PLEURODYNIA. 



Definition. Sj'mptoms, stiffness, pointing of fore limb, catching inspira- 

 tion, tender intercostals, less fever, cough, and hardness of pulse than in 

 pleurisy, no friction sound nor signs of pleuritic effusion. Treatment, anti- 

 rheumatic, derivatives, colchicum, alkalies, salicj-late, salol, phenacetin, 

 warm (steam) bath, warm building and clothing. 



Defijiitlo7i. Rheumatism of the intercostal muscles. This has 

 been occasional!}' observed in the horse, and is IJable to be mis- 

 taken for pleuris}', which it closely resembles in its symptoms. 

 There are the same stiffness of the fore limb on the affected .side, 

 the same short breathing, the same fixed and inactive appearance 

 of the ribs, and the same extreme tenderness on pressure as in 

 pleurisy ; but the high type of fever, the cough and the full hard 

 and accelerated pulse are usually absent ; the tenderness tends to 

 .shift from one point to another, there is no shivering nor friction 

 sound in the early .stages, and no subsequent absence of sound and 

 deadness on percussion over the lower part of the chest as result 

 from effusion. When associated with fever it is ver}^ difficult to 

 distinguish from pleurisy, and its recognition can only be made 

 by these physical signs just mentioned. 



Treatment. This must be the same as in rheumatic attacks in 

 general. Rub the chest actively and repeatedly with a mixture 

 of equal parts of spirits of turpentine, laudanum and olive oil, 

 give Yz drachm doses of powdered colchicum daily and bicarbon- 

 ate of potass freel)^ in the water drank. Or give four times a day 

 2 drachms of salicylate of soda, or i drachm of salol, or phena- 

 cetin. K warm building and warm clothing are essential ele- 

 ments in treatment. 



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