214^ The Management and Treatment of the Horse, 



PLEURISY. 



This disease, which unhappily is too common, is 

 entirely confined to inflammation of the pleura or mem- 

 brane which lines the chest — hence its name — and has 

 connection with the substance of the lungs. The pulse 

 is hard, but not oppressed, the extremities are cold, 

 although not so much so as in common inflammation, 

 nor is the membrane of the nostril very red. If pressure 

 on the side is applied the horse will express pain by a 

 sharp grunt. The unwillingness of the horse to lie down 

 will soon manifest itself in this as in violent inflam- 

 mation of the lungs. This disease, like inflammation of 

 the lungs, is generally caused by sudden transitions from 

 heat to cold. In this complaint bleeding is generally 

 adopted, followed by a course of sedative medicine, ad- 

 ministered in the form of a gentle purgative, which may 

 be given with more safety in this disease than in inflam- 

 mation of the lungs. If pleurisy is violent, it frequently 

 induces dropsy in the chest, which, having no means of 

 escape, lodges itself in the cavity of the chest. When 

 this is the case little good is to be expected from the 

 animal, and it is very seldom that a cure can be effected. 

 Sometimes the chest is punctured for it, which has the 

 effect of carrying off the fluid; but it too frequently 

 happens that it is an ineffectual remedy. Whenever it 

 is suspected that water is forming, puncturing should be 

 had recourse to, the opening to be made by an instrument 

 called the trochar. The cavity Avhere it is inserted is 

 the intercrostal membrane between the seventh and 

 eighth rib, and as close to the cartilage as possible. 

 Diuretic medicine in combination with tonics should be 



