PLEURISY. 39 



sounds caused by the pleural membranes moving over each 

 other can be heard ; on coughing great pain is evinced, and 

 the patient suppresses the cough as much as possible. This is 

 called the suppressed cough ; it is a characteristic of the 

 disease, and is a valuable diagnostic symptom. The animal 

 endeavours to keep the chest in a fixed position, and uses 

 the abdominal muscles in the endeavour ; this causes the 

 formation of a well-marked ridge near the flank, easily 

 seen in a gaunt horse. Temperature, as indicated by the 

 thermometer, about 101°. In many cases relief is apparently 

 afl'orded, usually about the third or fourth day, but some- 

 times as early as twenty-four hours from the commencement 

 of the attack. The animal now stands quietly, and seems 

 to be free from j^ain ; this is the sign that an effusion of 

 serum has taken place ; and as dryness of the pleural mem- 

 branes has ceased, the acute pain has in consequence also 

 ceased. In cases where a very copious^ effusion of serum 

 has taken place, the circulation is found to be greatly 

 affected. In pleurisy, as in pneumonia, the patient stands 

 with the elbows turned out ; percussion, palpation, etc., are 

 not relished on the part of the patient, and give rise to 

 considerable pain ; the breathing is considerably interfered 

 with, the respiration being short and difficult; a great amount 

 of effusion may take place, rendering the case a hopeless one, 

 without any very well marked symptom being observed. 



Treatment. — Sedatives in a pure case of pleurisy can be 

 pushed to a far greater extent than would be admissible in 

 a case of pneumonia. Aconite may be given oftener, and 

 in larger doses. If the pulse is full and bounding, febri- 

 fuges are indicated ; and there are no better remedies than 

 potassae nitras and colchicum. If the pulse is weak, the use 

 of stimulants is indicated : warmth should be applied to 

 the sides in some manner. A very good way, is to apply 

 hot water ; the body should be well clothed, and an anodyne 



