846 



CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



In case of abscess of the lung, there is a slow pining away, and death 

 in an emaciated condition. 



What to do. — The same treatment prescribed for bronchitis will 

 answer in this case. Bleeding is not to be thought of, except in the very 

 first stage, that of congestion, as, later, its weakening effects render it 

 decidedly objectionable. If a fair chance is given the patient, recovery 

 is probal)le in most cases, and although it sometimes leaves the wind 

 hurt by the permanent solidification of a lung or part of a lung, this, in 

 cattle, is a matter of small consequence. 



V. Pleurisy. 



Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, which is the serous membrane 

 lining the cavity of the chest and investing the lungs. Of itself it is not 

 fatal, but inflammations of all serous membranes are prone to abundant 

 eifusions, and the effusion following pleurisy is excessively great. It is 

 called hydrothorax (water in the chest), and always indicates a very criti- 

 cal case. 



Cause. — It is caused by exposure to cold storms, winds, etc., the same 

 as other diseases of the breathing apparatus. Cattle seem to be particu- 

 larly subject to it. 



How to know it. — There is more or less fever; the pulse is quick, 

 small and hard, and inclined to be wiry ; the breathing is quick and pain- 

 ful ; the elbows are turned out ; the ribs are fixed, and the breathing done 

 by the abdominal muscles ; there is a crease, running from the elbows 

 along the ribs towards the flanks, where the ribs join the cartilages of the 

 chest. The inspirations are short and imperfect, but the expirations 

 are prolonged and more easily effected. Pressure between the ribs 

 causes intense pain and a grunt, and on applying the ear to the sides a 

 grating, rasping sound is heard, like rubbing dry sheep skin together. 

 The head is hung low, the ears droop, the nose is dry, and though the 



eyes are partly closed, the 

 countenance wears an anx- 

 ious look. Rumination stops, 

 the appetite is lost, the flanks 

 are tucked up, there is a hack- 

 ing, painful cough, and the 

 animal remains standing, with 

 evidentdisinclination to move. 

 There are sharp, shooting 

 pains through the chest, that make the animal turn his head around to 

 his sides. Unlike pneumonia, percussion on the ribs produces a clear, 



ACUTE PLEURISY. 



