260 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM 



large body within the cavity. Passing the catheter will 

 reduce the enlargement by removing the urine. 



Rupture of the bladder, when distended, will produce a 

 sudden distention of the abdomen, and general symptoms of 

 stupor and coma often with convulsions. Puncturing the 

 abdomen will reveal the presence of urine. 



Prognosis. The prognosis depends largely upon the cause. 

 As a rule, it is unfavorable. 



Treatment. Medical. The cause should first be deter- 

 mined, if possible, and measures taken to eliminate it. 

 Should the heart action be deficient, digitalis would be 

 indicated (dog, 0.05-0.10; cat, ^ quantity) to stimulate the 

 heart and overcome venous stasis. This drug is further of 

 great value owing to its diuretic action, which assists in the 

 elimination of fluid from the body. Caffein citrate (dog, 

 0.1-0.5; cat, 0.05-0.1) has a similar action. The resorption 

 of the exudate may also be aided by the use of diuretics: 

 Potassium acetate (dog, 0.5-0.8; cat, 0.05-0.1) ; bulbous scillee 

 in powder form (dog, 0.05-0.2; cat, 0.01-0.05) ; diuretin (dog, 

 0.5-1.0; cat, 0.01-0.05) every two or three hours, or agurin 

 (dog, 1.0-2.0; cat, 0.02-0.08) daily. Laxatives should be 

 administered occasionally to keep the bowels open which 

 also assists in removing the fluid. Magnesium sulphate 

 (dog, 8.0-14.0; cat, 1.0-4.0) is best for this purpose. Dia- 

 phoretics may also be administered, although not so impor- 

 tant in small animals as in large ones, as the skin glands are 

 less developed. Pilocarpin hydrochlorate (dog, 0.005-0.01) 

 can be used, but there is some danger of edema of the lungs 

 or paralysis of the heart from its use. 



Surgical. If the fluid produces severe dyspnea and inter- 

 feres with the action and function of abdominal and thoracic 

 organs, it should be removed surgically by performing para- 

 centesis abdominis. The operation is as follows: The 

 animal is placed in a standing position, or on its side on the 

 operating table and the hair shaved from a small area at 

 the most pendent portion of the abdomen, usually near the 

 umbilicus. The surface should be thoroughly disinfected by 

 washing with bichJorid soap, followed by alcohol, and 

 tincture of iodin painted over the surface where the puncture 



