114 DISEASES OP THE HORSE. 



The fluids thus escaping into the air cells and in the minute branches 

 of the little bronchial tubes become coagulated. 



The pleura covering the affected parts may be more or less inflamed. 

 A continuance of the foregoing phenomena is marked by a further 

 escape of the constituents of the blood, and a change in the membrane 

 of the cells, which becomes swollen. The exudate that fills the air 

 cells and minute bronchial branches imdergoes disintegration and 

 softening when healing commences. 



The favorable termination of pneumonia is in resolution, that is, 

 a restoration to health. This is gradually brought about by the 

 exuded material contained in the air cells and lung tissues being 

 broken down and softened and absorbed -or expectorated through the 

 nostrils. The blood vessels return to their natural state, and the 

 blood circulates in them as before. In the cases that do not termi- 

 nate so happily the lung may become gangrenous (or mortified) , an 

 abscess may form, or the disease may be merged into the chronic 

 variety. 



Pneumonia may be directly induced by any of the influences named 

 as general causes for diseases of the organs of respiration, but in 

 many instances it is from neglect. A common cold or sore throat 

 may be followed by pneumonia if neglected or improperly treated. 

 An animal may be debilitated by a cold, and when in this weakened 

 state may be compelled to undergo exertion beyond his strength ; or 

 he may be kept in a badly ventilated stable, where the foul gases 

 are shut in and the pure air is shut out ; or the stable may be so open 

 that parts of the body are exposed to drafts of cold air. An animal 

 is predisposed to pneumonia when debilitated by any constitutional 

 disease, and especially during convalescence if exposed to any of 

 the exciting causes. Foreign bodies, such as feed accidentally getting 

 into the lungs by way of the windpipe, as well as the inhalation of 

 irritating gases and smoke, ofttimes produce fatal attacks of inflam- 

 mation of the lung and bronchial tubes. Pneumonia is frequently 

 seen in connection with other diseases, such as influenza, purpura 

 hemorrhagica, strangles, glanders, etc. Pneumonia and pleurisy are 

 most common during cold, damp weather, and especially during the 

 prevalence of the cold north or northeasterly winds. Wounds punc- 

 turing the thoracic cavity may cause pneumonia. 



Symptoms. — Pneumonia, when a primary disease, is ushered in by 

 a chill, more or less prolonged, which in many cases is seen neither 

 by the owner nor the attendant, but is overlooked. The breathing 

 becomes accelerated, and the animal hangs its head and has a very 

 dull appearance. The mouth is hot and has a sticky feeling to the 

 touch ; the heat conveyed to the finger in the mouth, demonstrates a 

 fever; if the thermometer is placed in the rectum the temperature 

 will be found to have risen to 103° F. or higher. The pulse is fre- 



