DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN. 71 



fine and cold. The temperature is higher than normal, reaching from 

 102° to 104° F. The pulse in peritonitis is rather characteristic; it is 

 quickened, beating from seventy to ninety beats per minute, and is 

 hard and wiry. This peculiarity' of the pulse occurs in inflammation 

 of the serous membrane, and if accompanied by colicky 'symptoms, 

 and, in particular, if following any injuries, accidental or surgical, of 

 the peritoneum, there is reason to think that peritonitis is present. 

 Peritonitis in the horse is mostly fatal when it is at all extensive. If 

 death does not occur in a short time, the inflammation assumes a 

 chronic form, in which there is an extensive effusion of w^ater in tlie 

 cavity of the belly, constituting what is known as ascites^ and which, 

 as a rule, results in death. 



The treatment of peritonitis is to be somewhat like that of enteri- 

 tis. Opium in powder. 1 to '2 drams, with calomel, one-half dram, is 

 to be given every two, three, or four hours, and constitute the main 

 dependence in this disease. Extensive counterirritants over the belly, 

 consisting of mustard j^lasters, applications of mercurial ointment, 

 turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters, are recommended. Purga- 

 tives must never be given during this complaint. Should we desire to 

 move the bowels, it can be done by gentle enemas, though it is seldom 

 necessary to resort even to this. 



Ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen. — This is seen as a result of 

 subacute or chronic peritonitis, but may be due to diseases of the 

 liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. There Avill be found, on opening the 

 cavity of the belly, a large collection of yellowish or reddish liquid ; 

 from a few quarts to several gallons may be present. It may be clear 

 in color, though generally it is yellowish or of a red tint, and contains 

 numerous loose flakes of coagulable lymph. 



Symptomi^. — There is slight tenderness on pressure ; awkward gait 

 of the hind legs; the horse is dull, and may have occasional very slight 

 colicky })ains. shown by looking back and striking at the belly with 

 the hind feet. Oftener, however, these colicky symptoms are absent. 

 Diarrhea often precedes death, but during the progress of the disease 

 the bowels are alternately constipated and loose. On percussing the 

 abdominal walls we find that dullness exists to the same height on 

 both sides of the belly : by suddenly pushing or striking the abdomen 

 we can hear the rushing or flooding of water. If the case is an ad- 

 vanced one, the horse is potbellied to the extreme, and dropsical 

 swellings are seen under the belly and upon the legs. 



Treatment is, as a rule, unsatisfactory. Saline cathartics, as Ep- 

 som or Glauber's salts, and diuretics, ounce doses of saltpeter, may be 

 given. If a veterinarian is at hand he will withdraw the accumula- 

 tion of water by tapping and then endeavor to prevent its recurrence 

 (though this is almost sure to follow) by giving three times a day 

 saltpeter, 1 ounce, and iodide of potash, 1 dram, and by the applica- 



