PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 125 



exposure to cold may occasion it. In many instances it is brought 

 on by distemper. The epidemic pneumonia has usually proved 

 rapid in its progress, and very fatal : at all times also it is to be 

 dreaded, for in most instances it arrives at such a height, before it 

 attracts sufficient notice, as to baffle all attempts at reducing the 

 inflammation. During one of the periods in which it raged in an 

 epidemic form (a warm mild spring), few of those attacked sur- 

 vived beyond the third day, about which time most of them were 

 suffocated by the serous effusion poured into the chest. This, 

 though a frequent mode of its termination in general cases, is not 

 the only fatal one ; for I have seen it also destroy by congestion 

 within the substance of the lungs. It yields, however, to a prompt 

 and judicious treatment, sufficiently often to make every effort 

 worth the trial. Inflammation of the lungs shews itself by a quick 

 laborious respiration ; the heart beats in a very rapid but oppressed 

 manner. The head is held up to enable the dog to breathe more 

 freely ; he also prefers sitting to lying down, for the same reasons ; 

 which circumstances alone are diagnostic of the disease. Con- 

 siderable moisture distils from the nose, which, like the ears and 

 paws, is in general extremely and unnaturally cold. A short 

 quick cough is often present, but not invariably so. 



The cure should be begun by bleeding, and that very largely ; 

 but it must be particularly remembered, that it ought only to be 

 attempted early in the complaint : if it is performed after the second 

 day, the dog commonly dies under the operation. This circum- 

 stance should never be forgotten by a practitioner who may happen 

 to be called in, the recollection of which may save him much mor- 

 tification and disgrace. The first bleeding, if early attempted, may 

 prove useful, provided it is a full and copious one. For method 

 and quantity, see Operations. The whole chest should likewise 

 be immediately blistered between the fore legs, and behind the 

 elbows, first removing the hair, and finishing by covering the parts 

 with a cloth carefully secured. If blistering ointment is not at 

 hand, oil of turpentine, with flour of mustard, well rubbed in, and 

 repeated at intervals of two or three hours, will do nearly as well. 



