78 PERITONITIS. 



in which event morphine must he administered suhcutaneously in one 

 eighth grain doses. Where the medicine is not rejected laudanum is a 

 convenient preparation of opium, and should be given in twenty drop 

 doses. Should the animal show no signs of sleeping and the pain persists, 

 doubtless the dose could be safely repeated every hour and a half or two 

 hours until some relief is secured. Although obstinate constipation exists, 

 purgatives must not under any consideration be given during the acute 

 stage. Remember the costiveness arises from an inflammation of the 

 bowels, and they being unable to expel their contents. 



Hot applications to the abdomen are indicated, and it matters little their 

 character as long as they are hot. Nourishment should be given ice cold, 

 the most concentrated being demanded. 



Partial or circumscribed peritonitis is as the name implies an inflam- 

 mation limited to a portion of the peritoneum. It is a complication of a 

 previous affection of the parts covered by the inflamed membrane. Where 

 this inflammation exists, a disease of the tissues beneath may be inferred. 



Chronic peritonitis is less common than the acute. Occasionally the 

 latter eventuates in the chronic form, but rarely so; it is more often asso- 

 ciated with some diseases of the abdominal organs, previously existing or 

 present. As chronic peritonitis must sooner or later eventuate in death, 

 as it is insidious and its existence is rarely detected except at the autopsy, 

 an extended consideration is an absurdity. 



An inflammation limited to the upper portion of the large intestine 

 sometimes occurs in canine practice. The more common cause is the 

 lodgment of a foreign body such as a small, sharp piece of bone. This be- 

 coming fixed excites a local inflammation, which in turn may result in ul- 

 ceration, and finally perforation into the abdominal cavity take place. 

 Peritonitis more often follows and terminates fatally. In rare instances 

 the peritonitis at first will be local. In such cases an abscess usually 

 forms, and more often bursts into the abdominal cavity. 



While the inflammation is limited to the intestine, the symptoms are, 

 pain and tenderness confined to a certain part of the abdomen. Gas gen- 

 erally accumulates, and the bowels become greatly distended. The move- 

 ments of the animal, especially of his hind legs, cause an increase in 

 pain. If the gaseous distention is confined to the affected portion, the 

 intestine can be felt through the abdominal walls. Diarrhoea is a common 

 symptom, with which is associated, higher pulse, fever, loss of appetite 

 and the usual manifestations of a serious disturbance. When perforation 

 takes place the symptoms become identical with those of peritonitis. 



In treatment, opium to relieve pain, a blister to the abdomen, over the 

 inflamed parts, and a cautious use of cathartics; the preference being 

 given to castor oil, in small doses, frequently repeated. 



