1912] Blair: Diseases Among Primates. 181 



Causes: — The onset is favored by exposure to cold or anything 

 inducing a chill. Microscopic examination of the discharges coughed 

 up shows, in many cases, an abundance of various bacteria of in- 

 fectious nature. These examinations have convinced me that in the 

 treatment of this disease, it is safe to regard all cases as infective. 

 This type of pneumonia is most common as a complication of 

 bronchitis. 



Tuberculous broncho-pneumonia of primates will be spoken of 

 under tuberculosis. 



Symptoms: — The usual preliminaries are frequent shiverings 

 and general febrile disturbances shown by increased temperature and 

 high pulse. The breathing is seen to be short and gasping, and an 

 irritable cough is present. The eyes are red, and the nose hot and 

 dry. On placing the ear to the animal's side, increased lung sounds 

 are heard, which ultimately become obliterated as the disease pro- 

 ceeds, as a result of the filling up of the air spaces with congested 

 blood. If only one lung is involved, the animal will lie on the affected 

 side, thus allowing the sound lung to be relieved of all possible 

 pressure. In pneumonia too great reliance cannot be placed on phys- 

 ical signs alone, as there may be very grave disease without the 

 former being at all well pronounced. Prostration with very slow or 

 very rapid heart action are indications calling for the most watchful 

 treatment, especially if with these there is much difficult breathing, 

 and blueness of the mucous membranes, indicating that the blood is 

 being very poorly ventilated. 



Treatment: — This consists of active counter-irritation to the 

 sides of the chest, diffusible stimulants, bodily warmth, free ventila- 

 tion, and nourishing food. In all forms of lung affection counter- 

 irritation combined with a "chest-jacket" will be found of great 

 value. 



The object of a chest- jacket is to have a close-fitting coat or 

 bandage, which shall absorb the moisture from the animal's skin and 

 protect it from variations in the external temperature. The exact 

 construction is of minor importance, provided it is of even thickness, 

 fits closely, and can be kept in place. In winter it may be made of 

 two layers of flannel, with or without padding of cotton-wool quilted 

 in. Openings may be made for the forelegs. Closeness of fitting 

 without being so tight as to embarrass the breathing is important, 

 both to preserve it in position, and to prevent the access of cool air. 



