» General Aspects of Abdominal Topography

The influences on abdominal topography common to all species have been discussed (pp. 113-114). The horse is prone to adhesions of the peritoneum, especially after abdominal surgery.

Except in advanced pregnancy, when the uterus has an even greater influence, the topography of the equine abdomen is dominated by the large intestine. The cecum and ascending colon are the seat of the microbial fermentation that makes the cellulose constituents of the diet available, and their significance is therefore comparable to that of the chambers of the ruminant stomach. The large intestine is so voluminous that it is almost always encountered immediately when the abdomen is opened, whether the incision is made in the flank or in the floor. Its disposition is complicated, and although it is necessary to give a systematic account of each individual part, a first impression may be obtained from such illustrations as Figs. 21.6, 21.7, and 21.10.