Dropsy] °9 [Dropsy 



As the fluid increases, the size of the abdomen 

 increases ; the breathing becomes distressed, 

 and the dog walks with difficulty. In many 

 cases, when relief is not obtained, the dropsy 

 extends to the chest, which of course increases 

 the difficulty of breathing. 



Many cases of ascites are due to diseased 

 liver, which may become much enlarged, but 

 the condition of the liver may simply be due 

 to defective circulation. 



Treatment: Unless the patient is very old, 

 relief may generally be given with the following 

 mixture, continued for some time : — 



Recipe : The Mixture : 



Acetate Potash, 3 drachms. 



Tr. Digitalis, 1 drachm. 



Tr. Nux Vomica, - - \ drachm. 



Spirits of Nitre, - - 2 drachms. 



Water to - - - - - 6 ounces. 



Doses: From one teaspoonful to two table- 

 spoonfuls 1 three times a day. Also give three 

 times a day in water, after food, from fifteen 

 drops l to two teaspoonfuls of Hollands gin. Once 

 or twice a week a dose of purgative medicine 

 should be given, as from three to fifteen grains * 

 of jalapine. When the liver is affected, give 

 from two l to eight grains of grey powder once 

 or twice a week, instead of the jalapine. In 

 severe cases of dropsy tapping is necessary, 

 but as a rule, in ascites it only gives temporary 

 relief. 



1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86. 



