INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 57 



Drugs. — In typical cases of fibrinous pneumonia drugs are 

 often not only superfluous but may do actual harm. 



It is very important to watch carefully the heart. Minor 

 irregularities may be overcome by small doses of brandy 

 (Bij) mixed with ether (3ij) in a pint of water, or alcohol 

 (Bij) in a pail of drinking water may be kept before the 

 patient, especially during the night. It may be repeated 

 every three hours. Digitalis in the form of Squibb's fluid- 

 extract (3iv-vi), giving one dose only, has often a toning 

 effect upon the heart (avoid repeated small doses of this 

 drug). When the pulse reaches 80 or more and becomes 

 weak, subcutaneous doses of the oil of camphor (Bj) are 

 good. Caffein (5j-3ij subcutaneously) is useful. For great 

 depression (general loss of arterial tone — toxemia) an intra- 

 venous infusion of normal salt solution (2 to 4 quarts in 

 horse) may be tried. (If heart is weak, look out for pul- 

 monary edema). Subcutaneous doses of ether and alcohol 

 in B ss doses are valuable in this condition. 



Unless the fever be unreasonably high (106° to 108° F.) 

 or threatens the heart's force, it should be let alone. In 

 robust patients cold water infusions into the rectum, cold 

 compresses over the chest are useful in reducing the tempera- 

 ture a degree or two. Acetanilid (3iv to B j) combined with 

 caffein (3j) is recommended. (Affect depressing.) 



To favor resorption of the exudate diuretics may be 

 employed. Acetate of sodium (5j to Bj) is serviceable. 

 Spirits of nitrous ether (Bj) is recommended. lodid of 

 sodium (5iv) is useful. In delayed resolution the resorption 

 of the exudate is said to be stimulated by puncturing the 

 infiltrated lung as in paracentesis thoracis. Local applica- 

 tions : In severe dyspnea the application of mustard (oil of 

 mustard in alcohol 1-12-16) is advisable. (Apply in airy 

 room and use light blanket over patient after application.) 

 An ice-bag over heart or cold compresses changed every 

 fifteen minutes yield good results. 



During convalescence keep the animal as quiet as possible 

 if heart be weak and assist the appetite and digestion by 

 giving artificial Carlsbad salts to ea^h pound of which 2 

 ounces of nux vomica have been added. For treatment of 

 complications, see these. 



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