ABDOMINAL DROPSY. 89 



between aseitps and tumors of the abdominal cavity (hydrometra, 

 pyometra). . All these affections can be recognized by carefully con- 

 sidering the history of the case and the accompanying symptoms. 



It is always well to carefully study the exciting cause of the 

 disease, as the course-treatment depends on it. This, however, is 

 rather hard to do. If it is the heart or lungs, it can be recognized; 

 but often we have affections of the liver and spleen that are never 

 recognized during life. To make an examioation of these organs it 

 is well to do it just after the animal has been tapped and the fluid 

 has been removed ; the walls are then collapsed, and the organs 

 can be manipulated at the same time. If tumors aie present, they 

 can be recognized. 



Notwithstanding all the etiological conditions described, there 

 are often cases where the cause can only be guessed at. 

 ' Prognosis and Therapeutics. As a rule, the prognosis is 

 unfavorable, as we are unable to remove the exciting cause. The 

 cases that recover are generally in young dogs (Friedberger and 

 Frohner, and author). Our first effort is to remove the exciting 

 cause, if it is recognized, and then remove the dropsical effusion. 

 This can be done in the following ways : 



1. By Purgatives. This method is to be followed where there 

 is constipation associated with the disease. Saline purgatives are 

 the best, and those only in sufficient doses to cause a laxative action, 

 so as not to interfere with the appetite. 



2. By Means of Diuretics. These must only be used where 

 there is positive evidence that there is no previous irritation of the 

 kidneys. The best diuretics are the vegetable, such as digitalis, 

 juniper berries ; the only saline drugs are acetate of potassium and 

 sodium. 



R.— Tine, digitalis fol 1.0 



Sodium acetate ... ... 2 



Oxymel scilla . 20.0 



S. — One teaspoonful three times daily. 



B. — Potassium acetate . . . . . . .1.0 



Spiritus juniperi 20.0 



S. — One teaspoonful three times daily. 



3. Hydrochlorate of Pilocarpine. We sometimes obtain very 

 good results with this drug. The injection of the solution subcu- 

 taneously is made once daily (0.005 to 0.01 of water). Zahn gave 



