Dropsy, a morbid serous transudation into any of the cavities, is never a primary affection but only a symptom, a sequel of many chronic diseases, particularly those of the liver. Dropsies are not to be confounded with effusions; the former is not the result of inflammation, and the morbid condition on which it depends is situated elsewhere; the serous membrane in which it occurs being free from disease. Liquid effusions are exudations involving generally if not always inflammation.

Dropsies receive different names according to their situations; when located in serous cavities, they are designated by prefixing hydro to the name of the membrane. Dropsy within the head is called hydrocephalus; hydrothorax, when within the chest; ascites, when within the abdominal cavity. The latter is the most frequent form seen in dogs, and deserves especial consideration; the others being of less practical importance.

Symptoms

The enlargement first directs attention to the abdomen, which becomes equably large and fluctuating, not filling at one part more than another; the accumulation of liquid taking place without pain or tenderness. The fluid usually forms rapidly, and the distension soon occasions disturbances of the internal organs by compression. The appetite becomes impaired, vomiting is an occasional symptom, the urine is scanty, respiration is embarrassed, the pulse more rapid and feeble; constipation may alternate with diarrhoea, and pressure on the veins give rise to dropsy of the lower limbs. In the progress of the affection emaciation becomes marked, the lips, tongue, and gums pallid, the pulse thin and thready, the breathing more hurried, threatening suffocation; the animal can no longer lie down; death finally occurs from exhaustion or obstructed respiration.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ascites can generally be made without difficulty. Blaine says: "Dropsy of the belly may be distinguished from fat by the particular tumor that the belly forms, which in dropsy hangs down, while the backbone sticks up, and the hips appear prominent through the skin; the hair stares also, and the coat is peculiarly harsh. It may be distinguished from being in pup by the teats, which always enlarge as the belly enlarges in pregnancy; but more particularly it may be distinguished by the undulation of the water in the belly, whereas in pregnancy there is no undulation. The impregnated belly, however full, has not that high tense feel nor shining appearance observed in dropsy. There may be also inequalities distinguished in it, which are the puppies, and, when the pregnancy is at all advanced, the young may be felt to move. The most unequivocal mode however, of detecting the presence of water is by the touch. If the right hand is laid on one side of the belly, and with the left hand the other side is tapped, an undulating motion will be perceived, exactly similar to what would be felt by placing one hand on a bladder of water, and striking it with the other".

Prognosis

The diseased conditions on which dropsy is dependent are generally incurable; under treatment improvement for a time in many cases occurs and the ascites disappears but soon returns, and death ultimately results.

Treatment

The purpose of treatment is to remove the dropsy, and improve the morbid conditions on which it depends. To accomplish the first the diet should be milk only, and cathartics must be relied upon. One-sixteenth of a grain of Clutterbuck's elaterium should be given every two or three hours, until profuse liquid discharges from the bowels are produced. Afterwards the doses are to be repeated according to circumstances. The strength of the animal must determine how far the cathartics should be pushed.

As the dropsy disappears and symptoms of suffocation are no longer imminent, the tincture of the chloride of iron should be given in fifteen drop doses, well diluted, three or four times a day. A more generous diet can then be allowed, and other measures, calculated to improve the general strength and add tone to the system, should be employed.