HEMOTHORAX 67 



Symptoms.— Dyspnea is usually quite pronounced, the 

 ,mucous membrane cyanotic and the pulse rapid and feeble. 

 The physical signs are very distinctive. The affected side 

 shows marked enlargement and the heart beat is displaced. 



On percussion the resonance is usually tympanitic, and 

 depending upon the degree of tension there may be flat 

 tympany, or a full hyperresonant tone like emphysema, 

 while in others with extreme tension dulness will be noticed. 

 There is usually dulness at the lower part due to the effused 

 fluid, which can readily be made to change the level by 

 changing the position of the animal. 



On auscultation the normal lung sounds are suppressed 

 on the affected side and exaggerated on the other side, which 

 is very suggestive. The rales have a peculiar metallic 

 sound. 



Diagnosis.— The dyspnea, enlargement of the affected side,, 

 small amount of effusion in the cavity and cyanotic mem- 

 branes. 



Prognosis.— Depends upon the cause but is usually favor- 

 able. 



Treatment.— In pneumothorax with extreme tension imme- 

 diate aspiration (see thoracentesis) should be performed. 

 Penetrating wounds through the thoracic walls should be 

 occluded (adhesive plasters, bandage, etc.) to prevent 

 further entrance of air and infection into the cavity. A small 

 amount of it will be readily absorbed and if infection has not 

 been carried into the cavity recovery will be prompt. 



HEMOTHORAX. 



Definition.— An effusion of pure blood into the pleural sac. 



Etiology.— Traumatism, rupture of the vessels from over- 

 exertion especially when the walls of the vessels are diseased 

 (carcinomas, sarcomas, and infections). 



Pathology.— Presence of pure blood in the thoracic cavity 

 and the injury to the vessel wall. 



Symptoms.— The symptoms are those of an acute anemia 

 accompanied by a rapid filling of the thoracic cavity. 



