172 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



a similar period, and then finally once every alternate 

 day. 



Purgatives in moderate doses, when occasionally ad- 

 ministered, are beneficial in regulating the action of the 

 bowels. 



It is well known that some unprincipled persons adopt 

 special measures in order to pass off a broken-winded 

 animal for sale. 



AVith this object they allow little or no food and water, 

 and give the animal a sharp trot, in order that the bowels 

 may be emptied. 



They administer also various drugs, such as digitalis, 

 opium, and other agents which have a temporary sedative 

 effect, and in this manner have deceived many persons. 



PLEURITIS, OF INFLAMMATION OF THE 

 PLEURAL MEMBRANE. 



Definition. — Pleurisy is inflammation of the visceral and 

 parietal layer of the pleural membrane, and is termed 

 primary (idiopathic), or secondary when depending upon 

 some other disease of primary or general nature. 



Etiology. — Pleurisy is due to 



(1.) Extension of the inflammatory action to the i)leura^ from 

 contiguous or neighhouring ])arts. 



For example, pleurisy is frequently associated with, or 

 supervenes on, pneumonia, bronchitis, and also cardiac and 

 pericardiac diseases. 



The pleural membranes are especially liable to be in- 

 volved in this way when the primary disease is of an 

 epizootic nature. 



(2.) Irritation from injury or morhid growths. 



Wounds penetrating the thoracic walls, or fractured ribs, 

 are apt to set up inflammation of the pleural membrane. 



