86 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, 
Symptoms.—Peritonitis is mostly preceded by a chill; the horse is 
not disposed to move, and, if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or 
sore gait; he paws with the front feet and may strike at his belly 
with the hind ones; lies down very carefully; as the pain is increased 
while down, he maintains the standing position during most of the 
time; he walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usually 
present. Pressure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will 
bite, strike, or kick if so disturbed; the abdomen is tucked up; the 
extremities are fine and cold. The temperature is higher than nor- 
mal, reaching from 102° to 104° F. The pulse in peritonitis is 
rather characteristic; it is quickened, beating from 70 to 90 beats 
a minute, and is hard and wiry. This peculiarity of the pulse 
occurs in inflammation of the serous membrane, and if accompanied 
with colicky symptoms, and,-in particular, if following any in- 
juries, accidental or surgical, of the peritoneum, there is reason to 
think that peritonitis is present. Peritonitis in the horse is mostly 
fatal when it is at all extensive. If death does not occur in a short 
time, the inflammation assumes a chronic form, in which there is an 
extensive effusion of water in the cavity of the belly, constituting 
what is known as ascites, and which, as a rule, results in death. 
Treatment.—The treatment of peritonitis is somewhat like that of 
enteritis. Opium in powder, 1 to 2 drams, with calomel, one-half 
dram, is to be given every two, three, or four hours, and constitutes 
the main dependence in this disease. Extensive counterirritants over 
the belly, consisting of mustard plasters, applications of mercurial 
ointment, turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters. are recommended. 
Purgatives must never be given during this complaint. Should we 
desire to move the bowels, it can be done by gentle enemas, though 
it is seldom necessary to resort even to this. 
ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN. 
This is seen as a result of subacute or chronic peritonitis, but 
may be due to diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. There 
will be found, on opening the cavity of the belly, a large collection of 
yellowish or reddish liquid: from a few quarts to several gallons may 
be present. It may be clear in color, though generally it is yellowish 
_ or of a red tint, and contains numerous loose flakes of coagulable- 
lymph. 
Symptoms.—There is slight tenderness on pressure; awkward gait 
of the hind legs; the horse is dull, and may have occasional very 
slight colicky pains, shown by looking back and striking at the belly 
with the hind feet. Oftener, however, these colicky symptoms are 
absent. Diarrhea often precedes death, but during the progress of 
