BEPORT ON THE DISEASES OF FARM HORSES. 329 



If the patient, however, is observed during the shivering 

 stage, a strong stimulant, as carbonate of ammonia, or the aro- 

 matic spirits of the same salt, should be given at once, six drams 

 of the former, or one or two ounces of the latter, in a quart of 

 gruel or lukewarm ale, followed up by thick rugs and good 

 housing and nursing. In some instances the attack is arrested 

 at this stage, and the animal speedily becomes convalescent. 



When the lungs are decidedly implicated, after the first day 

 or so blisters on each side and front of the chest will be required. 

 This will be best effected by first fomenting with hot water, and 

 afterwards applying mustard embrocation — simple water and 

 mustard. 



General weakness, which follows such an attack, will require 

 a tonic treatment, for which purpose spirits of nitre, one ounce ; 

 powdered gentian, three or four drams, may be given three times 

 a-day for several days, afterwards give balls of gentian or sul- 

 phate of iron and nitre, four drams of the former and two of the 

 latter, twice a-day for a week or fortnight if required. When 

 pneumonia prevails as an epizootic disease it is principally of a 

 typhoid character, in which blood-letting is inadmissible. The 

 treatment consists in the exhibition of salines and stimulants, 

 good food and clothing, as already stated. 



Pleurisy. — The lining membrane of the chest is known by 

 the name of the pleura. That which also envelopes the lungs bears 

 the same name — Inflammation of the Pleura is termed Pleurisy, or 

 Pleuritis, and sometimes exists in combination with pneumonia, 

 in fact, it amounts to a difficulty in many cases to distinguish 

 pure pneumonia, from the symptoms running into each other, 

 according to the organs and space involved. 



Symptoms are not unlike those of pneumonia. A fit of shivers 

 usually precede the attack, with hot mouth, arrested secretions, 

 and all the indications of an extensive fever. The animal stands 

 still, fearing to move, and teased with a short frequent and dry 

 painful cough. The pulse is quick, firm, and corded, and respira- 

 tion is conducted very carefully, the respirations being long, 

 while the expirations are more quickly performed. The flanks 

 are tucked up and the abdominal muscles are brought into re- 

 quisition to fix the ribs, so as to mitigate the effects of motion. 

 This causes a line of constriction along the sides of the chest and 

 abdomen, corresponding to the muscles which cover them. If 

 the fingers be pressed between the ribs great pain is evinced, per- 

 cussion over them causes a dull sound, while a rasping noise is 

 heard if the ear be applied to the sides of the thorax. 



Eelief in many cases appears to be speedily obtained. In 

 periods varying from 12 to 40 hours, or even up to three days, 

 a cessation of all symptoms take place — the breathing is more 

 regular, legs become fine, temperature tolerably equal, and a 



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