AND HIS DISEASES. 97 



irritation to the whole surface of the belly by rubbing in a 

 Strong liquid blister. The treatment of peritonitis does not 

 differ very materially from that of enteritis, — which see. 



CHRONIC PERITONITIS. » 



We sometimes meet with cases of chronic inflammation of 

 this membrane. 



Causes. — It may arise as a primary affection, but more 

 commonly it occurs in connexion with chronic chest diseases, 

 or as a consequence of acute peritonitis. Occasionally when 

 peritonitis terminates favourably, morbid adhesions are 

 found as the result of exudation, causing'"dangerous aggluti- 

 nations of the parts, and not unfrequently the membrane is 

 so weakened by the disease as to assume a new character, 

 and secrete watery fluid, giving rise to the condition known 

 as dropsy. 



Symptoms. — When occurring, independently of pre-existing 

 inflammation, it is characterised by slight uneasiness, pawing, 

 occasionally looking to the flank, lying stretched out, gnaw- 

 ing, &c., with tenderness of the belly ; and when effusion has 

 taken place, the symptoms of dropsy are well marked. 



Treatment. — It is best treated by purgatives, with stimu- 

 lants and diuretics. In the outset, give a purgative, and 

 apply a blister along the whole course of the belly, gentle 

 exercise, and good grooming and liberal feeding, with about 

 two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre, and two drachms of 

 iodide of potassium given daily in two doses ; . and afterwards 

 small doses of mineral tonics. 



' DROPSr OF THE BELLY (ASCITES.) 



Ascites consists of a collection of serous fluid in the cavity 

 of the belly. It is not very often seen, unless in connexion 

 with some other disease, ■ 



G 



