cut or burn off champignons while the cord continues in a
swollen and painful condition; but from this, gangrene is
590 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
liable to result. Nevertheless, Gillet, Bezier, Robert,
Poincelot, and Matliieu, have amuptated tumours of great
volume with success. In my opinion, amputation is only
advisable when champignons are of small size, have narrow
bases and lower surfaces spreading over the borders of the
scrotal wound, with cords but little enlarged. For the
operation, the horse is to be secured the same as for castra-
tion ; the external wound is then to be dilated by incisions
in front and behind; the base of the champignon to be
isolated by dissection ; and fluted clams, containing, if it be
thought necessary, some bichloride of mercury, applied. On
the second or third day the clams may be removed, and the
champignon cut off, without fear of hemorrhage. In other
cases ligature is to be preferred. Indeed, providing there
be not evident objections to its use, it may be considered
our general remedy. One would not think of applying
ligature in a case where the spermatic cord was swollen the
entire way up to the ring, or of carrying a ligature so high
up as that, even supposing the swelling terminated there;
and yet in such a case as this, unless the cord be divided at
the ring, the disease is almost certain to return, and proba-
bly in a worse form. We must take care that our remedy
prove not worse than the disease. Ligature, in point of
fact, is applicable only in those cases in which it can be
carried above the place of enlargement in the cord; and
inapplicable in such as have the enlargement extending
beyond the ring, too high to be surmounted by it, with
enormous tumefaction upwards as well : here, ligature must
necessarily include the scirrhous substance itself, the portion
of Avhich still remaining, above it, will rapidly augment and
cause death. And when the base of the champignon has
acquired a certain volume, the spermatic vessels are found
to have become greatly enlarged also, rendering hemorrhage
almost certain to happen, indeed almost inevitable.
Ligature, supposing it to be practicable and advisable, is
still not to be employed until inflammation has been subdued,
nor without some preparation of the patient. The horse
being secured as for castration, an incision is to be made
CASTRATION. 591
across the middle of the lower surface of the tumour, from
one extremity to the other, in such manner as to destroy, as
much as possible, any surrounding adhesions the cord may
have contracted, without risk of wounding its vessels. This
will enable us to get at the neck of the tumour, around
which is to be fastened our ligature, tight enough to inter-
rupt the circulation. Over this is to be placed a second
ligature, furnished with a slip-knot, with its end brought out
of the external wound, and so adjusted that it may be
tightened after suppuration has commenced. Some veteri-
narians who have been desirous to employ clams in these
cases, have had curved clams made. Chabert directs us to
have a leaden ring constructed for the cord, which can be
contracted at pleasure. Mathieu uses a sort of pincers of
his own invention, or else a ligature so disposed that it acts
only upon the blood-vessels.
In the treatment of scirrhus, when once it has extended
along the cord, as high, perhaps, as the loins, quite out of
the reach of ligature — a fact that may be ascertained by
manual examination ^;er rectum — and the cord itself is found
to be indurated, and increased in volume upwards, and has
contracted adhesions with the surrounding parts, and is
likely to degenerate into a cancerous mass, in its extent from
the scrotum to the loins, other means must be sought. One
resource is left us — that of piercing or boring the cord with
a red-hot iron, of sufficient length and straightness, and
about the diameter of the finger." The scirrhous cord is to
be drawn forth, to the extent that it will bear, by an assis-
tant, who at the same time diverges the lips of the wound,
while the operator plunges the cautery into the scirrhous
substance, and thrusts it longitudinally through it. At the
same time he may, if he likes, cauterise its sides, both within
and without the scrotum : the object being to induce a
suppurative process which may in the end consume it. From
time to time the eschars and concretions of matter will
require removal, and the parts cleansing.
At the Toiilouse Veterinary School, an enormous champignon, the
consequence of castration, of about three months' standing, was cured
593 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
by caustic. The horse was in the state of exhaustion and marasm afore
described. Ligature was attempted, but slipped off from not being got
high enough. Several different times it was tried to plunge an iron,
white-hot, into the cord, previously denuded of its softer parts by means
of a section of elder-wood, which served as a director ; but it destroyed
only some softer portions, and there was apprehension of inflammation
ensuing. Profiting by the cavity that had been made by the cautery,
we introduced into it a piece of caustic potash, and confined it with a
plug of tow ; surrounding the cord with tow besides, to protect it against
any caustic droppings, the tow being confined by sutures. The animal
was kept upon his back for a quarter of an hour, which was deemed
requisite to give the caustic time to combine with the tissues. Three
days afterwards an abundant suppuration brought away the plugs of
tow. Reduction of the enlarged cord followed, and suppuration ended ;
but for a year and a half afterwards, working and living well all the while,
the horse continued very thin. Nothing could be felt along the cord.
Fistula of the scrotum, having cicatrized or inverted edges
and discharging an ill-conditioned purulent matter, now and
then accompanies the enlargement of the cord. In other
cases abscess forms. This requires opening the moment it
points : such having been known to open inwards, and
destroy life.
The following case shows to what enormity of bulk,
neglected scirrhus of the cord, and spread of the disease to
the scrotum and sheath, may in time give rise.
Mr. Megginnis, V.S., Horsham, sent a tumour for examination to the
Veterinary College weighing 29 lbs., which, during life, swung between
the horse's thighs from side to* side, like a cow's udder ; and yet, large
as it was, it did not interfere with the act of staling. The horse was de-
stroyed on account of it in his fourteenth year. Mr. Megginnis knew him
when but three years old, " at which time he had the appearance of being a
rig, and there was always a discharge from the scrotum. For some time,
the enlargement was not greater than an egg ; it subsequently increased
to the size of a cricket-ball." After four years more, " being better fed
and not so much worked, the swelling began gradually to augment more
perceptibly; but it did not affect his health," he being regularly hunted.
— " The wound would occasionally cease discharging for a few days, and
then break out in a fresh place ; and so it continued up to the time the
horse was killed." " Lately, he began to lose his cheerful look and condi-
tion, and to be rather tucked up, and to lose flesh," and, at last, to be in
pain ; on which account his owner had him killed.
CASTRATION. 593
Gangrene may be the consequence of excessive tumefac-
tion of the sheath, or of scirrhus of the cord, or may super-
vene upon peritonitis.
Tktanus may ensue either before or after the period of
suppuration ; arising, on occasions, it would appear probable,
from the compression upon the nerve being insufficient to
annihilate sensation. Certain irritable horses are most
liable to this unfortunate sequel, and it has been observed
to occur oftener in summer than in winter : peritonitis being
the most common in winter. In both cases, however, the
causes may be the same. Tetanus may result from a cur-
rent of cold air interrupting the suppurative process, and
occasioning metastasis. One obvious indication of cure will
be to re-establish suppuration.
Hurtrel d^Arboval informs us, that at a remount depot
for cavalry, established at Bee {Department de rEure) 24
horses were castrated in the same day, and afterwards were
made, four times a day, to take a cold bath, in water derived
from an eminently cold spring ; and that the consequences
were, sixteen out of the twenty-four died of locked jaw.
In Mr. Gavin's case, to be found in ' The Veterinarian,'
vol. XXV, p. 429, tetanus appears to have resulted from the
heat of the weather, which at the time of operation appears
to have been excessive.
Amaurosis occurred, under D'Arboval's observation, on
the fourth day after the operation, in a horse three years old,
which had passed the night embedded in mud, in a ditch : but
it disappeared after continuing six days. Another horse,
four years old, turned out, after the operation, into low
pasturage, and lying out, became amaurotic next morning :
he was immediately taken into the stable, and eight days
afterwards had recovered, Fromage de Feugre has likewise
observed amaurosis follow castration, which was attended by
hemorrhage of the cord : this likewise terminated favorably.
But the most striking case of this kind is one Gohier relates,
A month after having been castrated, a horse, in his sixth year, exhibited
a champignon as large as an egg. Gohier laid open the 'scrotum
deeply, and placed above the induration well-closed clams. A small
II. 38
594 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION.
stream of blood issued from the woimd at the time, which at first was
disregarded ; but, half-an-hour afterwards, perceiving that the hemor-
rhage continued, the horse was led into a river, and allowed to remain
therein for half-an-hour, up to his belly iii water. The bleeding stopped,
and Gohier left him ; but, on his return, he found that a great deal of
blood had been lost ; that the pulse was very small ; and that vision was
extinguished, owing to an extreme dilatation of both pupils. Gohier
applied some agaric powder to the vessels, and plugged the wound with
tow, which he confined by sutures. The bleeding ceased, but left the
animal in extreme weakness for thirty-six hours ; during which cordials
were administered. By degrees he recovered, and about the fifteenth
day his strength returned : the pupils, however, continued still in a state
of dilatation, and vision remained very defective. For four months he
was kept under observation, remaining in statu quo ; afterwards, he went
to work in a cart, and at the elapse of a year died of colic.
Strangles, or something akin to it, has proved a sequel —
I do not say a consequence — of castration, as the subjoined
case will show : it must, I take it, or its virus, have pre-
existed in the system.
Mr. Lee, V.S.., Sleaford, was called to a blood-colt, who immediately
after being cut had been " attacked with strangles, accompanied by ulce-
ration of the scrotum and general oedema and debility." The pulse was
60 ; the appetite gone ; the penis and scrotum much swollen. Fever and
diuretic medicine, and opening and fomenting the scrotum, to appearance
recovered him. On the eighth day he again lost his appetite, and then
a large tumour appeared to be forming on the inside of the thigh, near
the scrotum. Two days afterwards, Mr. Lee opened the tumour, and let
out upwards of two quarts of pus, " which flowed through the abdominal
ring." The colt thenceforth regained his appetite, and in a few days
became quite on the road of recovery.
Farcy and Glanders followed castration in the case an-
nexed :
In May, 1823, a three-year-old colt, the property of Mr. L., of Eltham,
was cut in the usual manner, with the actual cautery, by my father. On
the seventh day afterwards some pimples, perceptible only to the feel,
were discovered upon the outer side of the near quarter, forming by their
course a connected chain. These grew in size and assumed the appear-
ance of farcy buds. And what increased suspicion was, that the colt
halted with the limb. On the tenth day, similar pimples appeared upon
CASTRATION.
)95
the opposite hind, aad upon both fore limbs as well, and likewise upon
the head and neck. All the legs then took to swell ; but, most of all,
the off hind, to which the lameness became transferred. Soon after, he
commenced emitting purulent matter from the nostrils. Fever had been
all along an accompaniment. On the twenty-sixth day from that of the
operation the colt was destroyed, suffering in the last stage of farcy
coupled with the supervention of glanders.
CONCLUSION OF THE SECOND VOLUME.
PIUXTED BY J. E. ADLAiU),
BARTHOLOMKW 01 OSB.
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