420 THE DISEASES AND DISOEDEES OF THE OX. 



hours, with the addition of aconite in acute cases in vigorous 

 animals. We do not recommend bleeding in cases of pleurisy. 

 In the acute stages hot cloths should be applied, as in inflam- 

 mation of the lungs ; and as the acute symptoms subside, 

 mustard poultices or blisters of cantharides ointment should be 

 assiduously made use of. 



Should effusion of fluid appear imminent, it is very essential 

 to administer stimulating medicines, with digitalis in the form 

 of powder or tincture. We especially recommend a combination 

 of carbonate of ammonium, iodide of potassium, and digitalis in 

 doses of about one drachm. In all cases of pleurisy, after the 

 acute stage is over, stimulants are indicated, and the carbonate 

 of ammonium is one of the most valuable. When the animal 

 shows signs of improvement, and the eff'usion is being absorbed, 

 tonic treatment is indicated. The tincture of the perchloride of 

 iron, with nux vomica, is very useful indeed. Generous diet is 

 required after the acute stage of pleurisy. 



If the effusion of fluid be abundant, it is necessary to tap the 

 chest. This operation is termed '* paracentesis thoracis." It 

 is performed by passing a large-sized Southey's trochar and 

 canula through the wall of the chest at its lower portion, 

 between the eighth and ninth ribs. The trochar is then with- 

 drawn, while over the external orifice of the canula is passed one 

 end of a piece of india-rubber tubing, the other end of which 

 dips to the bottom of a vessel placed to remove the fluid as it 

 flows out from the chest. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN 

 SHEEP. 



We cannot give very much attention to the disorders of the 

 respiratory mechanism in sheep, nor, indeed, to those of the 

 circulatory system of this animal, for the simple reasons that 

 both these kinds of derangements in the sheep are neither very 

 well known nor of very great importance. In horses these two 

 groups are of exceptional interest and moment; but, as for 

 sheep, they are most liable to derangements of the digestive 

 organs. The number of respirations per minute in the case of 

 the sheep is very variable, and, indeed, may be as few as thirty 

 or as many as two hundred, in accordance with difi'erent con- 

 ditions — as, for instance, of work or of rest, of climate or 



