PLEURISY. 145 



Chronic cough must not be confounded with a 

 stomach cough, usually attendant on the existence 

 of worms. The sound of the cough, as well as the 

 condition of the horse, are sufficient to prevent any 

 but the most careless observer being misled. 



PLEURISY. 



Pleurisy consists of inflammation of the pleura, a 

 serous membrane that lines the cavity of the chest, 

 giving a covering to the lungs. It may be caused by 

 external injuries, or exposure to cold, &c. ; and may be 

 distinguished from other diseases of the chest by the 

 unusual tenderness of the sides when pressed by the 

 hand. The respiration is quick, and the pulse accele- 

 rated. Sometimes one side is attacked, and at others 

 both are involved. One side should be immediately 

 blistered with cantharides or mustard, and a mild 

 physic ball given, consisting of emetic tartar, digitalis, 

 and nitre, of each two drachms, to be given twice 

 daily, until the symptoms appear to have changed for 

 the better. 



If violent sweats break out, the case may be viewed 

 with considerable alarm, and dropsy or water in the 

 cavities of the chest may be apprehended, caused by a 

 serous effusion secreted by the pleura. This disease is 

 termed hydro-thorax. The symptoms are, inability 

 to hear the sound of respiration, and dullness of the 

 sound on striking the side. 



No treatment but tapping can be of any avail, and 



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