may occur as a sequel to peritonitis, and is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. When swelling extends equally over the whole abdomen, the fluid is usually diifused among all the viscera, and is only circumscribed by the boundaries of the peritoneum (or covering of the bowels). When the water is contained in different cysts, it is frequently thick and gelatinous; but when it is uniformly diffused all over the cavity it is generally thinner, and even quite limpid. Sometimes a considerable number of hydatids are found floating in the fluid. With regard to the symptoms, the disease is attended with great uneasiness from all kinds of pressure on the abdomen. A gradual swelling is first observed in this part of the body, not inclining more to the one side than the other, a fluctuation that is perceptible when the hand is pressed on the side; there is always a considerable difficulty in breathing, caused by the collection of fluid interrupting the action of the midriff. The fluid usually consists of serum, exhibiting various shades of colour, from a light to a deep brown.

Occasionally the serum is mixed with pus, and not unfre-quently it contains portions of coagulating lymph, an evidence denoting that there has been inflammation of the peritoneum.

Treatment

Whenever a considerable quantity of fluid is suddenly let out of the abdomen by tapping, the quick removal of the pressure of the water off the large vessels and viscera may produce convulsions, and even sudden death. These consequences have led many to believe that the operation (paracentesis) is dangerous; but it is not so when you • take care to allow a small supply of water to escape at a time, gradually, and at' intervals. But it is not uncommon for the water suddenly to stop long before the quantity is discharged; sometimes this is owing to a small piece of intestine obstructing the canula. This kind of stoppage may be removed by just introducing a probe or director, and holding the portion of the bowel back.

Again, when the water is viscid, the only thing we can do is to introduce a large trocar, if doing so should promise to facilitate the evacuation; also when hydatids obstruct the canula, a larger instrument, or the enlargement of the opening, would allow them to escape. The operation is performed by making an incision in the skin and through the abdominal muscles at the anterior part of the udder, and one inch from the centre line of the abdomen. Should the operation be performed, it must be followed up with diuretics and tonics, and if the animal is weak give stimulants.