DISEASES OF the; rbspiratory organs. 87 



lubricating its walls. This keeps the surfaces always moist and smooth. 

 In pleurisy the membrane first becomes congested, the surfaces getting 

 dry and roughened. This dry condition is followed after a time by the 

 membrane throwing off more fluid than usual. This fluid accumulates 

 in the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest, causing 

 "dropsy of the chest" or hydro-thorax. 



Sytnptotns. This disease usually commences with a chill, which is 

 often overlooked. The animal does not move or turn around. When 

 compelled to do so, he grunts or groans with pain. The animal stands 

 stiil; the ribs are fixed, that is has abdominal breathing; both fore-feet 

 and elbows may be turned out; the animal may be restless, and act as if 

 he had a slight colic; may lie down, but does not remain long. 



After the membrane begins to secrete the excessive fluid mentioned 

 above, a furrow will be found running along the lower part of the chest, 

 from behind the elbow to the flank; this is due to the endeavor of the 

 animal to keep the ribs fixed in as near as possible an unmovable 

 position. Every movement of the chest causes severe pain, therefore 

 the cough is peculiar; it is short and comes as near no cough as the ani- 

 mal can make it. 



The breathing is hurried, the mouth hot, the temperature being raised 

 from 102° or 103" to 105° F. The usual fever symptoms, such as cos- 

 tiveness, and scanty and dark-colored urine are present. The pulse 

 is frequent, perhaps seventy or more a minute, and is hard and wiry. 



If the ribs are struck with the knuckles, there will be some spot, 

 more or less extended where the blows cause more or less pain. The 

 animal may grunt or groan every time it is struck. By listening at the 

 side you will come to a place where there will be distinguished a sound 

 very much like that produced by rubbing two pieces of coarse paper to- 

 gether. In many cases the friction is so great that it can be felt by 

 placing the hand over the diseased part. When the dry state is suc- 

 ceeded by the secretion of fluid, the sound disappears. 



If the quantity of the fluid is large, the large amount retards the pro- 

 cess of absorption to a great extent. In some cases the symptoms 

 manifest a serious state. The pulse becomes more frequent; the breath- 

 ing more hurried and labored; flanks work like bellows; the nostrils 

 flap; the eyes stare wildly; countenance expresses anxiety; and general 

 signs of breaking up are plain. After a short time swellings appear un- 

 der the chest and belly and down the legs. Pleurisy is most often con- 

 fined to the right side. 



