14 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



culty in breathing much benefit is often obtained from a course of nux 

 vomica and arsenic, the latter being given in solution and in combination 

 with bicarbonate of potash. The good effects of arsenic are apt to cease 

 with its discontinuance, and it is well to resume it again as occasion 

 requires at suitable intervals. 



PLEURISY, PLEURITIS 



Definition. Inflammation of the serous membrane that invests the 

 lungs and lines the cavity of the chest. It may exist as a distinct disorder 

 or complicate an attack of lung disease. One side only or both may suffer. 



Causes. Sudden chills, as exposure to cold draughts and cutting 

 winds when the animal is overheated, swimming under like conditions 

 when following hounds, invasion from contiguous structures, as in in- 

 flamed lungs. It may also come about by direct injury from external 

 violence to the walls of the chest, or result from morbid growths. As a 

 sequel to other diseases, as influenza and various forms of blood-poisoning, 

 it is not uncommon. 



Symptoms.- Marked rigors or shivering fits usually usher in the 

 disease, and the temperature of the body shows a considerable rise. The 

 respiration is quick, short, and painful, the animal manifesting acute pain 

 as soon as the lungs are half inflated. Movement, especially turning, is 

 extremely painful, and is demonstrated by a grunt or groan, and the 

 same result follows the application of pressure between the ribs, and also 

 percussion with the knuckles. 



The belly marks a peculiarity of inspiration in this disease, which is 

 diagnostic of pleurisy, especially noticeable during the act of expiration, 

 when a ridge appears along the ends of the ribs, extending from the back 

 of the brisket to the flank, which is not present at other times. Ausculta- 

 tion is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of pleurisy ; the ear will detect in 

 the early stage a very distinct friction sound as of two roughened surfaces 

 passing over one another. This sound becomes louder and more distinct 

 until the ordinary breathing murmur is overwhelmed in it, or is too weak 

 to be detected. With the progress of the disease, water is effused into 

 the chest when the rubbing or friction sounds cease. If the fluid accumu- 

 lates it gives rise to various sounds, as the splashing of rain-drops, a 

 subdued tinkling, or the dropping of water. The amount of fluid accumu- 

 lated is sometimes very great, and it may for some time remain unaltered, 

 but must eventually be either absorbed or by pressing on the lungs cause 

 suffocation and death. Dropsical swellings here and there mark the advance 

 of the disease. The loose tissues under the skin along the breast and belly 



