48 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. 

 PERITONITIS. 



Peritonitis consists in an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is 

 the thin, delicate membrane that lines the abdomen and covers the 

 abdominal organs. 



Causes. — Wounds are the usual cause in cattle. The wound may 

 be of the abdominal wall or of the intestines, stomach, or utenis; or 

 inflammation may extend from one of the organs of the abdominal 

 cavity to the peritoneum; so this disease may complicate enteritis or 

 inflamed womb. A sharp metal body may perforate the vsecond 

 stomach and allow the gastric contents to escape, irritating the peri- 

 toneum. This disease may follow castration or operation for heniia. 

 Symptoms. — A continuous or occasional shivering; the animal lies 

 down, but appears uneasy; it frequently turns its head toward its 

 belly and lows plaintively; pressure on the flanks produces pain; has 

 no appetite ; muzzle is dry and no rumination ; while standing, its legs 

 ai'e placed well under its body; pulse small and hard. The evacua- 

 tions from the bowels are dry and hard. If this disease is compli- 

 cated by the presence of inflammation of the bowels, the pain is more 

 severe and the animal is more restless. The skin is cold and dry in 

 the early stage of this disease, but in a more advanced stage this con- 

 dition may be succeeded by heat of the skin and quick breathing. 

 The fits of trembling, uneasiness, small and hard pulse, and tension of 

 the left flank are symptoms the prcvsence of which would enable one 

 to reach the conclusion that peritonitis exists. 



Post-mortem appearance. — The membrane lining the abdomen and 

 covering the surface of the bowels is reddened to a greater or less 

 extent, and there is usually considerable serous, or watery, fluid col- 

 lected in the abdomen. 



Treatment. — When we have to do with the form of peritonitis re- 

 sulting from an injury, as when the horn of another animal has been 

 thrust through the abdominal walls, this lesion must be treated in 

 accordance with directions before given, but the general treatment 

 must be similar to that which follows. Peritonitis resulting from 

 castration or from parturient fever musi: also be treated in connec- 

 tion with the special conditions which give rise to it, as the general 

 treatment of this disease must be modified to some extent by the 

 exciting cause. 



The aim must be to discover and remove the cause. The cause 

 must be treated according to its nature. Harms strongly recommends 

 borax in the treatment of peritonitis. He gives 6 ounces in the first 

 24 hours, divided into three doses, and aftei-wards he gives G drams 

 three times daily. Opium in doses of 2 to 3 drams may be given. 



