330 



BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



administered, for there is no such tendency to diarrhoea, 

 as is sometimes seen in pneumonia. External stimulation 

 must be resorted to under the form of mustard applica- 

 tions to the sides, or prolonged fomentation with hot water. 

 In the hydrothoracic stage nitre must be freely given in the 

 drinking-water. Digitalis is specially indicated as a seda- 

 tive agent, which materially promotes absorption. Iodide 

 of potassium and other resolvents are useful. The de- 

 position of false membranes, however, prevents absorption, 

 and the constantly increasing accumulation of fluid 

 threatens lung collapse. Under these circumstances 

 Paracentesis tJioracis or Thoracentesis — ^^ tapping of the 



FiQ. 64. — Thoracentesis v. paracentesis thoracis. (Armatage.) 



Fig. 65. — Thoracentesis. Primary incision, with the skin drawn to one 

 side. (Armatage.) 



chest'^ — must be resorted to. This is performed as in 

 the horse; the sixth or seventh intercostal space, just 

 behind the point of the elbow, is chosen. A small trocar 

 and canula are used. The skin is drawn forwards (Fig. 65), 

 80 that the external wound may not correspond with the 



