256 DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM 



Ascites, when due to disease of the heart, may produce 

 chronic peritonitis by lowering general resistance, or through 

 organisms which gain entrance during paracentesis abdom- 

 inis. Parasites (Linguatula denticulatum, Plerocercoides 

 bailleti, Echinococcus granulosus) in the dog and cat may 

 cause chronic peritonitis by the constant irritation to the 

 peritoneum they produce. 



Pathology.— The postmortem lesions vary somewhat de- 

 pending upon the causes, and the extent of the process. The 

 peritoneum is covered by a thick membrane, which is dull 

 white or glistening, pearl-like in color; pigmentation is some- 

 times present. In very severe cases of long standing this 

 membrane becomes very thick, especially over the visceral 

 peritoneum, and can be peeled off from the organs. Adhe- 

 sions between the folds of the visceral peritoneum are often 

 found, which may bind together several organs into one mass. 

 The formation of this membrane is due mainly to an organ- 

 ization of the exudation and not to hyperplasia of the peri- 

 toneum itself. 



Symptoms. —The symptoms are somewhat similar to ascites. 

 The onset is gradual; usually no symptoms are noted until 

 distention of the abdomen develops. There is no pain or 

 tenderness on manipulation. On percussion a dull sound is 

 emitted, and on auscultation, especially if the abdomen be 

 tapped on the opposite side with a finger, the presence of 

 fluid can be detected by the splashing sound produced. 



There are usually general symptoms of dullness, and lack 

 of energy, shown by the animal lying down a great deal and 

 refusing to move about. The patient has, as a rule, a good 

 appetite unless constipated. Respirations are increased 

 owing to the pressure against the diaphragm. 



The character of the fluid varies somewhat. It has a 

 specific gravity of about 1015, is of a yellowish or turbid 

 color, from the presence of large numbers of cells, and when 

 allowed to stand it usually becomes thick and forms large 

 amounts of floecul;v. 



The temperature in the dog and cat remains normal or 

 slightly subnormal. The pulse is often rapid and irregular. 



