80 ASTHMA. 



occupied the air cells : in others, a morbid translation of the 

 external fat was found to have taken place from without in- 

 wards ; by which the diaphragm, large vessels, and the in- 

 terstitial membranes of the chest, becoming obstructed and 

 overcharged with adipose substance, the respiratory func- 

 tions were at length totally suspended. But the most common 

 appearance that the lungs have presented, in asthmatic 

 subjects, after death, has been that of a total change of their 

 natural structure into a hardened granular blueish mass 

 throughout the whole substance. 



The cure of the disease is attended with much uncertainty, 

 unless it be attempted in the first stages, and before the dis- 

 organization of the respiratory organs has become too great 

 for reduction ; but when it has been of long standing, al- 

 though it may be palliated, it is hardly ever completely re- 

 moved. As confinement and over-feeding are very common 

 causes of the complaint, so it is evident that an attention to 

 these particulars is essentially necessary to the cure. It is 

 unfortunate that the accumulation of fat is, in some dogs, so 

 much a disease, that even a very small quantity of food will 

 still fatten. The food in these cases must, however, be so 

 reduced as to produce absorption of the fat, or it will be in 

 vain to hope for amendment: means to this effect are de- 

 tailed under the head Feeding. An airy place ought to be 

 allowed the animal to sleep in ; but, above all, regular and 

 judicious exercise must be given ; — not violent, but gentle, 

 and long continued. The absorption of the accumulated fat 

 will be materially assisted by a regular exhibition of purga- 

 tives once or twice a week. Bleeding now and then gives a 

 temporary relief, and in the incipient stages, when there is 

 active inflammation, it is proper ; but in the advanced stages 

 it seldom does much good. 



Among the various plans of treatment 1 pursued for the cure 

 of this complaint, that which proved most efficacious, was a 

 continued course of emetics given at regular intervals, as 

 twice a week. In the intermediate days alteratives were ad- 

 ministered, with the occassional use of a purgative, provided 



