210 Diseases of the Organs of Digestion. 



from the abdomen, and are supported in a sac formed by 

 the skin outwardly, constituting a soft fluctuating tumour 

 of variable dimensions. An operation is generally re- 

 quired, for which the veterinary surgeon is indispensable. 

 Dropsy of the Abdomen is the result of confirmed 

 disease of one or more of the internal organs. Tapping 



Dropsy of the Abdomen. 



is resorted to for drawing off the contained fluid. This, 

 however, affords but temporary relief, and the original 

 disease, still existing, finally puts an end to the creature's 

 sufferings. 



Congestion of the Liver, the result of errors of diet, 

 is betokened by indigestion, colic, irregular bowels, foul 

 mouth, coated faeces, variable surface heat, and some- 

 times lameness in the right shoulder. 



Treatment. — Brisk purgation, followed by sulphate or 

 nitrate of potash, or diuretics No. i or 2. Improve sys- 

 tem of feeding, and also work. 



Inflammation of the Liver is a rare disease in the 

 horse. It is sometimes difficult to define. The animal is 

 dull and heavy, and often turns his nose to the side as an 

 evidence of internal uneasiness ; constipation, with slimy 

 and offensive faeces ; the skin, membranes, and urine 

 eventually become yellow; temperature and circulation 

 are high, and the pulse, at first frequent and irregular, 

 becomes slow; when the animal turns he winces and 



