176 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



absorption by pressing upon and impeding the circulation 

 in the blood-vessels and lymphatics, and thus the two 

 surfaces are kept apart ; but when the liquid is absorbed, the 

 two surfaces may then grow together. 



When the inflammatory action does not subside, or is of 

 a very severe type, or depends upon some specific disease, 

 pus may be formed and accumulate in the pleural sac. As 

 the connective tissue becomes involved, granulation-tissue 

 is formed, and may continue to generate pus, and discharge 

 it into the pleural sac. The membranes become thickened, 

 and the new tissue contracts in its organization, producing 

 more or less retraction of the chest-wall. When the effusion 

 has been very great, the pulmonary tissue is found much 

 compressed, and when incised is tough, pale and dry. 



The pleura of both sides may be involved, but usually the 

 inflammation is confined to one, more frequently the right. 



Treatment. — The horse should be placed in a loose box 

 well ventilated, but of equable temperature, and should be 

 warmly clothed with rugs. The diet should be at first 

 nutritious, and such as is calculated to keep the bowels in 

 regular action. As in pneumonia, bleeding is not recom- 

 mended, except under very special circumstances. When 

 the pleuritic attack is of an acute sthenic type, and not associ- 

 ated with any other constitutional disease, moderate bleed- 

 ing in the early stages is recommended by some eminent 

 authorities. The removal of from four to six quarts of blood 

 under such circumstances is said to be followed by marked 

 benefit and relief of the acute symptoms. We, however, 

 do not practise bleeding under any circumstances in pleurisy, 

 unless, indeed, the attack is associated with acute inflam- 

 mation of the lungs. Internally, saline febrifuges may be 

 administered, as in pneumonia, and if the pain be great, 

 tincture of opium may be given in addition. Fleming's 

 tincture of aconite is a very valuable [remedy in the acute 



