348 
A. LIAUTARD. 
On the 30th of October, 18T9, a black gelding about nine 
years of age, was admitted to the hospital of the \ eterinary 
College for treatment, with the following history: About a year 
ago, lie was attacked suddenly with mild colicky pains after eating 
his breakfast; these lasted about two hours and were treated by 
anodynes and purgatives. Afterwards, every few weeks he had 
similar attacks, lasting a shorter time, and these were kept on 
until about two months previous to his admission. About six 
weeks ago the coachman noticed the animal s belly to be a little 
fuller than usual, which would return to its normal condition 
after driving. His appetite became very delicate, and his teeth, 
being looked at, received proper attention, they being very sharp 
and irregular. The abdomen continued to increase in size, the 
animal lost flesh, and after much hesitation on the part of the 
owner, an aged lady, the poor brute having refused his food 
entirely, and, in consequence, being much emaciated, she decided 
to place him under treatment. 
On admission, he presented the following conditions: his skin 
is tight on its body ; hairs dull and staring; abdomen enormously 
distended in his lower part, similar to that of a mare a few days 
before parturition; pulse fifty-four and very weak; respiration 
eighteen and thoracic; temperature 104i. On percussion of the 
thorax, dullness is found over the posterior part of both lungs, 
dullness over the abdomen on both sides, extending over half of 
the region ; the flanks are hollowed. On auscultation, diminished 
respiratory murmur over the posterior portion of both lungs, 
metallic tinkling sound on both sides of the abdomen, and plash¬ 
ing sound on succussion, fluctuation to the palmar surface of the 
hand when sudden pressure is applied to the opposite side of tne 
abdomen; on the right hypochondriac region a large lump is 
imperfectly felt; foeces normal, urine scanty and of a dark red 
color. The visible mucous membranes are pale; the mouth dry ; 
countenance anxious and painful. Diagnosis : ascitis, due to dis¬ 
ease of the liver. Prognosis: fatal, on account of the enormous 
amount of fluid in the abdomen, and of the supposed organic 
lesion of the liver. Treatment: cathartics, six drachms of aloes, 
to be followed by diuretics every four hours. 
