In the second the rectum is incomplete or non-existent, the floating colon terminating in a blind end at the entrance to the pelvis.
In calves, lambs, and young pigs very often imperforate anus is not diagnosed until the second or third day after birth. Defæcation cannot occur, and death is inevitable unless an artificial anus be established.
First Degree.—The patient loses appetite, the abdomen remains distended, and on examination of the anal region a doughy swelling is felt, which projects backwards when the animal strains. The operation is quite elementary, and always proves successful.
First stage. The skin beneath the tail is incised vertically; the rectal cul-de-sac projects towards the incision.
Second stage. The rectal cul-de-sac is punctured, the contents are removed, and the rectum and skin united by a few sutures. An anus is thus established, though there is no sphincter.
Second Degree.—The general symptoms are similar, though very often the little patient shows symptoms of atrophy or arrest in development. The operation is somewhat complicated.
First stage. Vertical incision through the skin at the base of the tail.
Fig. 306.—1. Prolapse of the rectum and vagina; 2, schema showing the relations of the layers of the rectum in prolapse; 3, first phase, showing manner of fixing the superposed layers of tissue by inserting four sutures—the left index finger is inserted into the rectum in order to manipulate the parts; 4, interrupted sutures inserted around the bowel after amputation.
Second stage. Digital exploration of the cavity of the pelvis after breaking down of the layers of connective tissue, and search for the blind end of the floating colon. When discovered, the colon is grasped between the jaws of a clamp or large forceps with smooth jaws, and gently drawn towards the opening.