,drtem Examinations, ^IW. CtEIVSENT, '■' Diaitized-bV Micrc X CORNELL UNIVERSITY. THE BosmeU p. 3P^(otticr l:ibrarg THE GIFT OF ROSWELL P. FLOWER FOR THE USE OF THE N. Y. STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE 1897 8394-1 Digitized by Microsoft® 3ity Library SF 769.C62 Veterinary post-mortem examinations, 3 1924 001 104 623 Date Due NOV 8 1959 (' .^-^ ^-' ^^ Library Bureau Cat, No. 1137 Digitized by Microsoft® This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation with Corneii University Libraries, 2007. You may use and print this copy in iimited quantity for your personai purposes, but may not distribute or provide access to it (or modified or partiai versions of it) for revenue-generating or other commerciai purposes. Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS BY A. W. CLEMENT, V. S. N^W YORK: < f, '-^ SABISTON & MURRAY, < '■ Ve;tbrinary PubIvIShers and Bookseli^ers, 916 Sixth Avenue, 1891, Digitized by Microsoft® N u- IsS'i) Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1891, iDy SaBISTON & MUBRAY, in the office of the Lihrarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. Digitized by Microsoft® PREFACE. Eecords of autopsies, to be of any value, should accurately represent the appearances of the tissues and organs so that a diagnosis might be made by the reader were not the examiner's conclusions stated. To make the pathological conditions clear to the reader,, some definite system of dissection is necessary. The absence in the English language, of any guide in making autopsies upon the lower animals, induced the writer to contribute an article upon this subject to the "Eeference Handbook of the Medical Sciences." Volume VII. 1888. That it may be of more practical value to the profession I have decided to publish it in book form. A. W. C. Digitized by Microsoft® Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924001 1 04623 Digitizes by Microsoft® Veterinary The general method of making i^ost-mortem ex- aminations on animals is similar to that followed in human autopsies. Yet the differences in the size of the organs, together with some differences in the anatomy, make certain special procedures necessary. The supero-inferior greatly exceeds the lateral diameter of the chest in all four-footed animals. The supraspinous processes are greatly developed and the muscles which attach the limbs to the trunk are short and thick, bringing the scapula and hu- merus close to the chest and the femur close to the posterior part of the abdomen (see Fig. 1.) The shape of the thorax, therefore, together with the way in which the legs are attached to the body, make it impossible to keep the animal upon its back without Digitized by Microsoft® 6 VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. some support, or without loosening tlie muscular attachments; and, in the larger animals, even the loosening of these muscular attachments will not keep the body perfectly well balanced. In the smaller animals division of the pectoral muscles, allowing the fore limbs to lie flat upon -the table, and of the adductors of the thigh, allowing the hind limbs to fall outward, will be found suffi- cient to keep the body flat upon its back (see Fig. 2). For the larger animals, however, especial arrange- ments have been devised for holding them in place, and, though too elaborate for fleld-work, they can be made practicable in the city, where many dead ani- mals are taken to one place. The methods here de- scribed will be based upon the supposition that the operator has appropriate arrangements at his dis- posal, and such substitutions as are necessary for ordinary field-work will be mentioned afterward. The horse will be taken as the type, and, unless otherwise mentioned, the description refers to that animal. Especial attention should be given to de- termining the presence of Entozoa as they are apt to be overlooked and often give rise to serious trouble and may cause death. The Horse. — It is always better to have an ani- mal on its back than on its side. It is also better to have the body on a platform so high that the opera- Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 7 tor can work conveniently. It is, moreover, desirable to have tlie platform movable, so that the position of the body may be changed at will. For the above purpose a carriage or truck, similar to that used by railroad porters, may be made (see Fig. 3). This truck should be about eight feet long by three feet wide ; the platform should be about two feet from the ground, and above the top of the four wheels which must support it. Iron sockets should be placed near the edge of the platform, and sunk into the wood so that the top will come even with the floor of the platform. These sockets must be so placed that they will come opposite each of the four limbs. They should be of just the right size to allow the uprights to fit into them. These uprights should be iron bars about four feet long and one inch thick. They should have a shepherd's crook on the end, to which the cords which hold the legs in place may be secured. These bars should fit loosely into the sockets, so that they can be re- moved easily at any time. The animal can be hoisted on to the truck by means of a Yale pulley. When placed in position, the iron bars can be put in and the legs secured to them, as shown in Fig. 3. Everything is now ready. The animal is in position, the instruments are sharp- ened, and buckets of clean water and sponges are at Digitized by Microsoft® 8 VETEBINART P0S*-MOETEM EXAMINAgCiON^. hand. The first procedure is to make a general in- spection of the animal: 1, As to color; 2, sex; 3, age; 4, weight; 5, general condition; 6, condition of abdo- men, whether much distended or not; 7, any abnorm- al appearances about the skin, such as scars, abras- ions of the surface, evidence of having been blistered, Pia. 1.— Skeleton of a Horse, showing the Shape of the Thoracic Cavity. or of the actual cautery having been applied. Ectoza, Lice, Ova of diptera. Mange, Ectophyte, Eingworm; 8, any abnormal prominences or depress- ions; 9, condition of the hoofs; in short, any abnormal appearances striking enough to be evident to the eye on general inspection. Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 9 The general inspection having been completed, a special inspection of the exterior should now be made to determine : 1, The condition of the visible mucous membranes; 2, the condition of the glands in the submaxillary region, and in the parotid, axillary, and inguinal regions; 3, the condition of the skin over the jugular vein about midway of the neck (any cic- atriuial tissue giving evidence of the animal ever having been bled) ; 4, any prominences on the limbs — in short, any pathological conditions which can be made out by the eye or finger before any cutting has been done. The above inspection has generally to be made before the animal has been placed upon the truck, as the hide is saved by those who dispose of the animal.* After this inspection an incision through the skin over the sternum is to be made. In human autopsies the knife, firmly grasped in the right hand, is drawn toward the operator's body, and the primary incision, begun at the chin, is carried to the p.ibis. In the lower animals,, on account of the hair aad dirt, such a procedure would take the edge off the knife; con- sequently it is better to adopt the method used by butchers, of making a small incision in the skin along the median line, then inserting the knife under the *If the hide is saved, it i,3 removed by the Itnaeker or butcher before the animal is placed on the truck. It is an advantage to Lave the hide first . removed. Digitized by Microsoft® 10 VETERINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. skin, cutting upward through the skin, and away from, instead of towards one's self. The incision must extend from the mouth to the anus, passing to the right of the penis and testicles in the male and between the mammae in the female. A second incision, begun just in front of the penis, should be carried to the anus, passing to the left of the penis. Incisions through the skin should be made transversely to this longitudinal incision from the middle of the pubis along the inside of the thighs nearly to the hocks, and from the middle of the sternum, along the inside of the forelegs, nearly to the carpus. The skin should then be cut around the legs at the end of the last incisions, and the skin taken off from this part of the legs, from the trunk and from over the trachea and lower jaw. Just beneath the skin are often found the larvae of diptera in various animals, especially in cattle. The penis should then be ex- amined and dissected back, allowing it to fall over the perineum. The mammse should be examined and excised if the animal be a female. The abdominal muscles and the peritoneum may now be cut through from the sternum to the pubis, care being taken not to wound the intestines in the operation. About midway of the abdomen the mus- cles and peritoneum should be divided transversely, the cut extending to the false ribs on either side. Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINAET POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 11 Fio. 2,— Post-mortem Examination on a Small Animal. Digitized by Microsoft® 12 VBTERINAEY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. The flaps so made should be laid over on the chest and on the flanks, and cuts should be made in the muscle crosswise, so that the flaps will lie flat (see Fig. 3, c). While making the transverse section of the abdominal wall any abnormal contents of the peritoneal cavity should be noted, together with the character of such contents ; also the condition of the peritoneum itself, and, in a general way, of the intes- tines. In making autopsies on the human subject most precise directions are given to open the abdomen first, and to examine the contents without removing any organs; then to carefully ascertain the position of the diaphragm and to open the thorax and proceed with the dissection of the organs therein contained. On account of the bulkiness and intricacy of the in- testines in the horse, it is well to remove them as soon as possible, else they will become involved in arrangement so as to make it difficult to straighten them out. It is therefore better first to dissect the large intestine, an'd the small intestine as far 'as the duodenum, in the horse, and in cattle to remove the stomachs as well; then to open the thorax and to re- move the organs therein contained, and afterward to go back and finish the abdomen. In the smaller animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, etc., the intestines do not interfere, and the proced- Digitized by Microsoft® VETEKINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 13 ure may be that followed in human post-mortem ex- aminations, so far as the order of the removal of the organs is concerned (see Fig. 2). We have now made a general inspection of the Fig. 3.— Truck for Post-mortem Examinations, a, Double colon; *, small intestine ; c, caecum. animal, noted its color, sex, age, and weight, together with any abnormal appearances of the exterior. We have directed how the primary section should be made, and which part should be dissected first, and Digitized by Microsoft® 14 VBTEKINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. why. The abdomen has been exposed and any ab- normal contents have been noted, together with any abnormal condition of the peritoneum. We are now" ready to begin the dissection of the intestines. For convenience of description the abdominal cav- ity is divided into several areas; these divisions are arbitrary, and anatomists do not all agree as to how they should be made. The one most generally adopted in the schools in England and America, and which is probably the simplest, is the following, tak- en from McFadyean's "Anatomy of the Horse" (Edinburgh and London, 1884). Two transverse planes divide the cavity into three regions, then two longitudinal planes subdivide each of these regions into three parts. The first trans- verse plane passes through the lower end of the fif- teenth rib. The second passes through the external angle of the ilium on either side. The two parallel longitudinal planes extend from the pelvis to the sternum, passing through the centre of Poupart's ligament on either side. The regions thus formed are, between the diaphragm and the transverse plane passing through the fifteenth rib, the left hypochon- driac, epigastric, and right hypochondriac; in the J region between the above plane and the transverse i plane which passes through the angle of the ilium, the left lumbar, umbilical, and right lumbar. The Digitized by Microsoft® VETEEINAKY POST-MOKTEM EXAMINATIONS. 15 regions posterior to tlie plane passing through the angles of the haunch are the left iliac, hypogastric, and right iliac. The first part of the intestine to be manipulated is the large or double colon. It starts from the caecum in the right hypochondriac region, passes forward to the diaphragm, where it turns upon itself, forming the suprasternal flexure. It then passes back to the pelvic cavity and there turns again, forming the pel- vic flexure, whence it passes forward to the epigast- rium, forming a third flexure — the diaphragmatic or gastrohepatic, which is in contact with the dia- phragm and liver. It then passes back to the base of the caecum, to which it is attached, and, becoming suddenly smaller, passes on as the floating colon. The first and fourth and the second and third portions are attached to each other at the sides; otherwise the gut is free from the time it leaves the caecum until it termiuates in the floating colon, at which point, as mentioned above, it is attached by cellular tissue to the base of the caecum and to the pancreas. It will be seen that the free extremity of the double colon is at the pelvic flexure; This extrem- ity must be grasped firmly with the hands and car- ried forward so as to obliterate the suprasternal and diaphragmatic flexures and allowed to fall with the Digitized by Microsoft® 16 A'ETEEINART POST-MOETEM EXAMIKATIONS. CiBCum on the right of the body, as far forward as possible, so as to be out of the way of the operator. The operator, standing on the right of the « Fio. 4.— Horse, showing Becto-duodenal Ligament, a, Iilgature around rectum; b, ligature around duodenum. animal, should now pull out the small intes- tines, allowing them to fall over the platform, at- tached by the mesentery (see Fig. 3, 6). The mesen- teric arterici^ should then be examined by manipu- lation to detf rmine the presence or absence of Ane- Digitized by Microsoft® VETEKINAET POST-MORTEM EXA3IINATI0NS. 17 urisms of these vessels, usually ver/minous. He should then go to the left side of the animal, and, beginning near the anus, pull out the rectum and floating colon on that side (see Fig. 4). The recto- duod&xal ligament will now be exposed to view, and this indicates the situation where ligatures are to be applied to the intestine. One ligature is placed around the rectum near the corresponding extremity of this liga- . ment (at a, in Fig. 4). Another ligature, b, is passed around the duodenum just at the beginning of the jejunum; i. e., at the insertion of the above named ligament. The gut is cut through at this point, and the jejunum and ileum are dissected from the m,esentery, and, after being ligatured at the csecum, cut through {b. in Fig. 5), and allowed to fall to the floor or in- to a receptacle placed there. The operator now excises the rectum, as near to the anus as possible, and dissects forward until he comes to the ligature (a, Fig. 5), where he cuts the gut through and al- lows it to fall. The next procedure is to free the cceaum, double colon, and what remains of the floating colon from their attachments. This is easily done by detaching the loose cellular tissue with the fingers and by cut- ting the strong bands of peritoneum, the meso-csecal ligaments — by which the caecum is attached to the sublumbar region and t;o the colon at its origin — and Digitized by Microsoft® 18 VETERINARY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. the cellular tissue which attaches the double colon to the pancreas and to the wall of the abdomen. The attachments having been severed, the caecum and colon are allowed to fall to the floor. Now that the intestines have been removed, it is better to open the thorax and remove the organs, as this cavity should be examined before the liver is removed. If it is attempted to remove the liver lirst, there is danger of wounding the diaphragm, and there is also a dissagreeable escape of blood from the severed vessels. Moreover if the orgalns in the thorax have been removed, the diaphragm may be freed from its attachments to the ribs, and, together with the liver, may be allowed to fall forward into the thoracic cavity, thus giving more room to work at the other organs. Before opening the thorax the pectoral muscles should be divided, care being taken not to wound the main blood vessels in the axilla. The cords at- taching the fore legs to the iron bars may then be loosened, allowing the legs to fall outward, and giv- ing the operator a chance to make a larger opening into the chest. This having been done, the muscle remaining attached to the sternum should be re- moved, and the ribs sawn through far enough from ; the sternum on either side to afford sufacient room to examine the thoracic cavity and to remove the Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 19 organs (see Fig. 6). The ribs having been sawn through, the diaphragm should be freed from its at- tachments to the sternum, the intercostal muscles Fig. 5.— Atdomlnal Viscera of the Horse, a, Reetum, and b, ileum, ligatured and excised; c, stomach; d, spleen; e, liver;/, pancreas. divided, and the tissues over the pericardium dis- sected as close to the sternum as possible. The .sternum having been removed, any abnormal con- tents of the pleural cavity must be noted. Adhes- ions shoiild be sought for. The pericardium is then Digitized by Microsoft® 20 VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. to be opened, beginning tlie incision at the base of this sac and extending it far enougli to see whether there is any fluid present or not. If there is fluid present, it should be measured as accurately as poss- ible. The incision is to be extended toward the base of the heart as far as possible, and any abnorm- al condition of the epicardium and pericardium should be noted. The Jheart is now to be examined. Make: 1. An incision into the right auricle from the anterior vena cava to the auriculo- ventricular sulcus, and remove and examine the blood in the right auricle. 2. Make an incision along the righ.t border of the right ventricle (or of the heart), beginning just be- low the auriculo-ventricular sulcus and continuing to the apex of the right ventricle. The auriculo- ventricular sulcus is therefore left intact between the two incisions. Eemove and examine the blood in the ventricle. 3. Make an incision in the left auricle, beginning between the pulmonary veins and continuing to the auriculo-ventricular sulcus. Eemove and examine the blood in the left auricle. 4. Make an incision along the left border of the heart, beginning below the left auriculo-ventricular sulcus and continuing to the apex. Eemove and ex- amine tte blood in the left ventricle, Digitized by Microsoft® VETEEINARY POST-MOETElVt EiAMINATlO:;g. 21 Fio 6— a. Heart; 6, lung; .;, diaphragm; d, liver; e, stomach; /, spleeu. Digitized by Microsoft® 22 VETEBINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 5. Insert the thumb and 'fingers into the incisions so as to grasp the heart firmly by the septum near the apex, and by broad sweeps of the knife cut the veins, arteries, etc., so as to remove the heart from the chest, dividing the vessels at a good distance from the heart. 6. Make an incis-on close to, and parallel with the septum, into the right ventricle on its anterior sur- face, the incision extending from the apex, where it meets a previous incision, into the pulmonary artery. Examine the pulmonary valves and the parts ex- posed. 7. Connect the incision a^ong the right border of the heart with that in the right auricle, by dividing the intervening part of the auriculo- ventricular sul- cus. This exposes the tricuspid valve. 8. Make an incision on the anterior surface, close to and parallel with the septum, into the left ventricle, the incision extending from the apex, where it meets a previous incision, into the aorta. This incision ex- poses the aortic valves and the interior of the left ventricle. 9. Connect the incision along the left border of the heart with that in the left auricle, by dividing the intervening part of the auriculo-ventricular sulcus. This incision exposes the mitral valve. The incisions into the ventricles make, therefore, triangular flaps. Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 23 Perhaps a simpler method of examining the heart is that recommended by Dr. Johnston of Montreal, Canada, in his "Syllabus of Post Mortem Methods." This method applies to the heart after it has been removed from the chest ■without having made any incisions in the organ in situ. The organ in the larger animals is so bulky, however, as to require great care not to cut the vessels so near the heart as to wound the valves, if this method be employed. It is as follows : The heart having been removecLf rem the body, any abnormality in general appearance must be noted ; also the condition of the epicardium and the size of the organ. Open and examine the cavities of the heart, following the order of the circulation — right auricle; right ventricle; left auricle; left ventricle. The in- cisions are best made with the large probe-pointed scissors used for opening the intestines. "I. Open the right auricle by cutting from the sup- erior to the inferior vena cava." "II. Pass the probe-pointed scissors down the pul- monary artery and into the right ventricle and open it by an incision, passing between the segments of the pulmonary valve and extended to the apex, keeping just 'to the right of the septum. Examine carefully the cavity of the ventricle and the valves before proceeding further." Digitized by Microsoft® 24 YETEEINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION^. "III. Pass the probe-pointed blade of tlie scissors through the tricuspid orifice, and cut across the face of the tricuspid valve, extending the incision to the apex of the right ventricle, along the right border of the heart." The left chambers are examined in a corresponding manner. "IV. Slit open the left auricle where the pulmon- ary veins enter." "V. Pass the scissors down the aorta into the left ventricle, drawing the pulmonary artery over to the right so as not to wound it, and cut behind it along the left side of the septum as far as the apex. As one of the aortic cusps lies directly in the track of this incision it is difficult to avoid injuring it. Ex- amine the interior of the ventricle and the valves be- fore making the next incision." "VI. Make an incision from the left auricle to the apex of the left ventricle, passing the probe-pointed blade of the scissors through the mitral orifice, and cutting along the left border of the heart." In a medium sized horse the larger axis of the heart is about 10^ inches ; its antero-posterio diam- eter, measured near the base, is equivalent to 7| in- ches ; its lateral diameter does not exceed from 5 to 5^ inches. The average weight is about 6| lbs. The pericardiiim should now be removed from the Digitized by Microsoft® VETEBIKARY POSt-MOETEM EixiMlNlTlONS. 25 thorax, and the bronchial lymphatic glands examined in situ, so far as possible. After cutting through the trachea at its bifurca- tion, each lung must be removed separately. The pulmonary and costal plurae must be examined. The lung must be pressed upon to see whether it crepi- tates or not. Several incisions should then be made lengthwise in th& organ, in order to determine whether there are areas of consolidation or other ab- normalities. The lungs of the horse are so large that one is likely to overlook a small patch of pneumonia, unless many sections are made. The bronchi should be laid open, and the presence of mucous or other abnormalities noted. The pulmon- ary vessels can also be dissected out. The contents of the thorax having been examined, we now return to the abdomen. It will be remem- bered that we have left in situ the liver, spleen> stomach, duodenum, pancreas, kidneys, suprarenal capsules, and the genito-urinary apparatus, together with the great blood vessels and the mesentery. The diaphragm should be cut down on either side close to the ribs so as to allow the liver to fall over into the thoracic cavity. The spleen should now be removed. It lies close to the side of the stomach. Its normal weight in the horse ia about thirty-two ounces. It is attached by Digitized by Microsoft® 26 VETERINARY tdST-MoETEM EXAMINATIONS. tlie suspensory ligament to the anterior Ijorder of the left kidney and to the sublnmbar wall, and hy the gastro-splenic omentum to the greater curvature of the stomach. The anterior extremity is thicker than the posterior, and is channelled by a slight longitud- inal Assure which lodges the splenic vessels and nerves. The spleen having been removed and excised, the next procedure is to dissect away the loose fold of omentum attached to the stomach. This shows the pancreas in its relation with the stomach and kid- neys. The pancreas weighs about seventeen ounces and is somewhat triangular in shape; it lies behind the liver and stomach, in frontof the aorta and posterior vena cava, and has an opening — the pancreatic ring — for the passage of theportal vein. Its princi pal excretory duct, the duct of Wirsung, leaves the organ by two or three branches which soon unite, and the main trunk enters the ductus choledochus. The accessary pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum opposite the duct of Wirsung. The duodenum should now be opened, starting on the side corresponding to the mesenteric attachment, then cutting across to the other side before the open- ing of the bile-duct is reached, and continuing the incision to the stomach. The bile-duct should now Digitized by Microsoft® VETEElNASY POST-MOEO'EM teiAMlNATIONS. 27 be examined to see whether it is pervious or not. The attachments of the pancreas, -which are chiefly loose cellular tissue, may now be broken down with the finger, the ducts and vessels cut across, and the pancreas removed and examined. The duodenum and stomach may now be removed from the body. The incision along the duodenum should be continued along the greater curvature of the stomach to the oesophagus, the contents of the stomach removed and the walls examined. The stomach of the horse, though classified as simple, is nevertheless divided into two parts, be- tween which there is an abrupt line of separation. The left half is pale in color and the epithelial lin- ing is of the pavement variety, being a direct con- tinuation of that lining the oesophagus. The right half of the stomach is the true digestive part; the lining is very red, and the epithelium is of the columnar variety. What are termed bots — i. e., the larvae of the CEstrus equi — are often seen in the stomach and by many are supposed to be a very common cause of disease. They are not believed by veterinarians, however, to be of any consequence in this regard. The kidneys should be removed next. They are situated on either side of the vertebral column, in the right and left lumbar regions, the right kidney Digitized by Microsoft® 28 ViiTEBlNAltTf iE'og'J^-MOlll'EM EXAMlNA'JiONg. being a little more anterior than tlie left. These organs, in the horse, have essentially the same shape as in man. The right is heavier in horses, its weight being about twenty-seven ounces, while the left weighs twenty-five ounces. This is exactly the opposite of what is seen in man, in whom the left kidney is larger and heavier than the right. The kidneys having been removed from the body, they should be laid upon the table or a support of some sort, in order to make a proper sec- tion. To do this, place the palm of the left hand upon the organ, then with a large, flat-bladed knife, held in the right hand, cut along the convex border, at the same time turning the kidney with the left hand toward the knife. The section should be continued through the organ into the pelvis of the kidney. See if the capsule is of normal thickness and easily removed. When we examine the cut surface of the kidney it will be seen that the arrange- ment differs somewhat from that seen in man, in that in the horse there is no division into separate pyramids, the strise starting from every part of its exterior and converging toward the common pyra- mid. The suprarenal capsules, which can be relnoved either now or in connection with the kidneys, are two in number, and placed on the median border and Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 29 anterior extremity of each kidney. They are flat- tened, and measure about two and one-half inches in length by one and one-half inch in breadth, the right being somewhat larger than the left, corresponding to the difference in size of the kidneys. Before removing the organs in the pelvic cavity it is necessary to saw through the symi^hysis pubis (as shown in Figs. 3 and 5) ; then, by loosening the cords attaching the hind legs to the iron rods, the pubic bones will separate, leaving an opening large enough for the operator to insert his hand. The organs may then be removed en masse and dissected outside the body. The liver in a medium-sized horse weighs about eleven pounds. It has three lobes : the right; with a small appendix, the lobus Spigelii; the left, which is largest ; and the middle lobe, which is divided in- to several lobules. This organ must be removed by dividing the ligaments which attach it to the diaphragm (or it may be conveniently removed in connection with the diaphragm), and then dividing the blood vessels which enter ^t. It may be noted that there is no (/all-bladder in the horse, the iiow of bile into the duodenum being constant. The liver having been removed, the capsule covering it should be examined ; then the substance of the organ may 1j9 exposed by many cuts in different direct4ons, Digitized by Microsoft® 30 VETERINARY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. Next remove the diaphragm (if not previously taken out Avith the liver), then the mesentery, and, finally, the large blood vessels. It remains now to open the iniestiiies; or, if preferred, they may remain until everything else is finished. The small intestine is to be opened, as in human antopsies, bj"^ an incision running the whole length at the mesenteric attach- ment. The same rule applies to the large intestine, with the exception of the double colon, which is opened along the outer margin of the double coil. We next proceed to examine the neck and head. In examining the neck it must be noted that in horses what are known as the guttural pouches exist. These pouches are dilatations of the Eustachian tubes; they are two in number, one on either side, and ex- tend from the inferior face of the atlas to the anter- ior part of the pharynx. The capacity of each is about three-fourths of a pint ; but, in consequence of the extensibility of the mucous membrane, this is very variable. The pouches are situated immediate- ly beneath the parotid glands and sometimes become filled with pus and press upon the larynx, interfer- ing with respiration. The thyroid gland is, composed of two oval lobes situated immediately behind the larynx, beside the first two rings of the trachea. These lobes appear to be independent, but close ex- amiuation shows them to be united by an inter- Digitized by Microsoft® VETEEINARY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 31 mediate portion, the isthmus, which passes across the anterior face of the trachea. They should be excised and removed. The -parotid glands should next be removed and the guttural pouches laid open. The tongue., larynx, trachea, pharynx, oesophagus, and submaddllary glands should be removed en masse. Be- fore doing this, however, Stenson^s duct should be ex [ amined, as it is sometimes the seat of calculi. To remove the tongue, cut the muscular attachments extending from the tongue to the lower jaw; then divide the articulation of the hyoid bone at the sty- loid cornaa. This is easily done by inserting the hand along the side of the tongue and feeling for the flat styloid bone, which extends along the side of the tongue for the posterior two-thirds. By placing a knife against the inner surface of this bone and cut- ting toward oneself the knife will pass through the articulation without any trouble. Disarticulation having "been accomplished, the knife should be placed close to the inner surface of the submaxillary bone ; then, cutting toward the pharynx, divide the muscular attachments. As soon as the muscular attachments are divided far enough to admit of it, take hold of the tip of the tongue and pull it through the submaxillary space. The mass can thereby be lifted and the cutting will be much more easily done. Digitized by Microsoft® 32 VETEEINABY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. The section should be made deep enough to include the soft palate with the pharynx, and the incisions may now be carried backward close to the vertebral column so as to remove the larynx, trachea, and oesophagus in connection with the tongue and pharynx. The oesophagus and pliarynx are to be opened, and then the larynx, and trachea. The submaxillary lymphatic glands must be examined and any enlargement noted. If the enlargement be circumscribed and hard, glanders may be suspected. If, on the other hand, there is general swelling of the glands under the jaw with oedema of the connective tissue, and especially if the animal be young, the condition known as strangles may be present. We now come to the cranial cavity. This cavity miist be opened with the least i^ossible injury to the brain itself and to the cranial bones. To take out an animal's brain, the head must be disarticulated from the body. This is done at the atlo-occipital articulation. A long-bladed knife is necessary. 1 1 is better to place a block under the pole or the point of the occipuG. This will cause the head to point forward, and tend to make tense the muscles. The soft x^^i'ts are then cut through, and the joint- ligaments savered. Plaue the head on the tabic, resting on the lower jaw, and dissect off the temporal jBuscles. With fi §aiv njake fi traiisyerse cut throu^li Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 33 the frontal and parietal bones, on a line about two inches above the upper border of the orbital cavity Fia. 7.— Skull ot Horse, showing the Lines of Incision tor Kemoval of the SkuU-cap. Superior view. (a, in Figs. 7, 8 and 9). Lines drawn from each end of this transverse cut to the lower border of the upper third of the occipital foramen will indicate the position in whicB, the longitudinal cuts are to be Digitized by Microsoft® 34 VETEEINAET POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 'B'lCi. 8— Skull of Horse, showing the Lines of Incision for Removal of the Skull-oap. Lateral view Digitized by Microsoft® TETERINAEY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 35 made (b, in Figs. 7, 8 and Q). Care must be used in making these longitudinal cuts not to saw too deep- ly over the parietal portion, as the bone here is only one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch in thickness, while at the occiput it is about one inch thick. Having, therefore, sawn carefully until, by want of resistance, we know that the parietal bones have been penetrated, we must change the angle of the FiQ. 9— Skull of Horse, showing -the Lines of Incision for Kemoval of the Skull-eap, laf ero-lateral view. saw so as to go through the occipital bone. We can then, by using a little judgment, make a continuous cut without injury to the brain. Any pieces of bone not sawn through must be broken with the chisel. Complete section of the skull-cap having been made, the anterior part must be lifted up, the dura matei cut through — ^if it is adherent, which is generally the case especially in old horses — and the cap pulled Digitized by Microsoft® 36 VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. back. In horses tliere is a bony plate whicli sepa- rates the cerebrum from the cerebellum — the ten- torium cerebelli, — so that care must be used not to Fio. 10— Head of Horse with SkuU-oap Eemoved. injure the brain on tliis projection when pulling the skull-cap off. The skull-cap having teen removed (see Fig. 10), it should Ibe examined for any alteration in structure Digitized by Microsoft® VEJCERINARY POST-MOKTKM EXAMINATIONS. 3T on the inner surface; also as to any thickening of the dura mater. The general condition of the sur- face of the hrain must be examined. The dura mater, if it has not been taken off with the skull-cap, must I now be divided longitudinally and transversely. The head must be made to rest upon its base so that the brain will tend to fall backward. Insert the third and fourth fingers of the left hand under the anterior part and gently raise the brain ; divide the olfactory lobes as far forward as possible. These lobes are greatly developed in horses, and are hollow, communicating directly with the lateral ventricles, differing in this respect from the human olfactory lobes. These lobes having been divided, the nerves at the base of the brain must be severed while drawing the brain backward. This having been completed, the brain is easily removed from the cavity. After removal, a general inspection of the brain is to be made. The average weight of a horse's brain is from twenty-two to twenty-three ounces. When it is being removed from the cavity the condition of the blood-vessels at the base will be noticed; also whether there are any adhesions between the mem- branes or not. For making the primary section of a brain, it is well to use a sharp knife with a thin, wide blade. Digitized by Microsoft® 38 VBTBKIJ^^AEY POST-MOKTBM EXAMINATIONS. After removal, the vessels and the pia-arachnoid membrane may be still further examined. The brain is now placed upon its base, the cerebral hemispheres drawn apart so as to expose the corpus callosum. An incision is made on each side, at the junction of the corpus callosum and the convolutions, into the lateral ventricle, which is to be laid open along its whole extent. Kote the amount and character of fluid in the ventricles, and the presence or absence of tumors in the choroid plexus. One or more long- itudinal incisions can now be made in an oblique direction outward into the medullary substance of the hemispheres nearly to the cortex. After divid- ing the fornix, a series of transverse sections is to be made from before backward through the corpus striatum and optic thalamus, so as to expose all parts of the basal ganglia, and the internal capsule. A longitudinal incision is to be made through the middle lobe of the cerebellum down to the fourth ventricle. From the fourth ventricle a median in- cision, dividing the roof of this ventricle and that of the aqueduct of Sylvius, is carried into the third ventricle. After replacing the parts, as nearly as possible in their normal positions, the brain is turned so as to rest on its convexity, and the pia mater is detached from the interpeduncular space and from the pons and medulla oblongata. A series Digitized by Microsoft® VETEBINART POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 39 of transverse incisions should now be made through the crura cerebri, the pons and the medulla oblong- ata. This completes the dissection of the brain. The lower jaw must now be removed. It remains to expose the frontal and nasal sinuses by dividing the head vertically in the antero-posterior plane. The condition of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities and of the smuses must be noted. The spinal canal may be examined in sections of about two feet in length and the cord may be re- moved either by sawing through the laminae of the vertebrae and removing the section thus made, or by sawing obliquely through the bodies of the vertebrae from below, on either side, being guided in the incis- ion by the articulation of ribs, and removing the in- cluded piece of bone. By the latter method a much thicker piece of bone has to be sawn through, but there is the advantage of having less muscle to re- move. Before attempting to take out the cord, the fore legs, with the scapula, must be removed from the body, the ribs and muscles divided about six inches from the vertebrae on either side, and the ver- tebral column sawn through just in front of the pelvis. The sections are then to be made and the cord removed by either of the before-mentioned methods. The removal of the cord is a tedious pro- cess and one seldom necessary. Digitized by Microsoft® 40 VETEItlNABY tOST-MOETBM EXAMlNAl'IONg. It now remains to examine the extremities. This can usually be done by general inspection, unless some especial dissection is required. The points to be noticed are the condition of the hoofs, especially in the foreleg: First, as to the shape of the sole, whether it is normal or concave, or whether it is less concave than normal — a- condition known as flat-foot — or whether it is convex, a con- dition which is the result of inflamation with conse- quent separation of the horn from the sensitive parts beneath. Any abrasions of the surface must be noted. The wall must be examined and any cracks or seams, especially at the toe or on the quarters, noted; as must also be the presence of irregular rings which come close together in front. Any loss of substance, with suppuration of the parts beneath, should be noted. Next, any enlargement and hard- ening of the lateral cartilage, to be felt jlist above the coronary band on either side, are to be noted ; then any exostosis at or near the articulation of the OS coronse and os suffraginis; then any exostosis be- tween the large and small metacarpal bones ; finally, any alteration above this part. In the hind leg, in addition to the above, especial attention should be given to the hock and stifle. The hock, as is well known, is often the seat of an exostosis with, sooner or later, anchylosis, designated Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINAKY POST-MOBTEM EXAMINATIONS. 41 as a spavin. At the back of the hock there is also oftentimes a prominence known as a curb, being a thickening of the calcaneo-cuboid ligament. If it is considered necessary to examine the foot in Fia. 11.— Cow; with Abdomen Opened, a. Stomachs; 6, spleen; c, diaphragm; d, intestines. particular, the hoof must be removed, an operation which is rather diflacult to perform. The leg should be sawn through just below the fetlock, placed in a vice, and sections of the hoof made in front and through the sole and, if necessary, over the quarters. The horn must then be loosened at the top by di- viding it from the coronary band. Then with the Digitized by Microsoft® 42 VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. blacksmitli's tongs the liorii caa usually be torn from the sensitive parts beneath. Differences of Procedure in Animals other THAN THE HoRSE. — In cattle, while the intestines are FlQ. 12,— stomachs of a Cow. A, rumen; B, reticulum; C, omasum; D, abomasum. less bulky than those of the horse, the stomachs are far more voluminous and occupy most of the abdominal cavity. It is best, therefore, to remove the stomachs (together with the spleen) _/i?-s< (see Fig. 10). This is best done by dividing the oesophagus, pulling Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 43 tlie stomachs out as much as possible from the cavity, freeing the attachments to the wall, and then dividing the duodenum and allowing the mass to fall to the floor. The stomachs in ruminants (see Fig. 11) are gen- erally spoken of as four in number — the rumen, reticu- lum, omasum, and abomasum. The abomasum, how- ever, is the only one which has digestive functions. The rmnen, the first of the stomachs, occupies three- fourths of the abdominal cavity. Incomplete septa divide the cavity into two sacs, the right and the left. The mucous surface is covered with papillary prolongations. It has two openings, both situated in the left sac; one leads to the oesophagus, the other to the reticulum or second stomach. An in- cision made in the rumen at the entrance of the oesophagus is carried forward to the end of the cavity, and a continuation ofthe incision posteriorly - along the lesser curvature of the reticulum opens the oesophageal groove and enters the omasum and the posterior part of the reticulum. An incision through the floor of the oesophageal groove and through the roof of the second stomach upon which this groove lies continues the opening of the reticu- lum. The omasum and abomasum can be opened by an incision carried along the greater curvature of these stomachs. Digitized by Microsoft® 44 VETEBINAUY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. The pancreas in cattle lies in a fold of the mesentery, and its duct, which is single, empties into the intes- tine from fourteen to sixteen inches beyond the ductus choledochus. It is better, therefore, after opening the duodenum and examining the common bile-duct, to remove the intestines together with the tnesentery and including the pancreas. The intestines having been removed, the pancreas should be freed from its attachments and excised. The mesentery should then be dissected off and the intestines opened at the place corresponding to the mesenteric attachment. The arrangement of the intestine is much simpler in cattle than in the horse. The caecum is without bulges or longitudinal bands ; one extremity is rounded and floats freely in the ab- dominal cavity, while the other is continuous with the colon. There is no division of the colon into the large or double colon and the small or floating colon ; but a greater part of it is turned upon itself in such a way as to make several spiral feonvolutions, con- tinuing from the last convolution in a straight line to the rectum. The procedure for opening the thorax is exactly like that followed in the horse. The hrain is removed somewhat differently; tlie frontal bone is greatly developed at the expense of the parietal and occipital. The frontal sinuses are Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 45 enormously developed in cattle (see Fig. 14.) The horns must be sawn off at the base. A transverse cut should be made through the skull about one and Fio. 13.— Lines of Incision Necessary for Removal of the SkuU-oap in Cattle. one-half inch in front of the crest situated between the horns, and the cut be continued in an oblicLue direction backward and downward so as to terminate at. the occipital foramen (line a, Fig. 13). Care should Digitized by Microsoft® 46 VBTERINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. be taken to avoid injuring tlie brain. After remov- ing the bone separated by this incision, the posterior part of the cerebrum and all of the superior surface of the cerebellum and pons varolii, with the medulla Fia 14 —Head of Rummant with Skull cap remoyed. oblongata, will be exposed. A second transverse cut {b, Fig. 13) should now be made in a line about one.- half inch above the eyes. This will enter the cranial ' cavity at the anterior extremity of the brain. Two ' longitudinal cuts (c, Kg. 13) must now be made, one on either side, at about one and one-half inch from Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 47 the median line. The incisions thus made will be completed with the hammer and chisel and the plate of bone lifted off' (see Fig. 14). The brain will then be removed as in the horse. The directions laid down for post-mortem examin- ations of cattle will apply to other ruminants. In dogs, pigs, cats, rabbits, etc., the brain is removed as in the horse. In all of these animals the other organs may be removed in the same order as in man. In the pig the arrangement of the intestine bears some resemblance to that of the ox. The coils of the colon throughout the greater part of their length are intimately adherent, and require much care in dissecting them apart. In camivora the intestines are very short. The small intestine, suspended at the extremity of a mesentery similar to that of solipeds, rests on the in- ferior abdominal wall. The caecum forms only a small, spirally twisted appendix. The colon is scarcely larger than the small intestine, and is neither sacculated nor furnished Avith longitudinal bands. In its short course it is disposed much like the same intestine in man ; and, as in him, may be divided into the ascending, transverse, and descend- ing colon, which is continuous with the rectum. Field-autopsies. — What has thus far been written in this article concerning autopsy methods is upon Digitized by Microsoft® 48 VETEEINART POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. the assumption that the operator has suitable ar- rangements at his disposal. In the field iio such conveniences are at hand, and the operator has to get along as best he can. Very often, moreover, as the time at his disposal will not allow him to make a thorough examination of all parts of the animal, he must take the clinical history into account as to which organ he may wish to examine and adopt, methods in accordance therewith. If, for instance, the animal died from intestinal trouble, the main part, and probably all, of his observations will be confined to the abdominal cavity. It is very much better in this case to have the animal upon its back. This can generally be done if a stake such as butch- ers use can be found, with an iron point at each end; one end can be struck into the wall of the thorax while the other is pushed into the floor or ground. If this cannot be obtained, blocks or fence-rails will answer the purpose fairly welL They must be placed on either side of the body as far underneath as pos- sible. The pectoral muscles should then be divided and the four legs allowed to lie out straight upon the ground. The adductors of the thigh will then be cut across, allowing the hind legs to fall outward. The incisions in the thorax and abdomen will then be made and the organs removed as directed above. Sometimes circumstances will not allow the' oper^ Digitized by Microsoft® VETEKINARY POST-MOKTEM EXAMINATIONS. 49 ator to place the animal upon its back, in which case the animal should be allowed to lie upon its right side, the fore and the hind legs of the left side re- moved and as much of the abdom as possible cut Pia. 15,— Field-autopsy on a Horse. away (see Fig. 15). The double colon should then be straightened out and carried forward. The small intestine must be pulled out as far as possible, there- by putting the ligaments which attach it to the vertebrae upon the stretch. The rectum should be puUed out and allowed to fall over the back and Digitized by Microsoft® 50 VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. hip (see Fig. 15). The recto-duodenal ligament will then be exposed, together with the upper part of the liver, the spleen, stomach, pancreas, one kidney, and the organs in the pelvic cavity. The intestines must be removed first, as in the ordinary manner. The thoracic wall on the upper side can be removed by dividing the ribs near the ^ sternum, cutting the intercostal muscles from the sternum to the vertebrae., and forcing each rib up- ward and then backward, thereby loosening the costo-vertebral articulations (see Fig. 15). The organs in the thorax and those remaining in the ab- domen can now be removed and examined in the usual way. If the animal died of pulmonary disease, and it is desired to see the thoracic organs only, the operation is comparatively simple. The fore leg should be removed, and the intercostal muscles divided the whole length of the ribs; the ribs are then divided with the costatome or saw, near the sternum. Each rib is then removed separately, as directed above. The heart and lungs can be removed together, or the top lung may be first removed at its base, then the pericardium opened and the heart-incisions made, ' and the organ removed. The lower lung may ther j be removed, and with it the bronchial lymph-glands. For the smaller animals no especial modification is Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 51 necessary. The modifications here described should never be used unless the circumstances are such that this method is unavoidable. It is too common a practice among veterinarians to depend upon the clinical history in determining just how far it is necesssary to carry the post-mortem examination. It is always better to complete the examination, even if it has to be done roughly. Were all autop- sies made for the sole purpose of verifying the ante-mortem diagnosis very little advance in path- ology would be made. Records of Atjtopsies. — The results of the post- mortem examinations should be recorded. When it is possible, it is best to dictate to an assistant the description of the various appearances as the autop- sy proceeds. When this is not practicable, the pro- tocol of the autopsy should be written as soon as possible after completing the examination, while the results are fresh in one's mind. The description of the post-mortem appearances should be objective. It is not sufBicient simply to say that such or such disease is found, but the changes in consistence, color, size, and shape, which the diseased part presents should be objec- tively described. The appearance of each organ examined, whether it i§ diseased or not, should be noted in the proto- Digitized by Mifrosoft® 52 VETEEINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. col. The following protocols of autopsies recently made by the writer are introduced to illustrate the method of recording post-mortem examinations. These autopsies are also of considerable interest in themselves. Case 1. Horse: Rupture of the Stomach and of the Diaphragm; Chronic Peritonitis; Alveolar Sarcoma of the Peritoneum. — The subject is a gray gelding, about tAventy years of age; weight, about one thousand and fifty pounds; in good condition; abdomen some- what distended. There are no abrasions of the skin, save slight ones made by the friction of the harness. There is a swelling on each hind leg over the OS suffraginis. The mucous membrane of the nostrils is of a pur- plish color; that of the mouth and eyes, rather pale-. In the middle of the neck there is a slight thicken- ing of the skin over the jugular vein on the left side. Upon removal of the skin a distinct dilatation of the vein, about the size of the end of a man's thumb, is seen. The wall of the vessel here is much thinner than that of the adjoining part of the vein. The swelling in the hind legs is found to be of a bony nature, but the joint is not involved. The abdomen having been opened by the longitu- dinal and tra^nsverse incisions and the flaps laid Digitized by Microsoft® VETEEINABY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 53 back,"tlie exposed peritoneum, especially the part covering the diaphragm and that extending back over the inferior wall, is found to be covered with a thin layer of connective tissue, which is detached with diflBiculty and leaves a ragged surface. The cavity contains a large amount of bloody fluid. E^ear the extremity of the caecum, covering an area about the size of the surface of a man's two hands, is a layer of connective tissue, which is removed with difflculty and leaves a ragged surface. A little nearer the extremity of the caecum Is a tumor six inches long by four inches in width and three inches in thickness, uniformly white in color and lobulated in appearance. This mass is firmly attached to the caecum and to the diaphragm by new tissue. Other- wise, the layer of peritoneum covering the intestine is smooth and glistening. The colon having been straightened out and, with the caecum, allowed to fall out of the cavity, the small intestine is seen to be in part protruding through a hole in the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. The intestines having been placed in posi- tion for dissection, the rupture in the diaphragm is seen to be about eight inches in length, extend- ing transversely through the muscle and situated in the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions. The edges of the rupture are quite smooth. The spleen Digitized by Microsoft® 54 VETEEINAET POgT-MOEf EM EXAMINATIONS. is partly pushed through this hole, as is also a part of the stomach. On inserting the hand into the pleural cavity through the rent in the diaphragm, this cavity is found to contain a large amount of bloody fluid mixed with partially digested food. The intestines having been removed and opened the mucous membrane is seen to have a slightly yellowish tint. On opening the thorax the pleural cavity is found to contain at least eight to ten gallons of blood- colored fluid mixed with a large quantity of parti- ally digested food. The lungs are retracted so as to expose nearly the whole of the pericardium. There are no adhesions to be felt. The surface of the pericardium is smooth and glistening, as is also that of the epicardium, but beneath the latter are many points of ecchymoses on either side of the anterior ventricular groove. The heart having been removed and dissected, the endocardium is found to be smooth and glistening; the heart-muscle reddish brown in appearance, and firm. The costal and pulmonary pleurae are smooth and glistening; the lungs, light pink in color. On pass- ing the hand over the surface of the lungs, solid no- dules can be distinctly felt in the interior of the lung substance, which are, on an average, about the Digitized by Microsoft® VETEHINAEY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. 55 size of a pea. These nodules are few in number and scattered; otherwise tlie lungs crepitate througliout. On section most of these nodules have a yellowish- white appearance, with a small, opaque, apparent- ly caseous centre. The rest of the section shows the lung-substance of normal pink color. The large bronchial tubes contain a considerable amount of mucus. The spleen, together with the fold of omentum covering the stomach, having been removed, it is examined and found to be of normal size, the cap- sule smooth and glistening, the substance on section dark red. The diaphragm is now cut away from its attachment to the ribs, so as to allow it, with the liver, to fall forward into the thoracic cavity. A rupture about six inches long is seen along the greater curvature of the stomach. The cavity of the stomach is nearly empty, and the rupture is seen to be confined to the pyloric or true digestive portion. The edges of the rent are smooth, and the wall is scarcely more than one-eighth of an inch thick. On removing and opening the stomach and duodenum, the mucous membrane is normal in appearance. The suprarenal capsules are studded 6n their sur- face with hard yellowish masses, on an average about the size of the head of a pin. These little masses are yellowish throughout and do not project Digitized by Microsoft® 56 VETEEINAEY POST-MOETBM EXAMlNAflOl^S, mucli into tlie substance of the organ. There are none of these masses in the interior of the capsules. The capsule covering the kidneys is smooth and glistening, and easily removed from the substance of the kidney. On section the striae are distinct; the cortex, of normal thickness and color. The liver is of normal appearance. The capsule is smooth and glistening, and the substance, as seen through the capsule, dark brown, while on section the surface exposed presents a lighter brown ap- pearance and the lobules are distinct. There is a verminous aneurism, the size of an En- glish walnut, of the anterior mesenteric artery. The aneurismal sac is filled with a firm reddish-gray clot containing numerous strpngyles. The muscular tissue of the wall of the artery on the central side is hypertrophied so that it measures one-quarter of an inch in the thickest part. The dura mater is firmly adherent to the skull ; the pia mater, smooth and glistening. The sub- stance of the brain is firm and of a faint yellow color. On section the gray and white matter are of normal appetoance. The spinal cord was not examined. The nasal mucous membrane is free from ulcera- tions and presents no abnormalities, except a cyan- Digitized by Microsoft® VETERlNAEY PoSl-MoRTifiM EXAMINATIONS. 57 otic hue. Microscopic Examination. — The nodules in the lungs show, on section, a centre of cells which have undergone coagulation-necrosis and which do not stain, while around the edge of this necrotic centre is a mass of lymphoid cells which stain well. Around this area of lymphoid cells is a portion where the lung-substance is completely replaced by con- nective tissue. Around the nodules is an area where the air-cells are completely or partially filled with epithelial cells and fibrine. The tumor which is described above shows, on microscopic examination, a basement of connective tissue rich in cells enclosing alveoli in which are contained some spindle-shaped and many round cells. Cells similar to those in the alveoli are also found scattered in the stroma (alveolar sarcoma). The nodules on the surface of the suprarenal cap- sules show, on examination of that organ, a struct- ure identical with that of the rest of the organ, from which they are separated by a band of connective tissue. They are therefore partially detached por- tions of the gland. The clinical history of this case, as far as it could be obtained, is as follows : The horsB began to show symptoms of sickness about 11 A. m. He stopped frequently and tried to lie down. The owner finally Digitized by Microsoft® 58 VEXEEINARY POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS. got him home and put him in a field. Here the horse rolled about a good deal. The owner went to dinner, and when he returned the horse was dead. It was two o'clock in the afternoon when the horse arrived at the knackery, and, happening to be there at the time, I made the autopsy immediately. From the short duration of the illness, taken to- gether with the age of the horse and the apparent atrophy of the wall of the stomach, together with the bloody appearance of the fluid in the abdomen and, in consequence of the rent in the diaphragm, in the pleural cavity also, I am led to believe that the rupture in the stomach was ante-mortem, causing death by shock. Case 11. Horse: Chronic Glanders. — This animal, a bay gelding in poor condition, of about one thous- and pounds weight and about fifteen years of age, was destroyed for the above disease. He was killed by bleeding. The external lesions are as follows : There is a thick muco-purulent discharge from both nostrils; the mucous membrane of the nostrils is pale where it is not ulcerated. On both sides of the septum nasi is a large red patch covering nearly all that can be seen of the septum. The mucous membrane is ulcerated over this area and is ragged at the edges. There is considerable loss of substance, ap- Digitized by Microsoft® VETEfilNAitY POSCt-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 59 parently, of the cartilage, as evidenced by the de- pression on the surface. There are several smaller ulcers to be seen in the nostril, and a few tubercles, which are raised from the surface, red on the edge, and yellowish white in the centre. The submaxillary glands are enlarged, hard, not adherent to the bone. On the left side of the neck, at about the lower third, is an enlargement about the size of a pea, movable with the skin, but which does not discharge pus when squeezed. Similar no- dules ane scattered over the body, some of which discharge a thick yellow pus on squeezing them, while others have already ruptured, leaving ulcers. Upon removal of the skin, the glands in the axilla and in the inguinal region on the left side are seen to be enlarged; those in the axilla considerably, those in the inguinal region less so. The peritoneal cavity contains about one quart of amber-colored fluid; the peritoneum is smooth and glistening The intestine, as seen in situ, is of nor- mal steel-gray color. The lymphatic glands in the mesentery are enlarged, some of them to the size of a walnut; the larger ones are soft. There are no adhesions to be felt between the pleurae. The pericardial sac contains about a teacupful of elear, straw-colored fluid. The pericardium is Digitized by Microsoft® ()0 Vlii'EKlNlEY i»6^t-M6E'flM E^flMlNAl'IO^^tJ. smooth and glistening, as are also the epicardium and the endocardium. The heart-muscle on section shows a light-brown color, and is firm. The lower third of the left lung is solid, and on section shows hepatized parenchyma of uniform dark-red color, with considerable interlobular exu- dation near the pleura. The pleura is smooth and glistening over the whole of both lungs. Through- out both lungs, other than the portion which is uni- formly solidified, are hard nodules, varying in size from the head of pin to a pea, which can be distinct- ly felt on passing the hand over the lungs. On sec- tion some of these nodules show a red edge with a yellowish-white centre — in somo^ cases caseous, in others calcareous; others of these nodules are red throughout. Most of them shell out easily. Those which are broken down in the centre have a smooth wall. The harder ones shell out en masse. The spleen is greatly enlarged, measuring ten inches in its widest part, twenty-four inches in length, and in places three inches in thickness. The capsule is smooth and glistening. On section the spleen-pulp is of dark-red color and normal con- sistence. The Malpighian corpuscles are plainly visible. There is apparently considerable increase of the connective tissue There are a few nodules the size of a pin-head on Digitized by Microsoft® VETERINAEY POST-MOKTEM EXAMINATIONS. 61 the surface of the left suprarenal capsule, and more on the surface of the right suprarenal capsule. These nodules are yellowish in color and firm. They do not project far into the capsule, -which is of nor- mal dark-brown color in the cortex and of yellow color in the medullary portion. The kidneys are firm. The capsule covering them is smooth and glistening. On section the cortical striation is coarse ; the glomeruli are very plainly visible. The capsule covering the liver is smooth and glistening. The substance of the liver shows, on section, normal brown color. There are three small, opaque white nodules in the interior bf the organ, which are calcareous in the centre. The bladder is normal. There is a verminous aneurism, the size of a hen's egg, of the anterior mesenteric artery. The aneu- rismal sac is nearly filled with a moist reddish clot containing numerous strongyles. The brain is of firm consistency. The dura mater is firmly adherent to the skull. The pia mater is smooth and glistening. On section the brain-sub- stance shows the gray and white matter normal in appearance. The mucous membrane of both nostrils is pretty well covered with ulcers and tubercles, This con- Digitized by Microsoft® 62 VETEEINAKY POST-MOKTBM EXAMINATIONS, dition extends as far back as tlie larynx. Case III. Cow : Acute Contagious Pleura-pneu- monia. — An Alderney cow, six years of age, of about seven hundred pounds weight, in fair condition, died with symptoms of the above disease. The autopsy was made six hours after death. There are no external lesions. The visible mu- cous membranes are pale ; the abdomen is slightly distended. The peritoneum covering the walls of the abdominal cavity is smooth and glistening, as is also that covering the stomach and intestines. The capsule covering the spleen is smooth and glisten- ing. This organ has its normal gray appearance, as seen through the capsule. On section it is firm and of normal brown-red color. The stomachs are of normal color, and on section the mucous membrane is found to be normal. The pleural cavity of the right side contains two or three gallons of clear serum mixed with flakes of lymph. There are no adhesions, but the pleura of the right side is covered with fresh exudation. The pericardial sac contains about a teacupful of clear fluid. The inner surface of the pericardium and the epicardium are smooth and glistening. The heart-muscle is reddish brown in color. The endo- cardium is smooth and glistening. The exudate covering the pleura of the right lung Digitized by Microsoft® VETEKINAEY POST-MOETEM EXAMINATIONS. 63 is about one inch in thickness, and is mixed with serum. The right lung, throughout nearly its whole ex- tent, is solid, greatly increased in size, and weighs forty-live pounds. On section clear serum follows the knife. The hepatized parenchyma varies in col- or from a very bright red to almost a black. The interlobular tissue is filled in most places with co-|^ agulated lymph, giving it a white appearance. In places, especially near the base of the lung, the in- terlobular substance is quite firm, giving it the ap- pearance of increased connective tissue. In this area there is also an increased amount of grayish connective tissue around the bronchus in the centre of each lobule. The blood-vessels, in the region where the consolidated lung is blackish red, are plugged. The bronchial mucous membrane in the larger bronchi is clear. There is considerable yellowish-white exudate in the superior mediastinum, surrounding the large blood-vessels, the oesophagus, and the lymphatic glands. The mediastinal lymphatic glands are enlarged, oedematous, and on section show small yellowish- white opaque areas, having an appearance similar to the exudate in the interlobular tissue. The left lung is normal, and weighs six pounds. Digitized by Microsoft® 64 VETERINARY FOST-MOKTEM EXAMINATIONS The pancreas is of normal size and consistence, and pale yellow in color. The intestines are of normal color, and the mu- cous membrane is normal. The suprarenal capsules are of normal size and consistence, brown in color, and on section brown in the cortex and yellow in the medullary portion. The kidneys are firm and of normal size, and the capsule is smooth and easily pulled off. On section the strioe are a little cloudy in appearance. The bladder is of normal size and color. It is about half-full of clear, amber-colored urine. Digitized by Microsoft® SABISTON & MURRAY, puLli^hei'^ and IigportEi'^ of ^etErinari] Boo^^, 916 SiXTfl AVENUE, J^EW YOt^K;. Following is a list of a few useful books for Veterinarians. Complete Catalogue failed pree on Application. Day. The Racehorse in Training, witli some hints on Racing and Racing Reform. By Wm. Day. Demy 8vo 3 6Q Dux. Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. By Finlay Dun, V. S. New Revised English Edition, 8vo, cloth 5 00 FlTZWYGRAM. Horses and Stables. By Col. P. Fitzwygram, of the loth Hussars, with 24 illus- trations, cloth. New Edition 1 75 , Flemistg-. "Actinomykosis," a new, infectious Dis- ease of Man and Animals. By George Fleming, F. R. C. V. S. Paper 40 FLEMlJfG. " Animal Plagues. " Their History, Na- ture and Prevention. By George Fleming, F. R- C. V. S., being a chronological history from the earliest times to 1844. First Series, com- prising a history of Animal Plagues from B. C, 1890, to A. D., 1800, 8vo, cloth GOO Digitized by Microsofi® 2 trSEFtTL BOOKS FOE VETERINAKIANS. Second Series, containing the history from A. D.. 1800. to A. D., 1844. 8vo, cloth 4 80 FiiEMlNG. Roaring in Horses. By George Flem- ing, P. R. C. V. S. A treatise on this peculiar disorder of the horse, indicating its method of treatment and curability. With colored plate. 8vo, cloth 2 00 Fleming. A treatise on Practical Horseshoeing. By George Fleming, F. B. C. V. S. Cloth .... 73 Fleming. " Human and Animal VariolcB, " a study in comparative pathology. Paper 40 Fleming. " Operative Veterinary Surgery. " Part I. By George Fleming, F. R. C. V. S. This valuable work, the most practical treatise yet issued on the subject in the English lan- guage, is devoted to the common operations of Veterinary Surgery ; and the concise descrip- tions and directions of the text are illustrated with numerous wood engravings. Svo, cloth . . 3 50 Gresswell. " Manual on the Theory and Practice of Equine Medicine." By J. B. Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S., and Albert Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S. Svo. cloth , 3 50 Gresswell. The Equine Hospital Presoriber ; drawn up for the use of Veterinary Practition- ers and Students. Dy Drs. James B. and Al- bert Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S. Cloth 1 00 Gresswell. Veterinary Pharmacology and Thera- peutics. By James B. Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S. 16mo, cloth 1 50" Gresswell. Veterinary Pharmacopseia, Materia Medica and Therapeutics. By George and Charles Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S., with descrip- tions and physiological actions of medicines, by Albert Gresswell, Crown Svo, cloth 3 50 Gresswell. The Bovine Prescriber, for the use of Digitized by Microsoft® USEFUL BOOKS FOR VETERINAEIANS. 3 Veterinarians and Students. By James B. and Albert Gresswell, M. R. C. V. S. 16mo, cloth. 1 00 Gresswell. Diseases and Disorders of the Horse. By Albert, James B. and George Gresswell ; a treatise on Equine Medicine and Surgery by these distinguished authors, intended for the use of the veterinary profession. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth 3 00 Gresswell. Diseases and Disorders of the Ox. Bx George Gresswell, V. S. ; with additions on Human and Comparative Pathology, by Dr. Al- bert GressweU. A new work on this impor- tant subject treated in a popular manner. Il- lustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth 6 00 Fleming. " Propagation of Tuberculosis. " Being the influence of Heredity and Contagion on the Propagation of Tuberculosis, and the Injurious Effects from the consumption of the Flesh and Milk of Tuberculous Animals. By George Fleming, F. R. C. V. S., Herr Lydtin and Dr. Van Hertsen, being their joint report on the subject before the Veterinary Congress held at Brussels in September, 1883. Svo, cloth 3 35 Fleming. Veterinary Obstetrics. Including the Ac- cidents and Diseases incident to Pregnancy, Parturition, and the Early Age in Domesti- cated Animals. By Geo. Fleming, P. E. C. V. S. With 312 illustrations. Svo, cloth 6 00 Hanover. Practical Treatise on the Law of Horses, Law of Bargains and Sale and Warrantry of Horses and other Live Stock. The Rules as to Unsoundness and Vice, etc., etc. By M. D. Hanover. Svo, sheep 4 00 HILL. The Management and Diseases of the Dog. Third Edition ; revised and enlarged, with 10 photogravure plates of Prize Dogs and 39 illus- trations on wood. Svo 8 00 Digitized by Microsoft® 4 XISEFUl, BOOKS FOE VETEEINARIANS. ] IlLL. The Principles and Practice of Bovine Medi- cine and Surgery. By J, Woodruff Hill, P. R. C. V. S. With 153allustrations on Wood and 19 full page colored plates. 8vo, cloth 10 00 HiJfKBAUCH. Veterinary Dental Surgery, for the use of students, practitioners and stockmen. By T. D. Hinetoauch, M. S., V. S., professor of Vet- erinary Science at Purdue University, Indiana. A comprehensive treatise on the operations on - the horse's teeth. Illustrated. 12mo, cloth... 2 00 jBNSiisfGS. Horse Training Made Easy. A Practi- cal System of Educating the Horse. By Robert Jennings, V. S. 13mo, cloth 1 25 jKi^^s^llfGS. Swine, Sheep and Poultry. Embracing a History and Varieties of each ; Breeding, Management, Disease, etc. By Robert Jen- nings, V. S. 13mo, cloth 1 25 Jennings. Cattle and their Diseases ; with the best Remedies adapted to their Cure. By Robert Jennings, V. S. 12mo, cloth 1 35 Jennings, on the Horse and his Diseases. By Robert Jennings, V. S. 12mo, cloth 1 2.5 Law. Farmer's Veterinary Adviser. A Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Domestic Animals. By James Law, Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Cornell University. Illustrated. 8vo, cloth 3 00 LiAUTARD. '■ Animal Castration. " A concise and practical Treatise on the Castration of the Do- mestic Animals ; the only work on the subject in the English language. Illustrated with forty-four cuts. 12mo, cloth 3 00 LiAUTARD. "How to tell the Age of Domestic An- imals. " By Dr. A. Liautard, M. D. V. M. Profusely illustrated. 12mo, cloth 50 LiAUTARD. Chart of the Age of Domesticated An- imals. By A. Liautard, M. D., V. M. Profuse- Digitized by Microsoft® USEPXTL BOOKS FOR VETERINARIANS. 5 ly illustrated, on a card 21i by 38i inches 50 Ltautahd. " On the Lameness of the Horse." By A. Liautard, M. D., V. M 2 50 LiAUTARD. Translation of Zundel " On the Horse's Foot." Cloth 3 00 LiATiTARD. Vade Mecum of Equine Anatomy. By A Liautard, M. D., V. M., Professor of Compar- ative Anatomy at the American Veterinary College. An invaluable and comprehensive little work, especially adapted to Veterinary Students and Surgeons. Adopted in several of the Colleges as a text book. New edition, re- vised and enlarged, just published. 13mo, cloth 3 00 RoBBRTSON. " The Practice of Equine Medicine." A text-book, exhibiting in a concise form a de- tailed account of the principal diseases to which the horse is liable, and the modes of man- agement and treatment in accordance with what are known as the recognized general principles of medicine. Especially adapted for the use of Veterinary Students and Veterinar- ians. By W. Robertson, Principal and Pro- fessor of Hippopathology in the Royal Veterin- ary College, London. Revised edition, 806 pages. 8vo, cloth 6 50 Rich. Artistic Horseshoeing. A Practical and Sci- entific Treatise. By Prof. Geo. E. Rich 1 00 RlCHABDSOlf. The Practical Horseshoer. Compiled and edited by M. T. Richardson. Illustrated. 13mo 1 00 Smith. Physiology of the Domestics Animals. A text-book for Veterinary and Medical Students and Practitioners. By Robert Meade Smith, A. M.,M. D. Cloth 5 00 Sheep 6 00 Strangbway. "Veterinary Anatomy." New Digitized by Microsoft® 6 rSEPUL BOOKS FOB VETEEINAEIANS. English edition, revised and edited by I. Vaughn, P. L. L., M. R. C. V. S., with several hundred illustrations. 8vo, cloth 7 50 WllillAMS. The Principles and Practice of Veterin- ary Surgery. New English edition, entirely re- vised and enlarged, and illustrated with colored plates and wood engravings. By William WUHams, F. R. C. V. S. 8vo, cloth 7 50 Williams. The Principles and Practice of Veterin- ary Medicine. New English edition, entirely re- vised, and illustrated with colored plates and wood engravings' By WilUam Williams, F. R. C. V. S. 8vo, cloth 7 50 ZujSTDEL. " The Horse's Foot and its Diseases. " By A Zundel, Principal Veterinarian of Alsace- Lorraine. Translated by A. Liautard, M. D. V. M. lUustrated. 13mo, cloth 3 00 Digitized by Microsoft® .A. ]vi E^ i^ I o ^^ n: Veterinary Review, EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Prof. A. LIAUTARD, M. D., V. M., Fnnign Corresponding Member of the Central Society of Veterinary Medicine (Paris), Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons {England). WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF Prot. O. ScHWAKTZKOPFP, V. M. of the University of Minnesota, (Voter. Dept.). Prof. Wm. ZuiLL, M. D.,D. V. S. , of the University uf Pennsylvania (Voter. Dept.). W. H. Hoskins, D. V. S., Secretary United States Vet. Med. Association. W. L. Williams, V. S., and other Veterinarians. It is the only Journal published on the American Continent devoted exclusively to Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and specially designed to meet the requirements of the Veterinarians of the United States and C.mada, and advance the Science of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in America. Each monthly number contains from 50 to 60 pages of the l::test practice and progress of Veterinary Science, consisting of Original Articles from able members of the profession in America and Kurope, Reports of Oases, Extracts and Translations of Veterinary Progi'ess from European and other foreign publications. Lectures, Proceedings of Socie- ties, Editorials on live questions of the day, Book Reviews, (Jorrespond- euoe. Medical News Items, etc. Each volume commences with the April number. Subscription price, $3.00 per year. SlngJe copies, - 2.5 cents. Medical and Veterinary Students, (while at college,) $2.00 per year. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY SABISTON & MURRAY, PuMisliers and Importers of Yeteriuary Books, 916 SIXTH AVENaE, N. Y. Digitized by Microsoft® Digitized by Microsoft® Digitized by Microsoft® Digitized by Microsoft® Digitized by Microsoft®