THE EQUINE lIOSPiTAL i'OUMUI.AllY. 31 



Ascites [(IcTKos, a leatlier-bag, or wine-skin), vide also 

 Anaemia and Debility. 



This is the name given to a collection of liquid in the 

 peritoneal cavity. This condition may be simulated by gas 

 in the intestine (meteoristn) to fat in the parietes and 

 omentum, or to some tumour, such as an ovarian cyst. 

 Ascites is often associated with anasarca or general dropsy, 

 and may be due to chronic peritonitis, disease of the walls 

 or valves of the heart, obstruction of the portal circulation 

 owing to disease of the liver, kidney-disease, enlargement 

 or other disease of the spleen, deposits and new formations 

 on the omentum or mesentery. Dulness is manifest on 

 percussion, and fluctuation may be detected. If the malady 

 is renal in origin, iron and tonics may be useful. The 

 iodide of iron or the liq. ferri perchloridi may be recom- 

 meniied. When it is due to cardiac mischief, diuretics and 

 hydragogue purgatives should be tried. In certain cases 

 paracentesis of the abdomen may be necessary. 



Draught. 



Nitrate of potassium, one drachm. 

 Tincture of digitalis, three fluid drachms. 

 Oil of juniper, one fluid drachm. 

 Spirit of nitrous ether, two fluid ounces. 

 Water, eight fluid ounces. 

 This draught is to be given twice daily. 



Draught. 



Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce. 

 Powdered gentian-root, half an ounce. 

 Powdered ginger-root, half an ounce. 

 Hot beer, sufficient to make one pint in all. 



