DISBASBS OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 9 1 



Pleurodynia. A rheumatism of the intercostal muscles, (muscles 

 between the ribs). The symptoms to a non-expert are similiar to pleu- 

 risy. It is distinguished from pleurisy on account of lack of fever, 

 cough, and friction sound is absent when the ear is applied over the 

 lungs. The tieatment is the same as for rheumatism of the other 

 parts. 



Wounds Penetrating the Walls of tlie Chest. It is well 

 to call a veterinarian immediately as the treatment of wounds of this 

 character require professional skill, and even that as soon as possible. 



Thumps or Spasm of the Diaphragm. This disease is often 

 thought to be palpitation of the heart. While it is true "palpitation of 

 the heart" is occasionally called thumps, yet the disease we here deal 

 with is of a very different character. The diaphragm is the essential 

 organ of respiration and the spasmodic or irregular contractions of it 

 produce what is known as hiccoughs in man. Thumps in horses are 

 identical with hiccoughs in man, although the peculiar noise is not made 

 in the throat in all cases. 



This affection should be easily distinguished from palpitation of the 

 heart. The whole body is affected by the "jerky motion" and it is not 

 confined to the region of the heart. Place one hand over the heart and 

 the other near the middle of the last rib, and the "jerky motion" will 

 be felt under the last rib and will have no connection with the beating 

 of the heart. 



What to Do. Since the trouble is produced by the same causes 

 that bring on congestion of the lungs, the same remedies should be 

 used that, have been recommended for that disease. If not relieved 

 death usually results from congestion of the lungs, and it is often seen 

 in connection with that disease. 



Rupture of the Diaphragm. Examinations of the bodies after 

 death, show a great many cases of rupture of the diaphragm. It is the 

 general opinion that this happens after death, and is caused by gasea 

 which arise as the result of the decomposing remains. It is possible to 

 happen before death but there are no symptoms by which it can be de- 

 termined. 



