NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 235 



ative of the disease. Too often the animal is kept at work until 

 the respirations are rapid, the appetite lost, a deep cough develops, 

 and the temperature rises to 104° or 105° F. After pneumonia is 

 well advanced, the horse stands with the fore legs apart, the nos- 

 trils dilated to permit easier breathing, and the nose held so as to 

 get the freshest air. Usually a rusty-colored nasal discharge is 

 seen. Percussion and auscultation of the lungs reveal charac- 

 teristic sounds that clinch the diagnosis in doubtful cases. 



Pneumonia runs a rapid course; the temperature falls abruptly 

 between the seventh and eleventh days in cases that are destined 

 to terminate favorably. The prognosis must be guarded, for death 

 frequently occurs from the effects of secondary invading organ- 

 isms. 



Treatment. — Good nursing and attention to hygienic and 

 dietetic details are more important than drugs. A plentiful supply 

 of pure air, comfortable quarters, special diet, and careful groom- 

 ing, with bandages for the legs, are the chief reliance of the veter- 

 inary practitioner to-day. Stimulants like alcohol and aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia are indicated for debihtated subjects after the 

 temperature begins to fall and during convalescence. On account 

 of the danger from drenching fluids into horses suffering from pneu- 

 monia, it is better to administer medicine in the form of a paste 

 which can be smeared on the tongue or teeth. In uncomplicated 

 cases drugs may be dispensed with entirely. Avoid putting the 

 patient to work too soon, as overexertion is almost certain to result 

 in a relapse. 



PLEURISY 



Pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura, the serous covering of 

 the lungs. The inflammatory changes either induce an effusion 

 of serous fluid into the pleural cavity or so roughen the smooth 

 contact surfaces of the pleura that friction is produced with each 

 respiration. It is due less frequently to a primary affection than 

 to a secondary infection following puncture wounds of the thorax, 

 or from pneumonia, glanders, and other infectious diseases. 



Symptoms. — If the case is seen early, pain and chills are the 

 noticeable symptoms. The temperature ranges from 105° to 106° 

 F. and the pulse is quickened. Breathing is altered, in that an 

 effort is made to restrict movement of the chest wall. This results 

 in additional work for the abdominal muscles and the typical 



