FOREIGN BODY PNEUMONIA 59 



alyzed) ; injury to the lungs from contusions, fractured ribs, 

 penetrating wounds through the thoracic walls or from the 

 esophagus and stomach (swallowed needles, sharp pieces of 

 bone, etc.). 



(b) Inhalation of irritant medicinal substances when 

 improperly administered (by closing the nasal openings, 

 pulling the tongue forward or holding the mouth open too 

 wide; holding the head too high or in any position which 

 interferes with swallowing, manipulating the larynx or 

 pharynx) . 



(c) The causes enumerated above are to be considered as 

 predisposing factors, inasmuch as infection must be present to 

 complete the process. In addition to the ordinary infection, 

 which is normally present in the lungs, putrefactive organ- 

 isms are necessary to produce gangrene. 



Pathology.— The involvement may be either diffuse or 

 circumscribed, usually the latter, and in the form of irregular 

 areas having a brown, greenish or black color. These are 

 dry and surrounded by a zone of congestion and around this 

 a zone of edema. The gangrene is of the moist variety and 

 gives off a very penetrating odor. Cavities may occur in the 

 lungs when the necrotic material is coughed out. 



Symptoms.— Dyspnea is pronounced and the expired air 

 has a sweet, fetid odor. The temperature is elevated (104°- 

 106° F.) and the pulse is small, rapid and very irregular. 

 In the early stages the symptoms are similar to broncho- 

 pneumonia, but when cavities appear in the lungs the symp- 

 toms rapidly increase in severity. It is at this stage when 

 the odor is a prominent symptom. 



Diagnosis. — This rests upon the characteristic odor of the 

 exhaled air, high temperature and the rapid development. The 

 history of the case often assists materially in the diagnosis. 



Prognosis . — Very unfavorable .Most cases terminate fatally 

 in a few days. 



Treatment.— The animal's strength should be maintained 

 by the use of highly concentrated foods (raw eggs, extract of 

 beef, milk, etc.), given at frequent intervals. 



Little can be expected of medical treatment. Inhalations 

 (oil of tar, turpentine, or creolin) may be used to overcome 

 the odor and produce antiseptic action. 



