NONCONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF RESPIRATION ORGANS. 95 



various other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. The 

 germ is called the pneumococcus. It mostly follows congestion of 

 the lungs, but may in rare cases have a parasitic origin. 



Symptoms. — In the first stage, that of congestion, the disease is 

 usually ushered in by a chill, although this may not always be 

 observed by the attendant. This is followed by an elevation of tem- 

 perature, usually 105° to 106° F., or it may be even higher. The 

 respirations are quick and shallow; the nostrils are dilated; the pulse 

 is full and hard. Cough may or may not appear in this stage. The 

 nose is hot and dry; the tongue sometimes protrudes and is slimy; 

 the coat is staring, and the skin dry and harsh. The urine is usually 

 diminished in quantity, high colored, and the bowels constipated. 

 The animal stands with the fore legs wide apart to facilitate respira- 

 tion. On auscultation crepitation will be observed over the portion 

 of the lung affected. The sounds elicited on percussion are practi- 

 cally normal in this stage. 



In the second stage the temperature generally drops one or two 

 degrees, and respiration is performed with much difficulty. The 

 cough is frequent and painful. The animal still stands with the fore 

 legs wide apart and the elbows turned outward. If it assumes the 

 recumbent position it rests on the sternum. All secretions are more 

 or less suspended, particularly the milk in cows. The animal has a 

 haggard appearance, and the pulse becomes small and wiry at this 

 period. The extremities are hot and cold alternately; the crepitation 

 which was present in the first stage is now absent, and no sound on 

 auscultation will be heard, except it be a slight wheezing or whistling 

 noise. On percussion dullness over the diseased lung is manifested, 

 indicating consolidation. The lung has now assumed a characteristic 

 liver-like appearance. 



In the third stage, if the disease is going to terminate favorably, 

 the cough becomes loose, the animal improves, the appetite returns, 

 and the symptoms above detailed rapidly subside; but if, on the 

 other hand, resolution is not progressing, the lung substance is broken 

 down, is heavy, and will sink in water. In fatal cases the breath has 

 a peculiar fetid, cadaverous odor, and is taken in short gasps ; the. 

 horns, ears, and extremities become cold and clammy, and the pulse 

 is imperceptible. On auscultation, when suppuration is taking place 

 and the lung structure is breaking down, a bubbling or gurgling crepi- 

 tation, caused by the passage of air through pus, will be heard. 



Treatment. — Good hygienic surroundings and good nursing are 

 essential in connection with the medical treatment. The probability 

 of recovery depends largely on the extent of the lung tissue involved, 

 as well as on the intensity of the inflammatory process. In the early 

 stage, when the fever is high, give febrifuges. If the pulse be strong 

 and full, aconite (Fleming's tincture, 1 to 2 drams, every four or five 



