Atelectasis. Collapse of Lung. ' 247 



chitis or compression of a previously inflated lung it will often 

 float in (not on) water, from a little retained air, but in congen- 

 ital atelectasis it is airless and sinks to the bottom. 



When treatment is demanded it will vary according to the cause. 

 In congenital atelectasis the respiratory centres must bie roused. 

 The new born animal may be sprinkled alternately with ice-cold 

 and hot water, or the chest may be slapped with the palm of the 

 hand or a wet towel. The nostrils must be cleared of mucus, and 

 the lungs inflated by blowing or bellows, the larynx being pressed 

 back against the gullet to prevent inflation of the stomach. If 

 available, electricity may be applied to the chest walls. These 

 measures may be repeated at intervals and the systemic weak- 

 ness overcome by nourishing food, stimulants and friction of the 

 skin. 



In acquired atelectasis we should seek to correct the disease to 

 which it owes its existence. In bronchitis the measures already 

 indicated for the liquefaction and removal of the expectoration 

 will be in order ; in hydrothorax a judicious paracentesis and in 

 pneumothorax the aspiration of the gas, and the closure of any 

 traumatic opening through which that gas has gained access. 



