DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 49 



condition. An innutritious and insufficient diet will produce the 

 same effect in young animals. It is one of the results of peritonitis, 

 and may also arise from acute or chronic inflammation of the liver, 

 such as is of common occurrence when flukes are present in the liver 

 in large numbers. Heart disease and chronic lung disease may be 

 followed by ascites. It is sometimes, in calves, a symptom of infes- 

 tation with worms. 



Symptoms. — A gradual increase in the size of the abdomen at its 

 lower part, while the flanks becomes hollow; pallor of the mucous 

 membrane of the mouth and eye; weak and sluggish gait; want of 

 appetite, and irregularity in ruminating. On percussion, or tapping 

 the surface of the abdomen with the fingers, a dull sound is produced. 

 If the hand and arm are oiled and passed into the rectum so far as 

 possible, on moving the hand from one side to the other the fluctua- 

 tion caused by the presence of fluid in the abdomen may be felt. 



Treatment. — The cause must be discovered if possible and removed. 

 The diet should be nutritious, and in those cases where we have 

 merely to deal with anemia (the bloodless state) arising from insuffi- 

 cient diet, the use of tonics and diuretics, at the same time keeping 

 the skin warm, may bring about a gradual absorption of the fluid 

 contained in the abdomen. One of the following powders may be 

 mixed with the animal's food three times a day; or, if there is any 

 uncertainty as to its being taken in that way, it should be mixed with 

 sirup, so as to form a paste, and smeared well back on the animal's 

 tongue with a flat wooden spoon: Carbonate of iron, 3 ounces; pow- 

 dered gentian, 3 ounces; powered nitrate of potash, 3 ounces; mix 

 and divide into twelve powders. The administration of purgatives 

 which promote a watery discharge from the mucous surface of the 

 bowels, also tends, by diminishing the serum of the blood, to bring 

 about absorption and a gradual removal of the fluid contained in the 

 abdomen. Large doses should not be given, but moderate doses 

 should be administered morning and night, so as to produce a laxa- 

 tive effect on the bowels for some days. To attain this end the fol- 

 lowing maybe used: Sulphate of soda, 8 ounces; powdered ginger, 

 half an ounce ; mix in 2 quarts of tepid water, and then give at one 

 dose. 



6138&— 08 i 



