480 PERITONITIS. 



upper zones, due to accumulation of gases of fermentation, and to 

 distension of the peritoneal cavity itself. Towards the lower parts, 

 however, percussion produces a dull sound. The presence of liquid 

 can here be detected by the manner in which impulses are trans- 

 mitted, particularly at the period of crisis and when much exudation 

 exists. 



Abdominal auscultation shows that the digestive movements are 

 arrested. Peristaltic movement ceases, and the movements peculiar 

 to the rumen and to the progress of food through the intestine are 

 absent. Fermentation sounds, how^ever, can be detected. 



The heart beats are strong, rapid and violent, and yet the pulse 

 remains feeble, though the artery is tense. 



At a later stage, when the disease becomes aggravated, pain is 

 less acute, depression is extreme, the animals no longer even drink, 

 the abdominal wall becomes relaxed, and diarrhoea is succeeded by 

 constipation. Palpation of the abdomen is less painful and does not 

 cause groaning, but the pulse becomes feebler, much more frequent, 

 imperceptible, and at last the animal dies from intoxication and 

 exhaustion, caused by the fever and pain. 



When peritonitis is due to rupture of the intestine or escape of 

 alimentary material from the rumen into the peritoneal cavity, as 

 may occur after puncture of the rumen or gastrotomy, etc., fever 

 is not always very marked. The temperature may even fall below 

 the normal point. Some cases vary greatly from the type described 

 as regards their development, but the important features are always 

 present, and the difference is chiefly found in the course of the disease. 



Diagnosis. The diagnosis is rather difficult, but when there is 

 colic, together with persistent peritonism, exaggerated sensitiveness 

 to palpation and arrest of the functions of the digestive apparatus, 

 there is little room for doubt. 



Prognosis. The prognosis of acute peritonitis is very grave. 



Lesions. The lesions vary with the primary cause (traumatism, 

 metritis, suppurative echinococcosis, foreign bodies escaping from the 

 digestive tract into the peritoneal cavity, etc.). 



The parietal and visceral layers of the serous membrane are always 

 inflamed, vascular, roughened, dull, and in places covered by vege- 

 tations. Between the loops of intestine and in the peritoneal pockets 

 there are discovered more or less numerous and more or less thickened 

 false membranes, presenting the characteristics of the false membranes 

 seen in acute pleurisy. 



The liquid varies in quantity and in colour, being sometimes lemon- 

 yellow, sometimes purulent, sanguinolent, or even blackish, and of 

 putrid odour. 



