54 



Feritonitis is an inflammation of the serous membrane lining the 

 cavity of and covering the viscera coutaiaed within the ahdomeu. 

 It is very rare to see a case of idioi)athic peritonitis. It is, however, 

 somewhat common from extension of the inflammatory action involving 

 organs covered by the ijeritoneum. Peritonitis is often caused by in- 

 juries, as i)uuctured wounds of the abdomen, severe blows or kicks, or, 

 as is still more common, following the operation of castration. It fol- 

 lows frequently from strangahited heruiae, invagination, rupture of the 

 stomach, intestines, liver, or womb. 



Symptoms. — Peritonitis is mostly preceded by a chill ; the horse is not 

 disposed to move, and if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or sore 

 gait; he paws with the front feet, and probably strikes at his belly 

 with the hind ones ; lies down very carefully, and as the pain is in- 

 creased while down, he maintains during most of the time the standing 

 position 5^ he walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usually 

 l^reseut. Pressure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will 

 bite, strike, or kick at you if so disturbed ; the abdomen is tacked up } 

 the extremities fine and cold. The temperature is higher than normal, 

 reaching from 102'^ to 104^ Fah. The pulse in peritonitis is almost, of 

 itself, diagnostic; it is quickened, beating from seventy to ninety beats 

 per minute, and is hard and iviry. This peculiarity of the pulse is 

 characteristic of inflammation of the serous membrane, and if occurring 

 with colicky symptoms, and, in i^articular, if following any injuries, 

 accidental or surgical, of the peritoneum, we may rest assured 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 inflam- 

 mation assumes a chronic form, in which there is an extensive efl'usion 

 of water in the cavity of the belly, constituting what is known as 

 ascites, and which, as a rule, results in death. 



The treatment of i)eritonitis is to be somewhat like that of enteritis. 

 Opium in powder, 1 to 2 drams, with calomel, one-half dram, is to be 

 given every two, three, or four hours, and constitute our main de- 

 pendence in this disease. Extensive counter-irritants over the belly, 

 consisting of mustard-plasters, turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters, 

 are highly recommended. Purgatives 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, is mostly" seen as a result of sub- 

 acute cr chronic peritonitis, but may be due to diseases of the liver, 

 kidneys, heart, or lungs. There will 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. 



Symiytoms.-^ThiirG is slight tenderness on pressure; awkward gait of 

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



