686 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. 



resulted from the administration every three or four hours of 

 half-drachm doses of powdered digitalis and camphor in a 

 little spirits of nitric sether and solution of acetate of ammonia, 

 with milk or gruel as a vehicle ; while linseed-tea, or water 

 with salines dissolved in it, is freely allowed as drink. 



In the cases of chronic peritonitis, when satisfied that such 

 exists, their treatment is somewhat different. Essentially less 

 active, the morbid process is most successfully combated, both 

 as to progress and results, by treatment which is largely- tonic, 

 by 'wholesome dietary, and correct sanitary conditions. Seldom 

 if ever, in the instance of young horses sufferers from this 

 forai, will depletion need to be resorted to ; while any restless- 

 ness and fugitive abdominal pain which may be sho^vn are 

 best treated by such medicines as have been recommended for 

 the second stage of the acute form — viz., spirits of nitric asther, 

 with digitahs and camphor. These, it is probable, will require 

 to be continued for some time longer than in the acute mani- 

 festation, and are usually advantageously followed by good and 

 nutritious food, mild tonics and diuretics, careful location, and 

 freedom from exposure until fully reinstated in health. In 

 many instances, along with the use internally of the medicines 

 mentioned, I have seen much good follow the application to 

 the abdomen of a smart cantharides liniment. 



II. Morbid Growths in connection with the Peritoneum. 



In the horse, both hydatid cysts and malignant new forma- 

 tions, the latter of more frequency than the former, are en- 

 countered connected with the peritoneum. When appearing, 

 cancerous growths are chiefly, as secondary developments, asso- 

 ciated through contiguity with some organ where the diseased 

 condition has appeared as a primary, or at least as an earlier 

 development. Of more frequent occurrence, however, than 

 these are growths of an innocent nature. They are chiefly 

 fatty, and show themselves in connection with the folds of the 

 m.embrane, the omentum, and the mesentery. Fibrous tumours 

 also have their situation in the same position, and occasionally 

 a compoiuid growth of gland-structure with adipose and fibrous 

 tissue. These may prove troublesome or dangerous by their 

 mere bulk, interfering with functional activity of particular 

 organs. The smaller, Avhich are also frequently pedunculated. 



