32 RURAL VETERIXARY SECRETS 



COURSE 



The usual course is typical, ending in recovery in two weeks. 

 In some cases, especially in old horses, cattle and swine, the course 

 may be much shorter (larval or abortive type). Death may occur 

 suddenly during convalescence from heart failure. If pleuritis com- 

 plicates the pneumonia, the course is much prolonged. It may lead 

 to death, or adhesions (lung to thoracic wall) may cause permanent 

 dyspnea ("heaves"). 



Chronic induration of the lungs is a common termination fol- 

 lowing certain outbreaks. It is charcterized by the continuation 

 of the fever and dyspnea after the usual period of convalescence has ' 

 passed. The patient is generally left short-winded. Roaring may 

 sometimes follow an attack of fibrinous pneumonia. Pericarditis 

 is a rarer complication. 



The prognosis is good in typical and uncomplicated cases. The 

 behavior of the heart is of importance during the attack. A con- 

 tinued high pulse is dangerous to the patient. The extent of the 

 area involved has much to do with the outcome of the case. If 

 confined only to the lower portion of one lung, the danger is not 

 so great as when the upper part of the lung is also involved, or if 

 both lungs are diseased. When pleuritis complicates the case the 

 prognosis is naturally less favorable. 



TREATMENT 



The patient should be placed in a light, clean, and well venti- 

 lated place. If feasible, keep the case out-of-doors as much as 

 possible, guarding it, of course, against wind and rain. Use only 

 light covering (in horses). The legs may be bandaged (use Derby 

 bandages with cotton underneath. Removing the bandages once 

 daily and rubbing the legs well before re-applying is helpful. The 

 horse-patient should be groomed well each day. Feed any easily 

 digested food which the patient can be coaxed to eat. Good clean 

 oats over which a little sugar has been sprinkled is often tempting 

 to the appetite. Give only small quantities at a time. Before feed- 

 ing syringe out the' mouth with clean water. If obtainable, fresh 

 grass is very palatable and nutritious. A few handfuls over which 

 is strewn a little salt is often eaten with avidity. The hay should 

 be bright and free from dust. Feed about 6 pounds daily, divided 

 into three feds. Roots (carrots, beets) and bran mashes are rec- 

 ommended (some horses do not like bran). Eggs and milk may 

 be given if appetite is entirely gone. Keep pure water constantly 



