80 SPECIAL EQUINE THERAPY 



Cases in which resolution is tardy can usually be hur- 

 ried along by the administration of five or six doses of 

 iodid of potassium, giving a dram at each dose, at inter- 

 vals of four to six hours. This may "knock out" the 

 patient's appetite; if it does, the iodid administration is 

 to be stopped at once. 



Cases complicated with pleural effusion of such amount 

 as to produce dyspnea should be tapped. This opera- 

 tion can often be delayed until the patient is in fair con- 

 dition to go through the ordeal. A quarter to a half 

 grain of strychnin sulphate given hypodermically half 

 an hour before the operation will fortify the patient 

 against ensuing shock. 



Cases complicated by the development of empyema 

 do well under large doses of ^ echinace a. If conditions 

 are favorable for properly irrigating the pleural cavity 

 after the contents have been drawn off it should be done, 

 using either normal salt solution or a very mild solution 

 of chinosol. 



Coughs that remain after recovery from an attack of 

 pneumonia are best treated with beechwood creosote in 

 glycerin. 



Cases that run a slow and indifferent convalescent 

 course should receive potassium iodid and Fowler's solu- 

 tion of arsenic alternately. 



Some cases that are slow in regaining their former 

 vigor can be brought to prompt improvement by the 

 injection of one large dose of anti-streptoeoccic serum. 



In summing up the items of importance in the han- 

 dling of patients afflicted with pneumonia, I would men- 

 tion again: 



1. Avoid anything and everything the effect of which 

 is depressing. Do not allow yourself to be moved into 

 using antipyretics, especially coal-tar products, in your 

 efforts in controlling the fever. The fever subsides spon- 



