302 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



Symptoms. — Of the acquired forms are abdominal disten- 

 sion, and on auscultation a wave of fluid may be detected 

 striking against tbe abdominal wall when the opposite 

 side is percussed. Anasarcous swellings appear on the 

 abdomen and underneath the chest. Eespiration is 

 thoracic, and there is gradually increasing anaemia with all 

 its characteristic symptoms (see page 92). 



Treatment. — While endeavouring to remove the originat- 

 ing disease we must do all in our power to sustain the 

 strength of the patient by stimulant tonics, as beer or 

 gentian with nitrous ether ; also liberal diet of not too 

 watery composition. Iron salts (as the iodide) also are 

 indicated, and may be alternated with vegetable tonics. 

 Digitalis proves useful primarily as a sedative, but second- 

 arily by acting on the kidneys. Where the distension is 

 very great paracentesis abdominis j "tapping the belly,^' 

 will afford temporary relief. A small trocar-and-canula 

 is used, and the puncture is made just a little to one side 

 of the umbilicus, the instrument being inserted gently. 

 The reason of the obstinate resistance to absorption is 

 that the peritoneal stomata become blocked up by false 

 membranes and plugs of lymph. Besides the diseases 

 indicated it must be remembered that the peritoneum is 

 often one of the seats of '^ grapy '' deposits of scrofulous 

 origin. These give rise to subacute inflammation and 

 ascites. Opacity is generally produced in the opposite 

 portion of the peritoneum against which they rub. 



