• Dropsy. 187 



ill-drain od pastures. In the ox it not uofrequently is due to 

 a scrofulous state of the system, characterized by growths in 

 the lining membrane of the abdomen called '' grapes/^ 



Symptoms. — These are plainly apparent in the " pot belly" 

 of the animal, which can readily be recognized as due to the 

 presence of fluid by the dull sound it yields on percussion, 

 and by the feeling of fluctuation or fluid motion it imparts to 

 the hand. If there is any doubt, a small quantity may be 

 drawn off with a fine trocar. 



This condition is nearly always preceded by one of general 

 poor health, often with signs of heart or liver disease, weak- 

 ness and languor. As the fluid increases, the breathing be- 

 comes more difficult, the bowels irregular, the pulse feeble, 

 and the coat loose and unthrifty. The swelling of the legs 

 impedes the motions, and the animal dies of exhaustion. 



Treatment. — The probabilities of success in this depends 

 much on tlie cause of the dropsy. When it is due to heart 

 or liver disease the prospects are far from cheering, and some 

 writers recommend the animal to be killed. But when poor 

 food and unhealthy surroundings have led to the condition, 

 it may be removed by placing the patient in a dry, clean and 

 well ventilated stable, giving a generous and nourishing 

 diet, and administering, internally, tonics and diuretics, as — 



No. 306. Powdered (Jigitalis, 1 dr. 



Sulphate of iron, J oz. 



Mix for one ball, morning and night. 



No lowering medicines whatever should be used. 



If the water in the belly is extensive, and does not promptly 

 diminish by medicine and proper food, it should be drawn 

 off by a trochar, which should be plunged into the most de- 

 pendent portion; this may be repeated as often as the accu- 

 mulation of fluid demands it. 



The class of medicines known as ^^ diuretics," which exert 



