47 



tory system is poorly developed in the elepliaut so its diseases 

 are few and not well marked. Those of us wlio are familiar 

 with respiratory diseases in the horse will remark the infrequency 

 of mention of coughs and abnormal breathing sounds as affecting 

 the elephant. 



Inflammation of the Lcnqs is described by Gilchrist. He saya 

 " It is to be observed, however, that this symptom (frequent wide 

 opening of the mouth) is not always present but is confined to 

 the most severe varities of the affection, and an inflammation o£ 

 the lungs may exist, which, though less intense in degree and 

 unmarked by any prominent symptoms, may continue a variable 

 period, and eventually cause death, if allowed to run its course 

 undisturbed. It is only by frequent enquiry into the state of 

 the animal's health that obscure diseases are to be detected, as 

 any change from the known healthy standard, will thereby aroase 

 attention of intelligent subordinates to the animal's state." 

 Here we have a good field for employment of those valuable aids 

 to exact diagnosis which are the just pride of modern medicine, 

 with the thermometer and the stethoscope to guide us we ought 

 to have no difficulty in determining Inflammation of the Lungs. 

 Such aids must not make us dispense with the simple means of 

 diagnosis adopted in the days of Gilchrist. There is ample room 

 for research with the thermometer and by means of auscultation 

 in elephant pathology ; the field is entirely untrodden. Symp' 

 toms : Restlessness, fever, cold surface of body, the animal 

 does not lie down, but " coughs several times in an hour and 

 opens its mouth wide frequently." Pathology : In acute cases 

 suppuration takes place, but the nonveterinary observer must 

 not in post-mortem examinations mistake cystic parasites 

 (Echinococci) for abscesses j occasionally the disease assumes a 

 chronic form. Treatment, comprises external stimulation, either 

 by the application of- irritant medicaments or by bathing with 

 very hot water, and, internally, diffusible stimulants are required 

 to support the strength of the patient. 



Beonchitis. Congestive engorgement of the lining membrane 

 of the respiratory passages occasionally takes place, the re* 

 suit of an unusual amount of work when the animal is out of 

 condition. Symptoms : Cough, wheezing sound in respirations, 

 breathing quick and frequent. Treatment consists in careful 



