dropsies. 05 



DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN OR PERITONEUM 

 (ASCITES), 



The peritoneum is a watery membrane lining the ab- 

 dominal cavity. Anything that disturbs its healthy action, 

 such as disease of the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, or 

 omentum (a prolongation of the peritoneum) ; improper 

 or insufficient food, exposure to cold, &c, may cause 

 dropsy. It is sometimes complicated with hydrothorax 

 and dropsy of the pericardium — a sequel sometimes of the 

 latter. The pale, straw-colored fluid — aggregating gallons 

 — is sometimes mixed with flakes of lymph. The disease 

 is peculiar to the young rather than the old. 



Symptoms. — Dull; if in the field, alone; appetite and 

 general condition bad ; disposed to rest ; abdomen becomes 

 gradually pendulous ; pulse weak and rather frequent ; 

 membranes blanched. These symptoms may become in- 

 tensified and multiplied, the swelling extending to the 

 limbs, &c. When the liver is much diseased, the urine 

 is always scanty and biliary ; when the kidneys are dis- 

 eased, it is charged with albumen. 



Remedy. — Diuretics, salines, oil of turpentine. Digi- 

 talis in heart complications. Combat liver complications. 

 (See liver diseases.) Tapping gives relief. 



Shelter, good food, some exercise. Cautious use of prep- 

 arations of iron. When bowels confined, moderate doses 

 of aloes at long intervals, or sulphate of soda steadily. 

 For albumen in urine, perchloride or sulphate of iron, 

 with dilute sulphuric acid, alternated with solution of 

 iodine or iodide of potassium — one in morning, other at 

 night — using diuretics, if at all, sparingly. Remove local 

 swelling by fomentation, smart friction, with simple oil, 

 and moderate exercise. For chronic, debilitated cases, 2, 

 3, or even 4 ounces cod-liver oil, twice a day, mixed with 

 4 or 5 eggs. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 



