504 



or less of a depraved condition or weakened in tbeir vital forces by the 

 bad hygienic surroundings to which they have been subjected. Eapid 

 increase in the area of infiltration in the lungs, as shown by dullness on 

 percussion and the extent of the tubular murmur, is an unfavorable 

 symptom. Increased prostration in the early part of the disease augurs 

 badly for the chances of future resistance to the effects of the local 

 lesions. Suppuration with the formation of abscesses and gangrene in 

 the lungs are even more serious in this disease than as a complication 

 of other diseases, on account of the debilitating character of the original 

 trouble. 



Alterations. — At the time of death from oedematous pneumonia we 

 frequently find septic changes and the evidences of putrefaction. The 

 Bolidification of the lung tissue is found irregular in shape and high up 

 around the root of the lungs and around the large bronchi, and is gen- 

 erally covered by sound lung tissue. The anterior lobes of the lungs 

 are usually entirely affected. The diseased portion appears of a gray- 

 yellowish color, somewhat watery, and tears readily. Matter is found 

 in the air tubes which form gutters through the jelly-like mass of the 

 diseased lung. Abscesses, from the size of a nut to larger masses, may 

 be found disseminated through the lungs. The blood is dark in color, 

 fluid, or only clotted into soft, jelly like masses. Masses of gangrenous 

 or dead black tissue may be present. 



Treatment. — A study of the symptoms will indicate at once that the 

 antiphlogistics, or those remedies which we employ in such sthenic dis- 

 eases as fibrinous pneumonia, strangles, etc., are not to be employed in 

 this disease. Bleeding would only still further weaken an already en- 

 feebled animal ; antimony or the alterants would increase the depression 

 of a too depraved constitution. There is in this disease no acute con- 

 gestion of a particular organ to draw off by depletive measures, nor 

 any violent blood current to be retarded, for fear of hyper-nutrition of 

 any special i)art. 



Eevulsives do good, as they excite the nervous system and awaken 

 the tori^ur of the weakened blood vessels, which aid in the reestablish- 

 ment of the functions. Mustard poultices may be applied over the belly 

 and sides of the chest, as in other diseases, but caution must be used in 

 the employment of blisters, as ugly ulcers may result from their action 

 on a tissue of weakened vitality. Setons are dangerous from the great 

 tendency in this disease to septic complications. Repeated friction of 

 the legs by hand-rubbing and warmth by bandaging and by rubbing 

 the surface of the body with turpentine and alcohol, which is imme- 

 diately to be dried by rough towels, will excite the circulation and 

 stimulate the emuuctories of the skin. 



Stimulants are given internally from the outset of the disease. Tur- 

 pentine in dram doses regulates the heart and excites the kidneys to 

 carry off waste matter, but if repeated too frequently may disturb the 

 already delicate digestive system. Alcohol rectifies the latter danger, 



