surgical, of the peritoneum, there is reason to think that peritonitis
is present. Peritonitis in the horse is mostly fatal when it is at all
extensive. If death does not occur in a short time, the inflammation
assumes a chronic form, in which there is an extensive effusion of water
in the cavity of the belly, constituting what is known as ascites, and
which, as a rule, results in death.

_Treatment._--The treatment of peritonitis is somewhat like that of
enteritis. Opium in powder, 1 to 2 drams, with calomel, one-half dram,
is to be given every two, three, or four hours, and constitutes the main
dependence in this disease. Extensive counterirritants over the belly,
consisting of mustard plasters, applications of mercurial ointment,
turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters, are recommended. Purgatives
must never be given during this complaint. Should we desire to move the
bowels, it can be done by gentle enemas, though it is seldom necessary
to resort even to this.

ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN.

This is seen as a result of subacute or chronic peritonitis, but may be
due to diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. There will be
found, on opening the cavity of the belly, a large collection of
yellowish or reddish liquid; from a few quarts to several gallons may be
present. It may be clear in color, though generally it is yellowish or
of a red tint, and contains numerous loose flakes of coagulable lymph.

_Symptoms._--There is slight tenderness on pressure; awkward gait of the
hind legs; the horse is dull, and may have occasional very slight
colicky pains, shown by looking back and striking at the belly with the
hind feet. Oftener, however, these colicky symptoms are absent. Diarrhea
often precedes death, but during the progress of the disease the bowels
are alternately constipated and loose. On percussing the abdominal walls
we find that dullness exists to the same height on both sides of the
belly; by suddenly pushing or striking the abdomen we can hear the
rushing or flooding of water. If the case is an advanced one, the horse
is potbellied in the extreme, and dropsical swellings are seen under the
belly and upon the legs.

Treatment is, as a rule, unsatisfactory. Saline cathartics, as Epsom or
Glauber's salt, and diuretics, ounce doses of saltpeter, may be given.
If a veterinarian is at hand he will withdraw the accumulation of water
by tapping and then endeavor to prevent its recurrence (though thi