96 THE CANADIAN 50ESE 



also suspends and retains them in their proper relative posi- 

 tions by its folds and reflections, vulgarly known as the caul, 

 (omenta.) This membrane also secretes a delicate serous 

 fluid, for the purpose of lubricating the surface, so as to 

 prevent friction during the ceaseless motions of the viscera. 

 It is also the matrix over which the blood-vSssels are distri- 

 buted to the organs contained in the belly ; hence the 

 inflammations of these organs are apt to extend along this 

 vascular-investing membrane, constituting 



PERITONITIS. 



Peritonitis occurs in two forms, acute and chronic. Acute 

 peritonitis, as a primary disease, is not very common in the 

 horse. 



Causes.-^lt is usually caused by external violence, as from 

 being hooked by a cow's horn, or staked in jumping a fence; it 

 also sometimes follows castration, operations for hernia, and 

 other operations involving a division of it, and occasionally 

 from exposure from damp and cold, especially when heated. 



Symptoms. — It usually sets in with shivering fits, general 

 uneasiness in the region of the abdomen ; quick, short breath- 

 ing ; pulse quick, small, and wiry ; tenderness on pressure 

 on the belly ; lying down and rising frequently ; he moves 

 about uneasily in his box, and is very feverish ; the bowels are 

 costive, and he strains occasionally. The pain is not so 

 violent as in colic or inflammation of the bowels, for which 

 it is apt to be mistaken. 



Treatment. — Eelieve the bowels by injections, give a brisk 

 purgative, as six drachms of aloes, with a drachm of calomel. 

 Drachm doses of extract of belladonna or hyoscyamus, should 

 be given every hour, for three or four doses ; or tincture of 

 aconite, from' fifteen to twenty drops every two hours, in a little 

 cold water, till the fever is subdued. Apply smart counter-. 



