XONCOXTAGIOUS DISEASES OF EESPIEATIOX OBGANS. 97 



In the third stage, if the disease is going to terminate favorably, 

 the cough becomes loose, the animal improves, the appetite returns, 

 and the symptoms above detailed rapidly subside; but if. on the 

 other hand, resolution is not progressing, the lung substance is broken 

 down, is heavy, and will sink in water. In fatal cases the breath has 

 a peculiar fetid, cadaverous odor, and is taken in short gasps; the 

 horns, ears, and extremities become cold and clammy, and the pulse 

 is imperceptible. On auscultation, when suppuration is taking place 

 and the lung structure is breaking down, a bubbling or gurgling 

 crepitation, caused by the passage of air through pus, will be heard. 



Treatment. — Good hygienic surroundings and good nursing are 

 essential in connection with the medical treatment. The probability 

 of recovery depends largely on the extent of the lung tissue involved, 

 as well as on the intensity of the inflanunatory process. In the early 

 stage, when the fever is high, give febrifuges. If the pulse be strong 

 and full, aconite (Fleming's tincture, 1 to 2 drams, every four or five 

 hours) may be given for a short time, but should be discontinued as 

 soon as the fever begins to abate. Aconite is a valuable drug in the 

 hands of the intelligent practitioner, but my experience leads me to 

 believe that not infrequently animals are lost by its injudicious use, 

 for in many febrile conditions it is positively contraindicated, owing 

 to its action upon the heart. In a plethoric animal, with a strong, 

 bounding pulse, bleeding may be resorted to instead of administering 

 aconite. If the bowels are constipated, give calomel. 1 to 8 drams, 

 which acts as a cathartic and a febrifuge. In the second stage diffus- 

 ible stimulants are required, viz: Spirits of nitrous ether, 2 ounces; 

 aromatic spirits of ammonia, 1 ounce; mix, and give in gruel three 

 times daily. If the above is not at hand, give an alcoholic stimulant. 

 Half a pint of brand}^ or Avhisky may be given in a quart of gruel 

 three times daily. In some cases carbonate of ammonia, 2 to 5 drams, 

 has been found beneficial. Most practitioners apply counterirritants 

 externally, such as mustard plasters, turpentine, and ammonia lini- 

 ment, or cantharides. 



EMPHYSEMA ( HEAVES ) . 



Emphysema consists of a rupture of the minute air vesicles of the 

 lung substance, and may be either interlobular or vesicular. There 

 is an extreme interference with respiration, inspiration being short 

 and expiration prolonged. It is a nonfebrile condition, in which the 

 appetite is not decreased and the milk secretion is kept up. It may 

 be caused by an attack of asthma or may result from chronic bron- 

 chitis. The disease can be diagnosed by the marked interference 

 with respiration. The animal, as a rule, is emaciated, has a staring 

 coat, and is hidebound. If percussion is resorted to, the animal's 

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