ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 415 



must be denied, and there are simple bitters in the hst of 

 tonics. Drugs, hkewise, that promote absorption, are to be 

 chosen, and there is one agent which is powerful in this 

 direction : — 



Powdered opium a draelim. 



Quassse, powdered six drachms. 



Iodide of potassium one draclim. 



Carbonate of ammonia one draclim. 



Mix with honey or treacle, and give every night and morn- 



If treated in the above fashion, half a diuretic ball being 

 given once every week, and the bowels kept laxative with 

 bran mashes, the horse may, in three months, regain all his 

 powers ; but, of course, the animal, as he must be stabled 

 all the time, should be valuable to cover the expenses, 



HYDROPS PERICARDII, OR DROPSY OF THE HEART. 



Inflammation of the heart is apt to terminate by an inor- 

 dinate effusion of serum within the membranous sac, called 

 the pericardium. If it admit of a natural cure, or of one 

 founded on promoting absorption, is very doubtful ; and an 

 operation in this case requires considerable skill, holding 

 forth small hopes of benefit. 



ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE BELLY. 



Ascites is a morbid increase of the serous fluids w^hich, in 

 small quantity, naturally pervades the cavity of the abdomen. 

 As a sequel of other affections, it is by no means uncommon. 

 The serous membranes of the horse appear very prone to 

 inflammation ; and effusion into the cavities, which they 

 render smooth for motion, is the common consequence, 

 -Equine ascites may be brought on by the connexion which 

 the serous membranes have both with the skin and the 

 kidneys, as secreting organs. Whatever, therefore, seriously 

 interferes with the functions of either, may prove a source 

 of serous effusion. 



The symptoms usually tirst noticed are oedema of the ex- 

 ternal parts of the belly, chest, and sometimes of the 

 extremities ; which often bring to the recollection some 

 lassitude and disinclination for exertion. The urine is made 

 in smaller quantities than natural, and some costiveness is 



