3l6 CATTLB. 



and lows plaintively; pressure on the flanks produces pain; has no appe- 

 tite; muzzle is dry and no rumination; while standing, its legs are placed 

 well under its body; pulse small and hard. The evacuations from the 

 bowels are dry and hard. If this disease is complicated by the presence 

 of inflammation of the bowls the pain is more severe an>,' the animal is 

 more restless. The skin is cold and dry in the early stage of this disease, 

 but in a more advanced stage this condition may be succeeded by heat 

 of the skin and quick breathing. The fits of trembling, uneasiness, 

 small and hard pulse and tension of the left flank are symptoms the 

 presence of which should enable one to reach the conclusion that peri- 

 tonitis exists. 



Post-mortem Appearance. The membrane lining the abdomen 

 and covering the surface of the bowels is reddened to a greater or less 

 extent, and there is usually considerable serous or watery fluid collected 

 in the abdomen. 



Treatment. When we have to do with the traumatic form of peri- 

 tonitis, as when the horn of another animal has been thrust through the 

 abdominal walls, this lesion must be treated in accordance with direc- 

 tions before given, but the general treatment must be similar to that 

 which follows: peritonitis resulting from castration or from pariturition 

 fever must also be treated in connection with the special conditions which 

 give rise to it, as the general treatment of this disease must be modified 

 to some extent by the exciting cause. 



The body should be warmly clothed, and it is advisable, when prac- 

 ticable, to have a blanket which has been wrung out of hot water placed 

 over the abdomen, then covered by several dry blankets, which are 

 maintained in position by straps or ropes passing round the body. The 

 wet blanket must be changed as it cools, the object of treatment being 

 to warm the surface of the body and to determine as much blood to the 

 skin as possible. When the matter of clothing the body has been 

 attended to the aim of treatment must be: (i) to obtain rest for the 

 affected parts; (2) to subdue inflammation and fever; (3) to sustain the 

 animal's strength. The first indication is to give a dose of laudanum 

 or powdered opium. An ounce and a half of the first or a dram of the 

 second may be given in a pint of tepid water, and if the pain is not per- 

 ceptibly allayed the dose should be repeated in two hours. It is danger- 

 ous to give purgatives in peritonitis, as they stimulate the movements ot 

 the bowels, increase the suffering, and aggravate the disease. Tincture 

 of aconite should be given in ten-drop doses every two hours for the pur- 



