DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 133 



ceecled by the exudation of fluid, this friction sound disappears. After 

 the effusion into the cavity takes place there sometimes is heard a 

 tinkling or metallic sound, due to dropping of the exudate from above 

 into the collected fluid in the bottom of the cavity, as the collected 

 fluid more or less separates the lung from the chest walls. 



Within two or three days the urgent symptoms may abate owing to 

 the exudation of the fluid and the subsidence of the pain. The fluid 

 ma}^ now undergo absorption, and the case terminate favorabl}^ within 

 a week or ten days. 



If the quantity of the effusion is large, its own volume retards the 

 process of absorption to a great 'extent, and consequently convales- 

 cence is dela^'ed. In severe cases the pulse becomes more frequent, 

 the breathing more hurried and labored, the flanks work like bellows, 

 the nostrils flap, the eyes stare wildly, the countenance expresses much 

 anxiety, and general signs of dissolution are plain. After a time 

 swellings appear under the chest and abdomen and down the legs. 

 The accumulation in the chest is called hydrothorax, or dropsy of the 

 chest. AVhen this fluid contains pus the case usually proves fatal. 

 The condition of pus within the cavity is called empyema. 



Pleurisy may affect only a small area of one side or it ma}^ affect 

 both sides. It is oftener confined to the right side. 



Treatment. — The instructions in regard to the general management 

 of bronchitis and pneumonia must be adhered to in the treatment of 

 pleurisy. Comfortable quarters, pure air, warm clothing to the body 

 and bandages to the legs, a plentiful supply of pure cold water, the 

 laxative food, etc., in this case are equall}" necessary and efficacious. 

 The hot applications applied to the chest as directed in the treatment 

 of pneumonia are very beneficial in pleurisy, and should be kept up 

 while the symptoms show the animal to be in pain. 



During the first few days, when pain is manifested by restlessness, 

 apply hot packs to the sides diligently. After four or five days, when 

 the symptoms show that the acute stage has somewhat subsided, mus- 

 tard may be applied as recommended for pneumonia. From the begin- 

 ning the following drench may be given ever}^ six hours, if the horse 

 takes a drench kindly: Solution of the acetate of ammonia, 8 ounces; 

 spirits of nitrous ether, 1 ounce; bicarbonate of potassium, 3 drams; 

 water, 1 pint. 



If the patient becomes debilitated, the stinudants as prescribed for 

 pneumonia should be used according to the same directions. The 

 same attention should be given to the diet. If the animal will partake 

 of the bran mashes, scalded oats, and grass, it is the best; but if he 

 refuses the laxative diet, then he should be tried with different kinds 

 of food and allowed whichever kind he desires. 



In tlie beginning of the attack, if the pain is severe, causing the 



