430 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. 



At the supra-posterior part of the diaphragm there was 

 another large tumour, or rather the remains of one, for it 

 had burst and discharged its contents, which were fluid — in 

 fact, such as constituted the dropsy. This tumour, entire, 

 weighed from 60 to 1001b. " The whole of the tumorous 

 matter, when dissected, amounted to 1381b., which, added to 

 at least 150 or 1601b. of fluid, made 3001b. of diseased 

 matter within the cavity .^^ Fi^e ^ Veterinarian,' vol. xxii, 

 p. 653. 



The Treatment of ascites, so far as it involves the con- 

 stitution, must be conducted either upon a plan of depletion 

 or of support, or else upon a judicious combination of both 

 modes of procedure. Unless we be able in our own mind 

 to unravel the pathology of the case — to ascertain whether 

 it be a primitive or secondary affection, a local or constitu- 

 tional one, we are not likely to arrive at much success in 

 practice. The majority of cases will be found to combine 

 fever or inflammation in their nature, and consequently re- 

 quire depletives. Bloodlettings, small but often repeated; 

 purges, mild but continued, in combination with diuretic 

 and sedative medicine : the plan 1 found the best to proceed 

 upon, is this : I give, as a cathartic, to begin with, my 

 purgo- diuretic ball, consisting of equal parts (half ounces) 

 of cathartic and diuretic mass, repeating it once in the course 

 of twenty-four hours, which will probably be required — or 

 even twice, if found necessary ; after the action of which 

 I commence with the Plummer^s ball, (formula for which 

 will be found at page 277,) which I give twice, or even, 

 if requisite, thrice a day, and persevere with until the 

 mouth, or rather the breath, denotes that mercury has 

 entered the system. Cantharides, as a potent diuretic, is 

 recommended by some practitioners ; but, for my own part, 

 I prefer the Plummer's ball to using this as a diuretic, and 

 indeed augmenting all the secretions ; added to which, it is 

 a potent and influential alterative or restorer of healthy 

 action. 



The External Sw^ellings are to be regarded rather in 

 a favorable light than otherwise : any sudden or rapid dis- 



