224 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



Prognosis. — As a matter of fact, pneumonia is a dis- 

 ease that carries o^ a considerable proportion of the 

 canine race, both as a primary affection and as a complica- 

 tion and sequel of other affections, which is probably 

 owing to its attacking weakly animals when a primary 

 disease, to neglect at the outset, and to indiscreet treat- 

 ment ; while during the course of and subsequent to other 

 diseases the constitution is naturally often unable to bear 

 the additional strain. 



Much in the prognosis will depend on the amount of 

 lung tissue involved, the condition of the heart, and the 

 patient's vitality and resisting power. 



Symptoms. — Usually pronounced. Dyspnoea (distress- 

 ing breathing), characteristic anxious fades or expression, 

 injected (red) eyes, dry and hot (not always) nose, and 

 most characteristic attitude. The animal sits on his 

 haunches, with his head extended and mouth open, evi- 

 dently suffering from lack of oxygen. If the dog attempts 

 to lie down, he keeps the head supported high on some 

 object. In extreme cases he may be unable to lie down 

 at all. Percussion reveals a more or less dull sound over 

 the affected area ; auscultation, fine crackling sounds. 

 However, neither of these may be very distinct. 



If pleurisy be present, a friction sound is to be heard 

 {crepitant rales), and this friction of dry surfaces explains 

 the pain in great part, if such exist. 



The attack is usually ushered in by a chill — a symptom 

 which should always be inquired for and to which the 

 greatest importance should be attached, as invariably in- 

 dicating that something serious is at hand in any anima) 

 the subject of it. 



