NONCONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF EESPIRATOEY ORGANS. 97 



various forms, however, can be differentiated only by the expert, and 

 it is therefore deemed necessary for the purpose of the present work 

 to treat the subject under the general head of pneumonia. 



The causes of pneumonia in general are the same as those of the 

 various other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. The 

 germ is known as a pneumococcus. The disease mostly follows con- 

 gestion of the lungs, but may in rare cases have a parasitic origin. 



^ym'ptoms. — In the first stage, that of congestion, the disease is 

 usually ushered in by a chill, although this may not always be 

 observed by the attendant. This is followed by an elevation of tem- 

 perature, usually 105° to 106° F., or it may be even higher. The 

 lespirations are quick and shallow ; the nostrils are dilated ; the pulse 

 is full and hard. Cough may or may not appear in this stage. The 

 nose is hot and dry; the tongue sometimes protrudes and is slimy; 

 the coat is staring, and the skin dry and harsh. The urine is usually 

 diminished in quantity, high colored, and the bowels constipated. 

 The animal stands with the forelegs wide apart to facilitate respira- 

 tion. On auscultation crepitation will be observed over the portion 

 of the lung affected. The sounds elicited on percussion are practi- 

 cally normal in this stage. 



In the second stage the temperature generally drops one or two 

 degrees, and respiration is performed with much difficulty. The 

 cough is frequent and painful. The animal still stands with the 

 forelegs wide apart and the elbows turned outward. If it assumes 

 the recumbent position it rests on the sternum. All secretions are 

 more or less suspended, particularly the milk in cows. The animal 

 has a haggard appearance, and the pulse becomes small and wiry at 

 this period. The extremities are hot and cold alternately ; the crepi- 

 tation which was present in the first stage is now absent, and no 

 sound on auscultation is heard, unless it is a slight wheezing or 

 whistling noise. On percussion dullness over the diseased lung is 

 manifested, indicating consolidation. The lung has now assumed a 

 characteristic liverlike appearance. 



In the third stage, if the disease is to terminate favorably, the 

 cough becomes loose, the animal improves, the appetite returns, and 

 the symptoms above detailed rapidly subside ; if, on the other hand, 

 resolution is not progressing, the lung substance degenerates, becomes 

 clogged up, and ceases to function. In fatal cases the breath has a 

 peculiar, fetid, cadaverous odor, and is taken in short gasps; the 

 horns, ears, and extremities become cold and clammy, and the pulse 

 is imperceptible. On auscultation, when suppuration is taking place 

 and the lung structure is breaking down, a bubbling or gurgling 

 crepitation, caused by the passage of air through pus, is heard. 



Treatment. — Good hygienic surroundings and good nursing are 

 essential in connection with the medical treatment. The probability 



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