116 HYDROTHORAX. 



looked, is the gradual diminution of pleuritic pain. 

 The next requires a little tact in the medical attendant, 

 in order to be discovered. Horsemen begin now to 

 be aware that, by applying the ear to the side of the 

 animal, the murmur of the air as it passes in and out 

 of the lungs, can be distinctly heard. The effusion 

 of hydrothorax, as it is secreted, falls to the bottom of 

 the thorax; it is there interposed between the lung 

 and the ear of the listener; and being thus placed, 

 prevents the murmur from being heard. When, there- 

 fore, the ear being applied close to the bottom of the 

 chest, can detect the natural murmur, the examiner 

 may be assured that there is no fluid yet thrown out. 

 But when all is silent there, although the murmur 

 continues to be heard when the ear is placed a little 

 higher up, it is quite certain that effusion has com- 

 menced, and will probably proceed. A diarrhoea very 

 difficult to check, and a rapid wasting, may accompany 

 effusion into the chest. 



In the majority of cases it is only at the commence- 

 ment of the effusion that it can be attacked with any 

 well-grounded hope of success. It is the signal that 

 inflammation has reached its termination ; that debility 

 has succeeded; and common sense will dictate that 

 the line of treatment must be essentially altered. The 

 measures must be immediately changed. Every thing 

 must be done to counteract the exhaustion, which the 

 effusion will increase. No diuretics must, on any 

 account, be given, under the idea of exciting the 

 kidneys. Such medicines are weakening; the only 

 hope of saving the animal now lies in the chance of 

 our being able to invigorate the system. Tonics are, 



