DISEASES OF THE BESPIEATOEY ORGANS. 125 



time swellings appear under the chest and abdomen and down the 

 legs. The accumulation in the chest is called hydrothorax, or dropsy 

 of the chest. When this fluid contains pus the case usually proves 

 fatal. The condition of pus within the cavity is called empyema. 



Pleurisy may affect only a small area of one side or it may affect 

 both sides. It is oftener confined to the right side. 



Treatment, — The instructions in regard to the general management 

 of bronchitis and pneumonia must be adhered to in the treatment of 

 pleurisy. Comfortable quarters, pure air, warm clothing to the body 

 and bandages to the legs, a plentiful supply of pure cold water, the 

 laxative feed, etc., in this case are equally necessary and efficaciousi 

 The hot applications applied to the chest, as directed in the treatment 

 of pneumonia, are very beneficial in pleurisy, and should be kept up 

 while the symptoms show the a,nimal to be in pain. 



During the first few days, when pain is manifested by restlessness, 

 apply hot packs to the sides diligently. After four or five days, when 

 the symptoms show that the acute stage has somewhat subsided, mus- 

 tard may be applied as recommended for pneumonia. From the 

 beginning the following drench may be given every six hours, if the 

 horse takes it kindly : Solution of the acetate of ammonia, 3 ounces ; 

 spirits of nitrous ether, 1 ounce; bicarbonate of potassium, 3 drams; 

 water, 1 pint. 



If the patient becomes debilitated, the stimulants as prescribed for 

 pneumonia should be used according to the same directions. The 

 same attention should be given to the diet. If the animal will par- 

 take of the bran mashes, scalded oats, and grass, it is the best ; but 

 if he refuses the laxative diet, then he should be tried with different 

 kinds of feed and allowed whichever kind he desires. 



In the beginning of the attack, if the pain is severe, causing the 

 animal to lie down or paw, morphin may be given by the mouth in 

 5-grain doses, or the fluid extract of Cannabis indica may be used in 

 doses of 2 to 4 drams. 



If the case is not progressing favorable in ten or twelve days after 

 the beginning of the attack, convalescence is delayed by the fluid in 

 the chest failing to be absorbed. The animal becomes dull and weak 

 and evinces little or no desire for feed. The breathing becomes still 

 more rapid and difficult. An effort must now be made to excite 

 the absorption of the effusion. An application of liniment or mild 

 blister should be rubbed over the lower part of both -sides and the 

 bottom of the chest. The following drench may be given three times 

 a day, for seven or eight days, if it is necessary and appears to bene- 

 fit : Tincture of the perchlorid of iron, 1 ounce ; tincture of gentian, 

 2 ounces; water, 1 pint. Also give 1 dram of iodid of potassium, 

 dissolved in the drinking water, an hour before feeding every night 

 and morning for a week or two. 



