NONCONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF RESPIRATION ORGANS. 99 



WTien there is a large amount of effusion present, tapping with the 

 trocar and cannula is generally resorted to. The proper method of per- 

 forming this operation will be found under the head of " Pleurisy." 



PNEUMOTHORAX. 



An accumulation of gas in the pleural sac is known as pneumo- 

 thorax. The presence of air may either result from an injury of the 

 lung or a wound communicating from the exterior. The indications 

 for treatment are to remove any foreign body that may have pene- 

 trated, to exclude the further entrance of the air into the ca\'ity by 

 the closure of the external opening, and to employ antiseptics and 

 adhesive dressings. The air already in the cavity will in most cases 

 be absorbed. 



VERMINOUS BRONCHITIS. 



This is a disease that sometimes attacks young cattle when pas- 

 tured in low-lying meadows near rivers subject to flood. It is caused 

 bv a small worm, StrongyliiH rmci^rus^ which lodges in large num- 

 bers in the trachea and bronchial tubes, giving rise to considerable 

 irritation of the air passages and inflammation. Sometimes the 

 strongyles lodge in large numlx'i's in the windpipe, forming them- 

 selves into a ball, and thus choke the animal to death. 



Symptoms. — It is liable to attack a number of animals at once, and 

 the weakest are the first to give way. The animal has a remarkably 

 forcible cough, distressing, and of a special hacking and paroxysmal 

 character. A stringy mucus is sometimes expelled during the spells 

 of coughing. This mucus contains the Strongylus micrurus., which 

 can be detected, or their ova observed, under a low power of the 

 microscope. The attack has a subacute character and proves very 

 exhausting. The parasites, by becoming entwined in balls, seriously 

 impede respiration, which is always remarkably labored in this dis- 

 ease. 



Treatment. — The affected calves should be placed in a dr}^ stable, 

 protected from dampness, and subjected to fumigations of sulphurous 

 anhydrid or chlorin gas. The literation of chlorin gas is brought 

 about by the action of sulphuric acid, either on a mixture of chlorid 

 of sodium and black oxid of manganese or on bleaching powder. 

 Sulphurous anhydrid may be procured by burning sulphur. Some 

 practitioners prescribe small doses of spirits of turpentine in linseed 

 oil. The system requires good support, and the diet should therefore 

 be liberal and nutritious. Equal parts of sulphate of iron, gentian, 

 and ginger make an excellent tonic. 



Prevention. — Avoid pastures notorious for generating verminous 

 bronchitis. 



