522 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



Prognosis. — The mortality in thi.s disease may ))e as high as 25 per 

 cent, but it is usuall}^ not more than 10 per cent. If there is a special 

 tendency to complications of some sort, the mortality is increased. 



Altei'atloits. — At the time of death from edematous pneumonia we 

 frequently find septic changes and the evidences of putrefaction. The 

 solidification of the lung tissue is found irregular in shape and high up 

 around the root of the lungs and around the large bronchi, and is gen- 

 erally covered by sound lung tissue. The anterior lobes of the lungs 

 are usually entirely affected. The diseased portion appears of a gv».y 

 yellowish color, somewhat watery, and tears readih'. Matter is found 

 in the air tubes which form gutters through the jell}' -like mass of the 

 diseased lung. Abscesses from the size of a nut to larger masses may 

 be found disseminated through the lungs. The blood is dark in color, 

 fluid, or only clotted into soft, jelly-like masses. Masses of gangre- 

 nous or dead black tissue ma}^ be present. 



Treatment. — Bleeding is not to be used Ix'cause it would only still 

 further weaken an already enfeebled animal; antimony or the alterants 

 would increase the depression of a too depraved constitution. There 

 is in this disease no acute congestion of a particular organ to draw off 

 b}'^ depletive measures, nor any violent blood current to be retarded, 

 for fear of hypernutrition of any special part. 



Revulsives do good, as thej^ excite the nervous s3'Stem and awaken 

 the torpor of the weakened blood vessels, which aid in the reestablish- 

 ment of the functions. Mustard poultices may be applied over the 

 belly and sides of the chest, as in other diseases, but caution must be 

 used in the employment of blisters, as ugly ulcers ma}^ result from 

 their action on a tissue of weakened vitality. Setons are dangerous 

 from the great tendency in this disease to septic complications. 

 Repeated friction of the legs by hand-rubbing and warmth by banda- 

 ging and b}" rubl)ing the surface of the body with turpentine and 

 alcohol, which is immediatelv to be dried by rough towels, will excite 

 the circulation and stimulate the emunctories of the skin. 



Stimulants are given internally from the outset of the disease. Tur- 

 pentine in 1-dram doses regulates the heart and excites the kidneys to 

 carry off waste matter, but if repeated too frequently may disturl) the 

 alread}^ delicate digestive system. Alcohol rectifies the latter danger, 

 and is a useful stimulant to the heart and digestive system, if given 

 with care in small doses. It is an antiputrid, and is especiall}' indi- 

 cated when septic complications and gangrene are present. The aro- 

 matics and bitter tonics are useful; gentian and tea in warm decoction 

 form a useful menstruum for other remedies. Digitalis is a useful 

 remed}'. Strichnine and quinine may be given throughout almost the 

 whole course of the disease. The various preparations of iron are 

 astringents and excitants to the digestive system. Carbolic acid is an 

 antiputrid which is of marked benefit in edematous pneumonia; it 

 should be given in small doses diluted in alcohol. 



