Diseases of the Digestive System. 199 . 
skin; irregularity of the bowels, producing a discharge of 
feces and fluid, which is slimy, exceedingly offensive, 
and contains the parasites; irritation ‘of the anus, as 
shown by the creature licking it, or endeavouring to 
remove the annoyance by dragging himself in a sitting 
posture over the ground. As these signs continue, a 
state of general anzemia sets in, from which the animal 
dies or otherwise recovers and goes through similar 
suffering. Occasionally during life the worms migrate 
from the intestines to the stomach, from which they may 
be expelled in the resulting vomition ; instances are also 
on record in which they have been known to pass to the 
-windpipe or lungs and produce fatal consequences. The 
remedies for worms are numerous, formulze for which will 
be found in Chapter VIIT., one of the most efficacious 
being No. 3. p. 137. 
Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum or mem- 
brane which lines the cavity of the abdomen and investa 
the bowels, is frequently confounded with enteritis. It 
may be only partial; it is more frequently complete. The 
causes are external violence as severe blows, punctured 
wounds, &c. ; it may also result from hernia, constipation, 
“or exposure to damp and cold, and in females is apt to 
follow parturition. 
Symptoms.—High fever with rapid, small, hard, and 
sharp pulse. Pressure on the abdomen induces severe 
pain, and to avoid being handled the sufferer seeks a 
quiet spot where he lies on his side, breathing with diffi- 
culty and constant pain, as evinced by frequent sharp 
cries. Constipation is present from the first. As the 
disease advances these signs are aggravated, the tongue 
is furred, dry, and offensive, thirst is great, and the urine 
is scanty and highly coloured. The abdomen enlarges. 
from the accumulation of fluid, the legs and ears are 
-cold, and death follows coma or delirium. 
Treatment.—Continued fomentations, poultices (which 
see) or a mild stimulating liniment may be applied to 
the abdomen under gentle care ; leeches often prove im-" 
mediately beneficial, The- only safe remedies are Seda- 
tives (see Febrifuges), especially aconite, digitalis, opium, 
or belladonna, given every four hours as required. 
