PERITONITIS. 533 



swelling remains, there being no pain, apply for a few times an 

 ointment. 



: , Mercurial ointment ; 2 oz. 



Iodine ointment ; 1 J oZ. 



"Vaseline „ 4 ot. 



Make into a salve. 



The Peritoneum. 



The peritoneum is the thin serous membrane which lines the 

 cavity of the belly, and is reflected over the organs contained within 

 it, forming a complete covering to them. It also suspends and re- 

 tains them in their proper relative positions by its folds and reflec- 

 tions, vulgarly known as the caul (omenta). This membrane also 

 secretes a delicate serous fluid for the purpose of lubricating the sur- 

 face, so as to prevent friction during the ceaseless motions of the 

 viscera. It is also the matrix over which the/blood-vessels are dis- 

 tributed to the organs contained in the belly ; hence the inflamma- 

 tion of these organs is apt to extend along this vascular-investing 

 membrane, constituting peritonitis. 



. Peritonitis. 



Peritonitis occurs in two forms, acute and chronic. Acute per* 

 itonitis, as a primary disease, is not very common in the horse. 



Causes., — It is usually caused by external violence, as from be- 

 ing hooked by a cow's horn, or staked in jumping a fence ; it also 

 sometimes follows castration, operations for hernia, and other oper- 

 ations involving a division of it, and occasionally from exposure to 

 damp and cold, especially when heated. 



. Symptoms. — It usually sets in with shivering fits, general uneas- 

 iness in the region of the abdomen ; quick, shopt breathing ; pulse 

 quick, small, and wiry; tenderness on pressure on belly ; lying 

 down, and rising frequently ; he moves about uneasily in his box, 

 and is very feverish ; the bowels are costive, and he strains occa- 

 sionally. The pain is not so violent as in colic or inflammation of 

 the bowels, for which it is apt to be mistaken. 



Treatment. — Relieve the bowels by injections, give a brisk pur- 

 gative, as six drachms of aloes, with a drachm of calomel. Drachm 

 doses of extract of belladonna or hyoscyamus should be given every 

 hour, for three or four doses ; or tincture of aconite, from fifteen to 

 twenty drops every two hours, in a little cold water, till the fever is 

 subdued. Apply smart counter-irritation to the whole surface of 

 the belly by rubbing in a strong liquid blister. The treatment of 

 peritonitis does not differ very materially from that of enteritis, or 

 inflammation of the bowels, which see. 



