326 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



a very foetid condition of the breath, as also of the nasal 

 discharge, and the pulse runs down. In cases of lung dis- 

 ease we generally find that pressure of the enlarged organs 

 on the posterior vena cava causes congestion of the liver, as 

 denoted by yellowness of the visible mucous membranes. 

 It is also been noted that in the dry stage of inflammation 

 respiration is interfered with, but that when exudation 

 takes place, the patient experiences sudden relief. 



Treatment. — The prospects of cure depend very con- 

 siderably on the extent of the disease, for if the two lungs 

 be involved the blood will remain unoxygenated, and 

 also be overloaded with impurities. Bleeding is admissible 

 under these circumstances. It is most likely to produce a 

 prompt cessation of the inflammatory process, and also to 

 a certain extent removes impurities from the system. 

 It is only to be adopted in the earliest stage of the 

 disease. Later, and in conjunction with this, we must 

 administer aconite and other sedatives, while we endeavour 

 to excite the kidneys and skin to increased action by saline 

 febrifuges and ether. The bowels should be relaxed by 

 enemas. Externally stimulants must be freely applied to 

 the sides and along the course of the trachea, the limbs 

 must be hand-rubbed, bandaged, and stimulated. Pure 

 air must be freely allowed, but the animal kept warmly 

 clothed. When active febrile symptoms have subsided 

 and secondary lung changes are taking place, our main 

 reliance must be upon diffusible stimulants and sometimes 

 vegetable tonics. This is especially necessary when there 

 is a tendency to suppuration and grangrene. We are not 

 prepared to reject the plan of active stimulation of the 

 body surface in pneumonitis ; though some practitioners 

 carry it to excess, its beneficial effects in some cases of 

 this nature will have been evident to all experienced 

 cattle pathologists. We are inclined to attribute the 

 benefit rather to reflex than to direct action. 



The animal after recovery is liable to permanent changes 

 of the lungs, which will not interfere with its adaptation 

 for various uses. These changes are not so prejudicial to 

 fitness for duties as they would be in the horse. 



