DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 847 



resonant sound, the expired breath is not hot, the nostrils are not dilated, 

 and there is no mucous rale. Pleurisy may terminate in resolution by 

 absorption, etc., the patient getting well very quickly, without any ill 

 effects, or it may go on to the stage of great effusion, and terminate in 

 hydrothorax. 



What to do. — If taken right at the start, give recipe No. 23, but if the 

 fever is far advanced give No. 18. When the fever is subdued, give 

 No. 20, if the appetite is poor ; if it is good, give No. 19. During con- 

 valescence give No. 21. Apply mustard paste to the sides assiduously. 



VI. Hydrothorax. 



As explained in the last section, when the chest fills with water from 

 the excessive effusion of pleurisy, it is called Hydrothorax. 



How to know it. — As soon as the effusion begins, all pain ceases, res- 

 piration is deeper, longer, and less painful, the belly drops, the elbows 

 no longer turn in, the appetite returns, the eyes get bright, and to a 

 casual observer, the animal appears to have taken a decided turn for the 

 better ; but in a -very short time the practiced eye discovers unfavorable 

 symptoms, such as flapping of the nostrils, a quick, labored breathing, 

 and heaving of the flanks. The legs and chest become dropsical, the 

 eyes sparkle, and the countenance resumes its anxious look. No respira- 

 tory murmur or other sound is heard by the car, when placed to the side 

 — none at least at the bottom — though, later, a splashing may be heard 

 when the water reaches the heart ; percussion on the ribs elicits a full, 

 dull sound ; the pulse becomes rapid but small, and gradually fades away 

 until imperceptible. Death occurs from suffocation. Post-mortem 

 examination reveals the chest filled with water, and shreds of lymph 

 clinging to both the lungs and ribs. 



What to do. — If the sides are not thoroughly blistered from the mus- 

 tard previously applied, apply fly blisters energetically, to get up a great 

 amount of vesication (skin blistering), and give the following recipe : 



No. 24. 2 Drachms gum camphor, 



4 Drachms saltpetre, 

 1 Ounce spirits nitre, 

 1 Pint water or gruel, 

 Mix as directed below. 



The camphor must be dissolved in the nitre, and then the saltpetre and 

 water (or gruel) added. Give as one dose, and repeat it every four or 

 six hours. Give ale, porter, etc., in liberal quantities. It is advisable to 

 tap the chest early, repeating it if necessary. (See chapter on opera- 

 tions.) 



