DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 39 



have for the prevention of dropsies. Where effusion is pres- 

 ent the ferri iodidum should be substituted, active counter- 

 irritation applied to the sides, and a seton may be inserted 

 with benefit in front of the chest. It is necessary, howe\er, 

 to observe that where the latter measure is adopted, increased 

 support is needful, from the weakening tendency of the 

 agent. Where the effusion increases, and the case appears 

 hopeless unless the fluid is removed, tapping the chest by 

 means of the insertion of a small trochar between the eighth ' 

 and ninth ribs may be had recourse to. The operation 

 affords immediate relief in removing the compression of the 

 lungs and the displacement of the heart. It is, however, as a 

 rule, but a temporary respite. Secondary secretion follows, 

 and usually more rapidly than that which preceded it, and we 

 may tap again with the same result. There are, nevertheless, 

 exceptional cases ; in the horse I have seen recovery follow 

 the operation, and also in the dog. 



CHRONIC PLEURISY 



May, as I have stated, be a termination of the former, or it 

 may begin as a chronic affection, i.e., it may assume a sub- 

 acute form from the commencement. Pain on the affected 

 side, cough, increased pulse, and respiration considerably 

 accelerated by exertion, and more or less fever, are the 

 symptoms generally present. Effusion or lymph and adhe- 

 sions are usually present ; as the lymph becomes organized, 

 the fluid absorbed, and the adhesions firmer, the walls of the 

 chest become flattened ; dulness on percussion, feebleness of 

 the respiratory murmur, and an occasional rasping sound 

 attend this condition. 



Treatment.— This consists in endeavoring to promote 

 absorption of the effused fluids, and in giving strength to the " 

 patient. The sulphate of iron, in from 5 to 15 grains in 



