318 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



may be distinguished by its not passing back with a sudden movement, 

 ■when pressed with the fingers, but with a steady current and gi'adual 

 diminution 



What to do. — If it is associated with dropsy of the abdomen treat that 

 first, and until it is relieved, without which being done it is unnecessary 

 to attempt the cure of the more local and dependent disorder. In any 

 event, find out, if possible, and remove the primary cause. Next see to 

 it that the bowels of the patient are kept moderately active ; and as in 

 the case of dropsy of the abdomen, give sufficient of diuretic No. 45, to 

 act freely upon the kidneys. 



If the fluid has accumulated in any considerable quantity, so as to 

 render the scrotum painful by distension, draw it off mth a fine armed 

 trocar, or a hypodermic syringe, and support the parts with an elastic 

 bandage. 



VI. Dropsy of the Abdomen. 



Causes. — This is a collection of water in the abdomen which is gener- 

 ally the result of chronic inflammation of the peritoneum, a tough, white 

 membrane which lines the abdomen and embraces the bowels in its folds. 

 "When this inflammation has assumed a chronic condition, the peritoneum 

 secretes a watery fluid, because of long obstructed circulation, which fills 

 the cavity, and unless attended to will finally cause death. 



Frequently it follows injuries of the abdominal walls, when the perito- 

 neum has been subjected to violence, and is associated with local inflam- 

 mation of the muscular tissues, from which effusion is directed inward. 



Sometimes it arises from obstructed circulation caused by diseases of 

 the liver, lungs or heart, and again from a poor, watery state of the 

 blood, superinduced by exhaustion or by scanty and innutritions food. 



It is more frequently found in old than in young and vigorous animals. 



How to know it. — Generally, a low state of health precedes the more 

 unmistakal)le manifestations ; there is thirst and loss of appetite ; the 

 pulse is hard and small ; the membrane of the nose is pale ; the mouth 

 is dry ; the head droops ; there is a condition of weakness and languor ; 

 and there are some signs of heart and liver diseases ; pressure upon the 

 abdomen is so painful as to cause a groan. Sometimes there is local 

 dropsy of the sheath, legs and breast, as well as of the belly. The 

 bowels are apt to be constipated, but are sometimes irregular ; and the 

 coat is loose and staring. 



When the water has begun to fill the cavity, the horse manifests a de- 

 sire to lie down and remain long in one position ; there is a gradual 

 enlargement of the abdomen, and as the fluid increases there is increased 



