74 VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



PLEURISY. 



Synonyms. — Pleuritis; Inflammation of the pleura. 



Definition. — Pleurisy or pleuritis is an inflammation of the pleura, 



or delicate serous membrane which forms the covering of the lungs and 

 also lines the cavity of the chest. In the epizootic form of pleurisy, it is 

 preceded and accompanied by a low typhoid fever, lasting from seven to 

 fourteen days. It is said to occur generally but once in a season, and one 

 attack does not exempt from succeeding ones. 



Etiology. — The disease is generally brought on by the same causes as 

 those which produce other diseases of the respiratory system, and prevails 

 mostly in the spring of the year, when the days are often cold and chilly; 

 clipping is sometimes considered to be the cause; sometimes it is occa- 

 sioned by some abnormal violence to the chest, or by its being punctured. 

 In these latter cases the disease will be confined to one side only. Epi- 

 zootic pleurisy is more or less contagious, and severe cases are capable of 

 infecting other horses in the same stable. 



Symptoms. — The disease at the outset is characterized by some degree 

 of chilliness, manifested by a staring coat, and coldness of the surface of 

 the body. This is, however, succeeded by signs of pain, often mistaken 

 for colic, during which the horse paws almost constantly, and j^erhaps 

 lies down and rolls; the animal eventually becomes stiff and sore, and if 

 suddenly approached or if rapped upon the affected side will groan. 

 The acts of respiration are performed rapidly and incompletely, the ribs 

 are fixed, and the respiration is mostly abdominal. If listening to the 

 chest is practised, a rubbing sound can be heard, and sometimes a very 

 plain squeaking noise, like the creaking of leather, will be quite distinct. 

 A dry, short, painful cough supervenes; the pulse is hard and quick, 60 

 to 80 per minute. If the side be closely examined, the muscles covering 

 the affected part will be noticed to tremble or quiver; this lasts but a 

 short time, and is succeeded by diminished motion. 



When the muscles of the chest are involved to a considerable extent, 

 the animal moves in a very rigid manner, steps slowly and very short; is 

 greatly dejected, the back is arched, the skin exhibits great tenderness 

 when subjected to pressure. Some cases have been noted that were so 

 stiff and sore as to fall when compelled to move. 



In a period of time varying from two days to a week, in favorable 



