788 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



If diarrhea sets in, the remedies given under the head of Diar- 

 rhea, may be used, as the requirements of the case demand. 



PERITONITIS. 



Fortunately, this disease, an inflammation of the peritoneum, 

 the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the 

 intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, and other internal organs, and the 

 viscera, is seldom seen in cattle, except as the result of injury or 

 violence. It may, however, occur as an accompaniment of inflam- 

 mation of the stomach, bowels, and other organs. 



Symptoms. — There is marked ab- 

 !?**^-fr ^ dominal pain and tenderness ; the 



J ft animal frequently looks round to the 



y f I flank (Fig. 1035), and occasionally 



paws the ground, or picks up one hind 

 £#jr foot and then the other, moans, and 

 '2&> grinds the teeth. Respiration is hur- 

 ra ,a»« n .. ». ried and thoracic : the pulse is small 

 Fig. 1035. — Peritonitis. ' r 



and wiry, and the temperature high. 



Death occurs four or five days after the appearance of the disease, 

 preceded by a fall of temperature from 104° or 105° to 97° or 95° F. 

 Treatment. — Move the bowels by enemas and warm soap-suds ; 

 as a rule, purgatives will not be required. If a mild cathartic is ad- 

 ministered at the commencement, it should be followed by 2 drams 

 of powdered opium, repeated, if, necessary, to relieve pain, and have 

 positive rest of intestines. The size of the dose is to be regulated 

 by its effects. Tincture of aconite, in 20 to 30 drop doses, is useful 

 to subdue inflammatory fever. Reduce the dose or discontinue the 

 remedy after the acute symptoms subside : this may be followed 

 every four hours by — 



Fl. ex. digitalis .-...} .dr. 



Spirits nitric ether '. . ,| oz. 



Acetate of ammonia .4 " 



Give plenty of water, gruel, etc., as directed . under Dysentery. 

 During cqnvalescencej vegetable and iron tonics, with mineral acids, 

 are indicated. Dropsy, or accumulation of fluid in the abdominal, 

 cavity, after peritonitis, can usually be removed by active purgatives 

 and diuretics, combined with iron tonics ; either iodide of iron or 

 tincture of chloride of iron may be used. Drawing off the water by 

 trocar and canula is a simple operation, almost devoid of danger. 

 It creates less disturbance than medicines, which are not always 

 effective or successful. 



