54 KENNEL DISEASES. 
requires that an opening be made in the chest wall, by means of a knife, for-the 
escape of the pus, in dogs a spontaneous opening is likely to occur early, and before 
a positive diagnosis can be made. 
Great loss of weight and strength, quickened breathing, some cough, fever at 
times every day and alternating with chills, are the most prominent symptoms ; 
and, as it will appear later on, they are identical with those of tuberculosis. 
When a pleural cavity contains much pus, the victim shows by his manner that 
the affected side is heavier than the other. There is also bulging between the ribs, 
and this is marked at the point where perforation is to take place or the pus break 
through. 
As for treatment, a consideration is not necessary ; for even were the pus evac- 
uated, the chances of recovery would be small indeed; while if it took place, the 
patient would be practically ruined. 
ASTHMA. 
It is quite the custom to term asthmatic all attacks of difficult breathing oc- 
curring suddenly without apparent cause, and in dogs apparently otherwise well. 
Yet, although they are not exempt from it, true asthma is very rare indeed among 
them. Itis a spasmodic affection of the bronchial tubes, which narrows them 
and greatly obstructs the passage of air. While its actual and direct cause is in 
dispute, the accepted theory is that it is due to reflex nervous action; also, that 
this in turn may be excited by certain irritant inhalations, growths or peculiar 
morbid conditions in the nose, and possibly by intestinal disorders. But when 
it occurs in dogs, although other causes have been assigned, it is very generally 
attributable to worms which have made their way up from the stomach. 
What are usually termed asthmatic paroxysms are often noted in pets that 
are exercised on the chain and tug at the same; but in such cases the trouble is 
not asthma, nor is it in the bronchial tubes, but it is confined to the larynx, in 
which there is spasm caused by the pressure of the collar, and in consequence 
the air-passage is greatly narrowed. In a word, it is identical with the false 
croup of children. 
Very old dogs generally, and others loaded down with fat, are “short winded; ” 
and on considerable exertion their respiration is labored and wheezing. But 
obviously this is not asthma, although often termed such. 
In cases in which circulation in the lung, and perhaps generally, as in heart 
disease, is impeded, paroxysms of asthma sometimes occur. They are also pos- 
sible in long-standing and severe cases of bronchitis, in which the lining of the 
bronchial tubes is thickened from congestion. In these instances the affection 
has been termed “congestive asthma.” 
