134 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Treatment. — The instructions in regard to the general management 

 of bronchitis and pneumonia must be adhered to in the treatment of 

 pleurisy. Comfortable quarters, pure air, warm clothing to the body 

 and bandages to the legs, a plentiful supply of pure cold water, the 

 laxative food, etc., in this case are equally necessary and efficacious. 

 The hot applications applied to the chest as directed in the treatment 

 of pneumonia are very beneficial in pleurisy, and should be kept up 

 while the symptoms show the animal to be in pain. 



During the first few days, when pain is manifested by restlessness, 

 apply hot packs to the sides diligently. After four or five days, when 

 the symptoms show that the acute stage has somewhat subsided, mus- 

 tard may be applied as recommended for pneumonia. From the 

 beginning the following drench may be given every six hours, if the 

 horse takes a drench kindly : Solution of the acetate of ammonia, ?> 

 ounces; spirits of nitrous ether, 1 ounce; bicarbonate of potassium, 

 3 drams; water, 1 pint. 



If the patient becomes debilitated, the stimulants as prescribed for 

 pneumonia should be used according to the same directions. The 

 same attention should be given to the diet. If the animal will par- 

 take of the bran mashes, scalded oats, and grass, it is the best; but 

 if he refuses the laxative diet, then he should be tried with different 

 kinds of food and allowed whichever kind he desires. 



In the beginning of the attack, if the pain is severe, causing the 

 animal to lie down or paw, morphine may be given by the mouth in 

 5-grain doses, or the fluid extract of Cannabis indica may be used in 

 doses of 2 to 4 drams. 



If the case is not progressing favorably in ten or twelve days after 

 the beginning of the attack, convalescence is delayed by the fluid in 

 the chest failing to be absorbed. The animal becomes dull and weak 

 and evinces little or no desire for food. The breathing becomes 

 still more rapid and difficult. An effort must now be made to excite 

 the absorption of the effusion. An application of liniment or mild 

 blister should be rubbed over the lower part of both sides and the 

 bottom of the chest. The following drench may be given three times 

 a day, for seven or eight days, if it is necessary and appears to bene- 

 fit : Tincture of the perchloride of iron, 1 ounce ; tincture of gentian, 

 2 ounces; water, 1 pint. Also give 1 dram of iodide of potassium, 

 dissolved in the drinking water, an hour before feeding every night 

 and morning for a week or two. 



Hydrothorax is sometimes difficult to overcome by means of the use 

 of medicines alone, when the operation is performed of tapping the 

 chest to allow an escape for the accumulated fluid. The operation is 

 performed with a combined instrument called the trocar and canula. 

 The puncture is made in the lower part of the chest, in the space 

 between the eighth and ninth ribs. Wounding of the intercostal 



