DROPSY OF THE BELIA'". 999 



when any of the stimulating applications recommended for simple 

 ophthalmia may be used. 



The membrana riictitans, or haw, sometimes becomes enlarged, 

 the result of an injury, or from being implicated in other diseased 

 conditions of the eye. -Even in its healthy state, we have known 

 it mistaken (b}^ ignorant persons) for an abnormal structure, and 

 barbarously removed. It is not an imusual circumstance to hear 

 persons boast of the rapidity with which they can remove this 

 beautiful and most essential appendage to the eye. 



Dropsy of the Belly (Ascites). 



Ascites consists of a collection of serous fluid in the cavity of 

 the belly. It is not very often seen, unless in connection with 

 some other disease. 



Causes. — It is usually the result of chronic peritoneal inflam- 

 mation, or a sympathetic extension, or accompaniment of " water 

 in the chest " (hydrothorax), chronic disease of some important or- 

 gan contained in the belly, which it invests. Occasionally it oc- 

 curs in conjunction with enlarged liver or spleen. Sometimes also 

 from impeded circulation, consequent on abnormal tumors press- 

 ing on some important vessels; and, unquestionably, as in the hu- 

 man subject, some animals have a dropsical tendency (diathesis). 



Symptoms. — The animal is observed to be dull and inactive, 

 the bowels are costive, and the urine scanty ; he is always thirsty, 

 watery swelling appears between the fore legs, which soon extends 

 backward along to the sheath or udder; the belly is large, and 

 when struck, emits a dull, heavy sound. As it goes on, the 

 breathing becomes rapid, and the pulse quick and small, the thirst 

 intense, the appetite fails, the enlargement of the belly becomes 

 more perceptible, the external swelling greater, and the breathing 

 much increased; as death approaches, the pulse becomes impercep- 

 tible, and as Blaine remarks, "the peritoneal inflammation pro- 

 duces colicky symptoms frequently, and in this way being occa- 

 sionally but little disturbed, and at other times very ill, a few ac- 

 tive symptoms carry ofl'the poor beast." 



Treatment. — When the watery effusion is extensive, few 

 cases recover ; however, much can be done to arrest it in the early 

 stages; the prospects of recovery, of course, depend a good deal 

 on the cause of the complaint: when accompanied by hydrothorax, 



