DISEASES OF HORSES 163 



Another method of detecting the affected part is to press the fingers 

 between the ri'bs, each space in succession beginning behind the 

 elbow, until you arrive at a place where the pressure causes more 

 flinching than at any other part. Auscultation is also useful. In 

 the first stage, when the surfaces are dry and rough, one may hear 

 a friction sound very much like that produced by rubbing two pieces 

 of coarse paper together. The sound appears immediately under 

 the ear and is distinct. No such friction sound occurs when the 

 membrane is healthy, as the natural moisture, heretofore mentioned, 

 prevents the friction. In many cases this friction is so pronounced 

 that it may be felt by placing the hand over the affected part. When 

 the dry stage is succeeded oy the exudation of fluid, this friction 

 sound disappears. After the effusion into the cavity takes place there 

 sometimes is heard a tinkling or metallic sound, due to dropping of 

 the exudate from above into the collected fluid in the bottom of the 

 cavity, as the collected fluid more or less separates the lung from 

 the chest walls. 



Within two or three days the urgent symptoms may abate owing 

 to the exudation of the fluid and the subsidence of the pain. The 

 fluid may now undergo absorption, and the case terminate favorably 

 within a week or ten days. 



If the quantity of the effusion is large, its volume retards the 

 process of absorption to a great extent, and consequently convales- 

 cence is delayed. In severe cases the pulse becomes more frequent, 

 the breathing more hurried and labored, the flanks work like bel- 

 lows, the nostrils flap, the eyes stare wildly, the countenance ex- 

 presses much anxiety, and general signs of dissolution are plain. 

 After a time swellings appear under the chest and abdomen and 

 down the legs. The accumulation in the chest is called hydrotho- 

 rax, or dropsy of the chest. When this fluid contains pus the case 

 usually proves fatal. The condition of pus within the cavity is 

 called empyema. Pleurisy may affect only a small area of one side 

 or it may affect both sides. It is oftener confined to the right side. 



Treatment. The instructions in regard to the general manage- 

 ment of bronchitis and pneumonia must be adhered to in the treat- 

 ment of pleurisy. Comfortable quarters, pure air, warm clothing 

 to the body and bandages to the legs, a plentiful supply of pure cold 

 water, the laxative food, etc., in this case are equally necessary and 

 efficacious. The hot applications applied to the chest as directed in 

 the treatment of pneumonia are very beneficial in pleurisy, and 

 should be kept up while the symptoms show the animal to be in 

 pain. 



During the first few days, when pain is manifested by restless- 

 ness, apply hot packs to the sides diligently. After four or five days, 

 when the symptoms show that the acute stage has somewhat sub- 

 sided, mustard may be applied as recommended for pneumonia. 

 From the beginning the following drench may be given every six 

 hours, if the horse takes a drench kindly: Solution of the acetate 

 of ammonia, 3 ounces; spirits of nitrous ether, 1 ounce; bicarbonate 

 of potassium, 3 drams; water, 1 pint. 



