PNEUMONIA. 



483 



If no medicinal agents can be conveniently procured, give a 

 quart of warm ale, or a tumblerful of gin, whisky, or brandy, mixed 

 up with hot water or sugar. Have him put into a warm place, with 

 plenty of ventilation, as pure air is an indispensable adjunct in the 

 treatment of all pulmonary diseases. If no relief follows, and there 

 is danger of suffocation, take from four to six quarts of blood from 

 the neck vein, rub alcohol or other stimulant on the legs, rubbing 

 well with the hand, and apply hot cloths to the sides and loins, and 

 cover up with dry blankets, so as to induce a free perspiration, and 

 thereby assist iri relieving the lungs. ' 



There is some difference of opinion among practitioners in rela- 

 tion to bleeding for congestion. Dr. Summerville, ^who is a very 

 able and successful practi- 

 tioner, instructed the writer as 

 follows v "If there is much con- 

 gestion, it is necessary to giVe 

 prompt relief, which 1 can be 

 done best by taking four to six 

 quarts of blood" quickly from 

 the neck vein ; stimulate the 

 sides and legs, and give fever 

 medicine as for pleurisy." 

 While he condemns bleeding 

 for pleurisy or inflammation 

 of the lungs, he says, " In a se- 

 vere attack of congestion, 

 bleeding cannot only be resorted to with safety, but, ' as above 

 stated, is indispensable ; but must not be carried too fat/' merely to 

 assist the lungs to throw off the load of blood forced upon theni, and 1 

 to give the medicine prescribed a chance to operate." Prof. Will- 

 iams also advises the same treatment. While he condemns bleed- 

 ing as a general rule, he advises, where congestion is so great as to 

 endanger asphyxia, bleeding a little (from four to six quarts) 

 promptly. 



Pneumonia— Inflammation of the Lungs, , 



as before explained, is inflammation of the, substance of the lungs. 

 Causes. — It is often a sequel of neglected or improperly treated 

 catarrh. It may also, as stated, be accompanied by pleurisy. A 

 frequent, and we may say the most common, cause is exposiitg the 

 horse while warm to a sudden change of temperature, by allowing 

 him to stand in a cold draught of air, etc. ; getting chilled or wet ; 



Fig. 804.— Arrangement of the Capillaries 

 around the Air-cells. 



