PERITONITIS AND ASCITES. 
COG 
it to be more of an enteritic nature. I administered antispas- 
modic medicine, combining about 5 ivss of aloetic mass in 
solution, and as, upon examination per rectum, the faeces 
were found to be hard and coated with mucus, I adminis¬ 
tered enemas. This had the desired effect of relieving the 
pain; but, by the next morning, the aloes had acted so much 
upon the bowels that I ordered the horse to have gruel. 
The inordinate action upon the bowels continuing, I felt it 
necessary to check it, which I did, and the animal from this 
time continued to improve (apparently) and do well. And 
here I would observe, that about three weeks prior to this 
attack, he had been observed to be “ tucked ” up (he was out 
at grass), with staring coat , and to be not feeding properly. I 
now, however, informed them that I believed the animal to 
be suffering from ascites; although external appearances did 
not warrant me in concluding that he was affected with that 
or any other internal disease. On the 27th I was again con¬ 
sulted concerning him. His hind legs had taken to swell 
below the hocks. I advised moderate exercise, the extre¬ 
mities to be well hand-rubbed, and tonic-diuretic medicine and 
nutritious diet to be given. The latter, however, he had had, 
together with every care and attention. The above treatment 
seemed to have the desired effect, the enlargement of the legs 
disappeared, and all seemed to go on well. 
On the 1st inst. I was again fetched in haste, with a mes¬ 
sage that the colt was again u taken ill the same as before, 
but much worse.” I attended instantly, and found him as 
described. I abstracted about three quarts of blood, when I 
was obliged to desist. It had about three inches of “ buffy 
coat.” After administering medicine, I had well rubbed in 
a liquid blister. But all appearing to fail, and the pulse 
having risen, I attempted to abstract more blood, but could 
not obtain more than a pint; the pulse faltering instantly, 
and the animal evincing symptoms of fainting. In a short 
time the blistering took effect, and by the next morning he 
was again reported as well as ever. Things continued in this 
state until the 7th inst., when I was desired to see him for an 
enlargement he had upon his left. side. I promised to do so; 
but the same evening a message came to say that the horse 
was ill again, and again worse, with great shivering, &c. I 
sent some medicine and promised to attend; but before I 
could do so he had expired. 
Post-mortem .—Next day I made a post-mortem examination. 
Upon opening the abdomen, rather a large quantity of dirty 
coloured fluid escaped, upon which was floating a quantity 
