DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 213 



All diseases of tlie respiratory tract, notably all acute 

 inflanimations, have much in common. In all, from dimi- 

 nution of the breathing capacity or the aerating func- 

 tions, the-e is more or less disturbance in respiration, with 

 a corresponding alteration in the circulatory system. In 

 addition, as in all inflammations, there are febrile symp- 

 toms, while the whole system is affected by the retained 

 poisonous products, lack of oxygen, etc. 



The onset of all is favored, if not actually caused, by 

 exposure to great and sudden changes of temperature, 

 especially after exercise, or when sleeping in cold and 

 draughty kennels. 



Prophylaxis. — Good feeding, regular and sufficient 

 exercise, comfortable and well-aired kennels. Wet, with 

 cold, and, above all, draughts, are especially to be avoided. 



Common Pathology. — This depends on the fact that 

 there is in all these diseases an inflammation, so that there 

 is more or less sudden arrest of secretion, with swelling 

 of the mucous meml)rane, followed by excess of and 

 altered secretion, and modified function generally. 



Common Symptom^s. — Kapid breathing and pulse, ten- 

 dency to nausea at the outset, a chill, febrile symptoms, 

 anorexia (loss of appetite), more or less distress or actual 

 pain, altered physical thoracic signs, changed secretions, etc. 



Prognosis. — Good, if not arising as complications of 

 other diseases, and if the animal is not debilitated and the 

 treatment be judicious, especially the hygienic surround- 

 ings and the feeding. 



Treatment. — (For doses of medicines, see table at end 

 of the book, and for formulae, pages 235 and 286.) The 

 indication in all is at the outset, and only in the stage of 



