CONTAGIOUS PNEUMONIA. 1 99. 



malignancy throughout. The greater number of deaths occur during 

 the first half of the period, probably because young or very susceptible 

 animals are first affected. Complex morbid conditions formed by 

 association of contagious pneumonia with strangles or influenza are 

 particularly grave. 



Many difl"erent methods of treatment have been suggested. The 

 most popular comprise counter-irritation and administration of febri- 

 fuges, antiseptics, and stimulants. As the general lines follow closely 

 on those laid down when speaking of sporadic pneumonia I shall only 

 indicate the modifications peculiar to the contagious form. 



Free application of mustard to the thorax, abdomen, and upper 

 parts of the limbs is always advantageous. Bleeding is most useful 

 where depression is marked and d}-spnoea menacing. Subcutaneous 

 injections of chemical solutions and internal administration of bicar- 

 bonate of soda restore the alkalinity of the blood and hasten elimination 

 of toxins. Fever is diminished by administration of sulphate of 

 quinine,* antipyrin, antifebrin, or cold enemata. 



Among antiseptics, creolin, carbolic acid, naphthol, and salicylate of 

 soda are used. If refused in the drinking-water these drugs may be 

 administered per rcctuui. To favour disinfection of the intestine 

 salicylate of soda or benzoate or subnitrate of bismuth, in doses of ij 

 to 2i drachms, or j to 15 grains of calomel may be administered daily 

 during the acute stage. Intra-tracheal injections of antiseptics have 

 given encouraging results. 



Alcohol is generally well taken, and its action at least compares 

 favourably with that of most of the other substances recommended. 

 In common with acetate of ammonia it is specialh- indicated when 

 the strength shows signs of failing. Brandy in doses of 4 to 10 ounces 

 may be given in drinking-water or electuary. Cardiac failure is com- 

 bated by digitalis and b\' subcutaneous injections of caffeine or ether. 

 Purgatives may be cautiously administered to relieve constipation. 



The strength is sustained by liquid nourishment, especially milk, 

 and if necessary by nourishing enemata. In this disease good hygiene 

 is of primary importance. The animals must be carefully fed, and 



* M. Leblanc recently drew attention to the value of. quinine Sialts .in the treatment -of 

 contagious pneumonia and the abdominal form of influenza : " At the commencement, when the 

 temperature suddenly rises to 40" or 41° C. (104° to 1058° F.), and other symptoms have 

 not yet attained the gravity seen during the following days, administration of minimum 

 doses of one and a quarter drachms of quinine sulphate night and morning rapidly produces 

 in most cases notable diminution in temperature and in the later symptoms. Instead of the 

 disease continuing for weeks convalescence begins on the seventh or eighth day, and never 

 lasts beyond a fortnight." 



