88 



CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY. 



the relief given is only temporary, and more fluid is again 

 formed within a comparatively short time. Potassium iodide 

 administered internally is supposed to have a beneficial effect 

 in preventing the re-formation of fluid and in aiding the ab- 

 sorption of any that may be left, quinine and strychnine being 

 also recommended to give tone to the .system ; but cases of 

 complete recovery are few and far between. 



Paracentesis Abdominis (tapping the abdomen).— The best 

 situation to choose for this operation is the linea alba, or as 

 close to it as possible, an inch or so behind the umbilicus. 

 The patient is fixed on its side, and, after the removal of the 

 hair and thorough disinfection of the part, a small trocar and 

 canula are introduced subcutaneously for about half an inch 



Fig. 52. 

 Trocars and caniilte, various sizes, nested. 



and turned cautiously into the abdomen. Care must be taken 

 not to injure any of the abdominal organs. The method of 

 procedure is the same as already described in the preceding 

 paragraph (paracentesis thoracis) ; very large quantities are 

 sometimes removed.* 



Prognosis must be guarded, but the prospects are much 

 better than in the case of removal of fluid from the chest. 

 The life of the patient may be saved for a much longer time, 

 and occasionally permanent benefit results. 



Laparotomy. — This consists in opening the abdominal 

 cavit)' either with a view to exploring or operating upon 



"Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics," Vol. XII., p. 202. 



