RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 193 



PERITONITIS 



Peritonitis is an inflammation of the membi-ane lining the belly 

 ca\ itv and covering the abdominal organs. 



CAUSE 



It is seen generally after castration of lambs or following inflam- 

 mation of the womb in ewes. It results from infection. 



SYMPTOxMS 



The principal symptoms are evidences of abdominal pain. There 

 is plaintive bleating, grinding of the teeth, and the animal frequently 

 draws the head around toward the flank. The temperature rises. The 

 hind legs may be dragged stiffly and the belly may be tucked up. Fluid 

 ma\- be felt in the bellv. 



TREATMENT 



The castration wound should be washed with antiseptics. Stimu- 

 lating liniments or mustard water may be applied to the abdomen. 



ASCITES (Abdominal Dropsy, Water Belly) 



The condition known as ascites represents an accumulation of fluid 

 in the bellv. 



CAUSE 



Ascites may be present in several general diseases, and in perito- 

 nitis, internal parasitic infestation, or in debilitated animals, especially 

 during pregnancy. 



SYMPTOMS 



Gradual enlargement or bulging of the belly is a common symptom. 

 Manipulation of the belly will cause the fluid to fluctuate or move 

 about. There is a dull sound on thunij^ing the abdomen. Affected 

 ewes may give birth to water-bellied lambs. 



