Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others].

Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    76/690 (page 70)
    too tight, as this would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intestines would extrude, and death result. If properly applied an adhesion is established between the skin and the umbilicus which effectually closes the orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking up the fold of the skin covering the hernial sac and holding it until the adhesion is formed. Diaphragmatic hernia.—This consists of the passage of any of the abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm (midriff) into the cavity of the thorax. It is rather a rare accident and one often impos- sible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompanied by great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar position so often assumed (that of sitting upon the haunches) are somewhat characteristic of this trouble, though these symptoms, as we have already seen, may be present during diseases of the stomach or anterior portion of the bow- els. Even could we pronounce, with certainty, this form of hernia, there is little or nothing that can be done. Leading the horse up a very steep gangway or causing him to rear up may possibly cause the hernial portion to return to its natural position. This is not enough, however; it must be kept there. Peritonitis.—Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous membrane lining the cavity of and covering the viscera contained within the abdo- men. It is very rare to see a case of primary peritonitis. It is, how- ever, somewhat common as a secondary disease from extension of the inflammatory action involving organs covered by the peritoneum. Peritonitis is often caused by injuries, as punctured wounds of the abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, as is still more common, following the operation of castration. It follows strangulated hernia, invagina- tion, or rupture of the stomach, intestines, liver, or womb. Symptoms.—Peritonitis is mostly preceded by a chill; the horse is not disposed to move, and, if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or sore gait; he paws with the front feet and may strike at his belly with the hind ones; lies down very carefully; as the pain is increased while down, he maintains during most of the time the standing position; he walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usually present. Pres- sure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will bite, strike, or kick if so disturbed; the abdomen is tucked up; the extremities fine and cold. The temperature is higher than normal, reaching from 102° to 104° F. The pulse in peritonitis is rather characteristic; it is quick- ened, beating from seventy to ninety beats per minute, and is hard and wiry. This peculiarity of the pulse occurs in inflammation of the serous membrane, and if, accompanied by colicky symptoms, and, in particular, if following any injuries, accidental or surgical, of the peritoneum, there is reason to think that peritonitis is present. Peri- tonitis in the horse is mostly fatal when it is at all extensive. If death does not occur in a short time, the inflammation assumes a chronic form, in which there is an extensive effusion of water in the cavity of the