ABDOMINAL HYDROPSY— ASCITES 155 



repeated as often as the indications warrant. If the heart 

 becomes weak oil of camphor may be used. This drug is 

 also recommended as an intraperitoneal injection (gv) which 

 decreases the absorbing power of the peritoneum. In small 

 animals a laparotomy can be performed and the abdomen 

 flushed out with antiseptics. 



ABDOMINAL HYDROPSY. ASCITES. 



Definition. — Strictly speaking, ascites is an accumulation of 

 transudate in the abdominal cavity. In a broader sense it 

 would include the fluid exudate, the result of chronic peri- 

 tonitis. 



Occurrence. — Ascites, while common in dogs, is rare in the 

 horse and ox. An exception is noted in cattle fed large quan- 

 tities of turnips or the residue of beet-sugar factories. In the 

 horse ascites is generally a symptom of chronic peritonitis or 

 interstitial hepatitis. 



Etiology. — From an etiological standpoint three forms are 

 recognized, viz., ascites due to (a) passive congestion, (b) 

 hydremia, and (c) peritonitis. 



In ascites due to passive congestion there is a mechanical 

 disturbance to the blood circulation in the course of chronic 

 heart (valvular disease), lung, liver (cirrhosis), or kidney 

 disease, leading to blood stasis in the vena cava and portal 

 veins. A portal congestion can also result from enlarged 

 lymph glands (mesenteric!). An hydremic ascites is most 

 common in sheep and cattle, due to animal parasitism (liver- 

 fluke disease) and the hydremia which attends cachectic 

 conditions. The peritonitic ascites accompanies simple 

 chronic peritonitis and is sometimes a symptom of tubercu- 

 losis (ox), carcinomatosis or sarcomatosis of the peritoneum. 



Symptoms. — The principal symptom is the distention of 

 the abdomen, which becomes pear-shaped, due to the fluid 

 contained therein. Thirty to forty gallons may collect in the 

 horse or ox. Fluctuation may be noted on palpation. On 

 percussion of the lower abdomen a flat tone is emitted with a 

 horizontal upper line which shifts as the position of the 

 patient (small animals) is changed. When tapped a clear 



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