DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 71 



belly, constituting what is known as ascites, and which, as a rule, results 

 in death. 



The treatment of peritonitis is to be somewhat like that of enteri- 

 tis. Opium in powder, 1 to 2 drams, with calomel, one-half dram, is 

 to be given every two, three, or four hours, and constitute the main 

 dependence in this disease. Extensive counterirritants over the belh^, 

 consisting of mustard plasters, applications of mercurial ointment," 

 turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters, are recommended. Purga- 

 tives must never be given during this complaint. Should we desire to 

 move the bowels, it can be done by gentle enemas, though it is seldom 

 necessary to resort even to this. 



Ascites, or dropsy of the abdomex. — This is seen as a result of 

 subacute or chronic peritonitis, but may be due to diseases of the 

 liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. There will be found, on opening the 

 cavit}'" of the bell}^, a large collection of j^cllowish or reddish liquid; 

 from a few quarts to several gallons may be present. It may be clear 

 in color, though generally it is yellowish or of a red tint, and contains 

 numerous loose Hakes of coagulable h mph. 



Symjytoms. — There is slight tenderness on j^ressure; awkward gait 

 of the hind legs; the horse is dull, and may have occasional ver}^ slight 

 colicky pains, shown by looking back and striking at the belly with the 

 hind feet. Oftener, however, these colicky symptoms are absent. 

 Diarrhea often precedes death, but during the progress of the disease 

 the l^owels are alternately constipated and loose. On percussing the 

 abdominal walls we find that dullness exists to the same height on both 

 sides of the belly; by suddenly pushing or striking the abdomen we 

 can hear the rushing or flooding of water. If the case is an advanced 

 one, the horse is potbellied to the extreme, and dropsical swellings 

 are seen under the belly and upon the legs. 



Treatment is, as a rule, unsatisfactory. Saline cathartics, as Epsom 

 or Glauber's salts, and diuretics, ounce doses of saltpeter, may be given. 

 If a veterinarian is at hand he will withdraw the accumulation of water 

 by tapping and then endeavor to prevent its recurrence (though this 

 is almost sure to follow) by giving three times a day saltpeter, 1 ounce, 

 and iodide of potash, 1 dram, and by the application of mustard or 

 blisters over the abdominal walls. Tonics, mineral and vegetable, are 

 also indicated. Probably the best tonic is one consisting of powdered 

 sulphate of iron, gentian, and ginger in equal parts; a heaping table- 

 spoonful of the mixture is given as a drench or mixed with the feed, 

 twice a da3% Good nutritious foods and gentle exercise complete the 

 treatment. 



DISEASES of the LIVER. 



This organ in the horse is, in the United States, but rarel}' the seat 

 of disease, and when we consider how frequently the liver of man is 

 affected this can not but appear strange. The absence of the gall 



