330 REPORT ON THE DISEASES OF FARM HORSES. 



desire for food may be evinced, but these often prove very de- 

 ceptive ; in short, exudation or effusion has taken place within 

 the chest. The once over-loaded vessels, whose stretched coats 

 admitted of their fluid contents to escape, and thus circulation 

 again proceeds, but not normally. The pulse will be found weak 

 and oppressed, and quicker than usual, the nostrils are dilated, 

 and a flapping action is evinced, a difficulty of breathing comes 

 on, the sides heave, the animal is dull, the legs swell, and 

 cedematous swellings occur along the chest. The pulse becomes 

 very irregular and indistinct, and the presence of fluid may be 

 detected by the absence of murmur, and a dull sound emitted on 

 percussion below the line to which the effusion may have reached. 



Recovery depends upon the extent to which the effusion has 

 reached. Should the quantity be but small, recovery is almost 

 certain, but in large quantities, say above one third or up to 

 one half, the case is of a very hopeless nature indeed. 



At other times the disease assumes a chronic character, and 

 the resulting effusion of fluid within the chest accumulates 

 gradually, death occurring at various periods in from three to five, 

 or nine weeks, from causes equal to actual drowning ; the pres- 

 sure of the fluid interfering with, and even totally arresting the 

 functions of the heart and lungs. 



In more favourable cases the acute symptoms are not often 

 so speedily subdued. Inflammation runs a more regular course, 

 the effusion is less abundant, and there is afforded greater op- 

 portunity for contemporaneous absorbtion. 



Pleurisy seldom exists without more or less affecting the 

 heart coverings or its valves, and in severe cases, we may have 

 death ensue from a decided implication of that organ, when we 

 have an intermittent pulse, particularly if effusion has taken 

 place, in the heart bag. When the valves are affected, we have 

 in addition great prostration and inability to withstand exertion, 

 swelled legs, and the animal blows greatly if caused to draw or 

 exert himself beyond his accustomed habit. 



Treatment. — Good airy loose boxes, with clean litter and 

 clothing, are the essential requisites. Blood-letting in first 

 stages of a full pulse, to the extent of six, seven, or eight quarts ; 

 but blood must not be abstracted carelessly, as effusion may 

 have commenced, and the proceeding would kill the animal of a 

 surety. 



Stimulants must be given during the shivering stage in 

 tolerable doses. Blisters or mustard applied to the chest after 

 blood-letting has been effectual, which should be carried on till 

 the animal falters. Laxative medicine, as three or four drams 

 of aloes, will be needed, and clysters should supplement their 

 use. Much care will be needed in the use of other medicines 

 during the action of the aloes, as an undue action of the bowels 



