138 THE DISEASES OP THE DOG. 



quence of . injury or in association with some morbid 

 growth in connection with some abdominal organ. 



Treatment consists in the application of fomentations to 

 the belly, or mild stimulation may be of use in the earlier 

 stages, also the application of leeches may give immediate 

 relief. It is recognised that the exhibition of even the 

 mildest purgatives is not admissible in these cases, and 

 reliance should be placed on full doses of sedatives such 

 as digitalis, aconite, and especially opium. The latter to 

 be given in the crude form to lessen pain. 



Ascites is often described as chronic peritonitis, but it 

 may be present without inflammation of the lining mem- 

 brane of the belly. It is more frequent as a non-specific 

 disorder in the dog than in any other of our domesticated 

 mammals. It is generally due to derangement of the 

 liver, but occurs sometimes as a result of simple debility 

 especially the persistent form of anaemia which follows 

 as a complication of long-standing asthma or chronic skin 

 disease. Whitworth, in an article contributed to the 

 ' Veterinary Journal,' vol. xi, p. 394, attributes it generally 

 to cirrhotic disease of liver, but ascites more generally in 

 the dog is due to fatty or malignant change of that organ. 

 The disease is seen in young dogs as a result of exposure 

 of weak animals to cold and damp. Symptoms. — In 

 addition to those of the disease on which it depends, 

 we find enlargement of the belly, a rough coat with loose 

 hair, frequent vomition, dulness and increasing marasmus, 

 the visible mucous membranes pale ; some indigestion is 

 usually present, and subacute fever, a symptomatic cough, 

 and hurried breathing. The patient generally suffers 

 from intolerable thirst. As the disease advances general 

 oedema sets in and the fatal result may be brought about 

 by suffocation. Diagnosis. — This disorder must be care- 

 fully distinguished from other states, normal and abnormal, 

 which lead to pendulous and enlarged belly. In ascites, 

 the fluid gravitates to the lower part and gives the sides a 

 flattened appearance j although the animal is pot-bellied he 

 is hollow in the flanks ; by alteration in the position the 

 shape of the belly may be changed, also on percussion 



