206 DROPSY. 



usually accompanied or characterised by a weak, unequal, small, and 

 frequent pulse paleness of the lips, tongue, and gums flaccidity of the 

 muscles, hurried breathing on the least exertion, feebleness of the joints, 

 swellings of the lower limbs, effusion of fluid into the integuments or among 

 the muscles, before there is any considerable effusion into the thorax or the 

 abdomen, and an unhealthy appearance of the cutaneous surface. The urine 

 seldom coagulates. This form of dropsy is usually seated in the abdomen 

 or cellular tissue. 



The treatment of ascites is seldom perfectly successful. The great ex- 

 tent of the peritoneum, the number and importance of the viscera with 

 which it is connected, and of the absorbent glands which it encloses, the 

 number and weakness of the veins which transmit their blood to the portal 

 vessels, and the absence of valves, in some measure account for the 

 frequent accumulation of fluid in this cavity. It appears in both sexes 

 from the usual causes of inflammatory disease. Unwholesome diet, the 

 drastic operation of purgatives, external injuries, the suppression of ac- 

 customed secretions and discharges, all are exciting causes of dropsy. 



The animal has suffered materially from mange, which has been appa- 

 rently cured : the itchiness and eruption altogether disappear, but many 

 weeks do not elapse ere ascites begins to be seen, and the abdomen is 

 gradually distended with fluid. When this appears in young and healthy 

 animals, it may be conquered ; but when there has been previous disease 

 of almost any kind, comparatively few patients permanently recover. 

 Irritability of the stomach, and a small and accelerated pulse are unfavour- 

 able. If the operation of tapping has taken place, at all times there is 

 danger ; but, if there is a thick, brown, albuminous or fetid discharge, it 

 is very unlikely that any permanent advantage will result from the 

 operation. 



We will introduce a few cases as they occur in our clinical records. 



November 1th, 1821. A spaniel, nine years old, had been, during four 

 months, alternately asthmatic or mangy, or both. Within the last few 

 days she had apparently increased in size. I was sent for. The first touch 

 of the abdomen betrayed considerable fluctuation. She likewise had piles, 

 sore and swelled. I ordered an alterative ball to be given morning and 

 night. 8th. One of the balls has been given, and two doses of castor oil ; 

 but no effect has been produced. An injection was administered. 9th. A 

 small evacuation of water has been produced, and the bowels have been 

 slightly opened. Give a dose of the castor-oil mixture. 10th. The ob- 

 struction has been removed ; the enlargement is somewhat diminished ; 

 much water has passed. Give an alterative ball every morning. 14th. 

 The alteratives have been continued, and there is a slow but evident de- 

 crease of the abdomen. 18th. I cannot detect any effusion in the abdo- 

 men. Give a pill every alternate day for a fortnight. At the expiration 

 of this period the dog was apparently well. 



April 23rd, 1822. A terrier, ten years old, had cough and mange, 

 which ceased. The belly for the first time began to enlarge, and on feel- 

 ing the dog considerable fluctuation was evident. He would not eat, but 

 he drank immoderately. Give daily a ball consisting of tonic and physic 

 mist., with powdered digitalis and tartrate of iron. May 6th. He is in 

 better spirits, feeds tolerably well, but is rather increased in size. Give 

 daily a ball of tartrate of iron, digitalis, ginger, and a grain of calomel. 

 22nd. Much thinner, the belly very considerably diminished : a slight flue- 



