260 PNEUMONIA. 



to be when the malady exists now. "We are also given to 

 understand by the veterinary writers of the period above-named, 

 that the disease prevailed in a purer form than at present ; and 

 that its general characters were well marked and easily recog- 

 nised. Now it but rarely exists in a pure form', being generally 

 associated either with Bronchitis or Pleurisy; or what is of 

 common occurrence, the three are present in the patient at the 

 same time. 



As the disease, however, does occasionally present itself in 

 a form more or less decisive, I will endeavour to describe such 

 of its special and general peculiarities as may, by care and close 

 attention on the part of the observer, enable him to diagnose it 

 when present. 



Symptoms. — Pneumonia may very properly be described as 

 presenting three well marked stages : 1st — when the disease 

 commences ; 2nd — ^when fully established ; and 3rd — its termi- 

 nating states. ' 



PiEST Stage. — A horse may be affected with what is com- 

 monly designated "a cold ;" in this state the animal is perhaps 

 ridden or driven a long distance in the cold and wet, and upon 

 returning to his stable he may be found shortly afterwards to 

 shiver, to breathe quicker than ordinary, and the limbs and ears 

 to be cold and damp. He also stands fixedly in one position, 

 and holds his head low. 



If the practised ear be applied to the sides of the chest, the 

 respiratory murmur peculiar to health will be found changed ; 

 and instead of a soft, gentle murmur, which is not unlike the 

 rustle of silk, a confused humming sound is heard, accompanied 

 with a dry, harsh murmur, which is present within the windpipe 

 and the larger bronchial tubes. 



