138 



THE MODERN SYSTEM 



DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 



This, like the last-named disease, seldom 

 occurs in the Horse, and when it does so, 

 there is frequently great difficulty in detect- 

 ing it ; yet, now and then, it may arise, and 

 in consequence we are bound to notice it. It 

 may take place after inflammation of some of 

 the abdominal viscera. It consists of an in- 

 creased deposit of fluid within the cavity of 

 the belly. Now, Nature here has formed 

 wliat is called the peritoneal sac, only of such 

 dimensions as to hold its natural organs, such 

 as the stomach, liver, intestines, &c., &c. ; so 

 that it being called a cavity, is only relative 

 to what by nature is intended to be there. If 

 water escapes into this cavity, it at once be- 

 comes a foreign body, and by which means 

 is known, the tension of the abdomen, and by 

 the undulations felt by one hand, when the 

 belly is gently struck by the other ; also, if 

 you place your ear on one side the belly, and 

 get some person to lightly force the opposite 

 with their hand, you will by such means hear 

 the undulating motion of the water perfectly 

 distinct. In this disease, also, the urine is 

 made in small quantities, the thirst is greatly 

 predominant, the breathing quick and labori- 

 ous ; and this in consequence of the fluid 

 having taken up a portion of the cavity of the 

 abdomen, the lungs become pressed upon, and 

 have not room to perform their natural func- 

 tions ; in consequence of the abdominal viscera 

 pressing upon the diaphragm, the flesh also 

 becomes wasted, as well as the adipose mat- 

 ter, which is frequently found floating in the 

 fluid. 



Here, I am sorry to say, we cannot always 

 rely on a cure, but the disease fortunately 

 happening but seldom, and that is then fre- 



quently the sequel of some other disorder of 

 the viscera ; but if the animal has stamina 

 sufficient, there is a probability of recovery. 

 Diuretic medicines are here the only means to 

 rely on, combined with tonics ; and I cannot re- 

 commend any thing better than the prescrip- 

 tion laid down for dropsy in the chest ; and if 

 possible give exercise, rub the legs well, and 

 bandage with flannel. I have found this dis- 

 ease cured, if taken in time, by blistering all 

 four legs ; and should the blisters lise well, 

 you may almost rely upon completing your 

 object. 



WATER FARCY, OR DROPSY OF 

 TflE SKIN. 



This disease, properly speaking, is very im- 

 properly named ; the proper name being 

 anasarca ; but we have kept to the name it is 

 generally known by, and that because it most 

 frequently happens with young Horses, and 

 consequently not having left the hands of the 

 agriculturist, he might be somewhat puzzlixl 

 without the local name. 



Water farcy is then a species of dropsy, 

 from a serous fluid spread between the skin 

 and flesh, or rather a general collection of 

 lymph in the cellular system. This species of 

 dropsy shows itself first with a swelling under 

 the Horse's belly ; the tumefaction is soft and 

 inelastic, and pressed upon by the finger 

 retains its mark for some time. By degrees 

 the swelling ascends and occupies the trunk 

 of the body and the neck, even the eye-lids, 

 face, and nostrils appear bloated, the lips are 

 much swollen, also the legs and the sheath 

 becomes greatly enlarged. When the disease 

 arrives to this pitch, the breathing then be- 

 comes difficult, the urine small in quantities, 

 and dark coloured ; the bo'^els are costive. 



