RUPTURE OF THE DIAPHRAGJVI. 49 



Post-mortem. — If well-marked extravasation of blood is 

 found to have taken place, it is to be received as evidence 

 that rupture of the diaphragm took place prior to death ; in 

 the absence of any extravasation of blood, we may conclude 

 that rupture occurred subsequent to death. 



Treatment. — Rupture of the diaphragm admits of no 

 treatment whatever. 



PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 



Definition. — This disease may be defined to be an inflam- 

 mation of the pleura and lung-substance. 



The disease occurs in an epizootic form, and is considered 

 to be contagious, or non-contagious, according to the circum- 

 stances under which it occurs. According to Professor 

 Williams, the disease has also been called 'typhoid- 

 pneumonia,' a name, however, which cannot be regarded as 

 a very suitable one. 



Strictly speaking, the form of pleuro-pneumonia afl'ecting 

 the horse as it occurs in Great Britain is rarely seen on the 

 American continent. 



Causes. — The causes of j^leuro-pneumonia are exposure, 

 contagion, epizootic influences, etc. It also very frequently 

 follows influenza, and is characterized by a low form of fever. 



Syjnjytoms. — Usually the first symptom to attract observa- 

 tion is a slight dulness, which becomes better marked as the 

 disease progresses ; the appetite fails, and the patient retains 

 the standing posture. The extremities are alternately hot 

 and cold. Cough, abdominal breathing, great debility, and 

 a quick pulse are present. 



Treatment. — Treatment should consist in allowing the 

 animal complete rest, clothing the body, stimulating appli- 

 cations to the sides of the thorax, and the administration 

 of stimulants and febrifuges, as seth. nitrici. et spts. ammon. 

 aromat. a.a. ^i., aqute q.s. The patient's strength should be 



