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DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS, 



(caponizing). According to Ziirn, its principal symptoms are 

 weakness, fever, inappétence, pain, and complaints produced by 

 the exertions necessitated by defecation and by the pressure exerted 

 upon the abdominal walls. 



Treatment.- The treatment of acute peritonitis comprises local 

 means and internal medication. In small animals the peritoneal 

 inflammation may be combated by the application of cold or ice 

 compresses upon the abdominal walls. Mercurial ointment, much 

 used in human medicine, is dangerous, on account of possible 

 accidents of poisoning ; it must only be used for the horse, and 

 might here perhaps be replaced with advantage by essence of tur- 

 pentine. When a liquid exudate is accumulated in large quantity 

 in the peritoneal cavity, it is advisable to cause its evacuation by 

 the trocar. In suppurated peritonitis we must perform laparotomy 

 and remove the exudate, and then proceed to a careful washing of 

 the serous membrane with a weak solution of sublimate, carbolic 

 acid, salicylic and boric acids, or cresol (1 : 400). The insignificant 

 toxic property of the latter ought to give it the preference. Ulti- 

 mately it is proper to use Lugol's solution of iodine by injections : 

 we have never seen it produce disturbing accidents. 



Internal treatment consisted formerly in the administration of 

 antiphlogistics and purgatives (emetic, nitre, sulphate of soda). 

 These latter are more injurious than useful ; they increase the peri- 

 staltic movements of the intestine, which causes extension of the 

 exudate upon the whole surface of the serous membrane ; we ought, 

 therefore, following the example of physicians, to relinquish these 

 internal remedies. Calomel, however, may be used as a disinfectant 

 of the digestive canal. We generally give opium in relatively high 

 doses (opium in powder: for the horse, 10 grammes; for the ox, 

 15 grammes ; for the dog, 0.1 to 0.5 gramme), either to reduce the 

 pains or slacken the peristaltic contractions. If this agent produces 

 constipation, it should be counteracted by tepid injections. When 

 the quantity of peritoneal liquid is considerable, diuretics may be 

 tried (digitalis, squill, strophanthus, caffeine, juniper seeds, essence 

 of turpentine, a solution of the acetate of potash, etc.), or siala- 

 gogues (pilocarpine). 



In cases where peritonitis is secondary we must combat the 

 primitive trouble when peritoneal inflammation is but an epiphe- 

 nomenon (disinfection of the uterus in metritis, of the bladder in 

 cystitis, etc. ; herniotomy in strangled hernia ; also puncture of ripe 



