174 Inllaiumation cf the Pleiwa. 



favorti))le syniptoiii. Cases with lii,i;li fever, cliills and great 

 prostration, witli rapid increase of the exudate, usually take 

 an unfavorable course. A guarded prognosis is, however, indi- 

 cated even in less tempestuous cases, liecause relapses are com- 

 mon and may lead to a fatal issue. Speedy death must be ex- 

 pected in purulent and ichorous pleurisy. The formation of a 

 jiemorrhagic exudate into the pleura under marked acute s;saup- 

 toms also has an unfavoralile significance. 



In considering the prognosis one must also think of the 

 sequelae which may materially decrease the value of the animal. 

 Adhesions usually remain after a pleurisy which has lasted 

 three to four weeks ; relapses and the formation of an area of 

 permanent dullness exclude the possil)ility of complete recovery. 



Treatment. The most important measures are the estab- 

 lishment of favorable hygienic conditions, regulation of diet 

 and nutrition of the animal following the same principles as 

 laid down for the treatment of croupous pneumonia (see page 

 120). Energetic antiphlogistic treatment is indicated in the 

 beginning of pleurisy when friction sounds are still present. 

 To this end the thoracic wall should he irrigated with cold 

 water, or snow or ice should be applied to the tender region. 

 This must be continued until the sensitiveness, the friction 

 sound, and the high fever has subsided. Good results may be 

 obtained in the beginning with these applications. Inunctions 

 with irritating or acrid substances, based upon the principle 

 of counter-irritation, appear less indicated, although they were 

 formerly much practiced. 



Freneh veterinarians even today extensively employ the socalled revulsive 

 treatment by irritating' inunctions applied to the thorax from the start and alleged 

 to stop the inflammation. Venesection is practiced for the same reason. Trasbot 

 recommends the following treatment in acute cases; in the very beginning vene- 

 section, with the removal of an amount of blood in proportion to the existing 

 plethora of the animal, then energetic treatment with preparations of mercury, 

 salicylates and digitalis. 



In the further course, beginning on the second or third day, 

 moist, warm applications may be made. Energetic inunctions 

 may be serviceable in delayed absorption, viz., spirits of mus- 

 tard, 6-10%, chloroform liniment (chloroform 10.0, liniment 

 volatile 40.0). These are to be applied twice or thrice daily 

 over the area of dullness, while more intensely acting drugs, 

 such as cantharidin, croton oil, euphorbium ointment, etc., 

 should rather be left alone. Priessnitz' applications may be 

 employed two to three hours after the inunctions. 



Note. — In human medicine applications of green soap have proved very efficient 

 means of stimulating delayed absorption of pleuritic exudates (see Report from 

 the Winyah Sanatorium, Drs. K. and S. von Euck, Asheville, N. C., 1911, page 4). 

 This should prove of value in animals also. The green soap is applied by friction 

 over the affected side after the skin has been washed with ordinary soap and hot 

 water. As a rule the application is made at bed time, is allowed to remain over 

 night and repeated daily, or less frequently, depending upon the tolerance of 



