PLEURODYNIA 35 



The normal respiratory sounds may be heard 

 above the level of the fluid, and indistinctly or not 

 at all below the level. Splashing sounds are also 

 in evidence. The other symptoms will depend upon 

 the primary condition. 



Treatment. — Treatment for this disease is usually 

 unsatisfactory. It must first of all be directed to 

 the primary disease, and unless this can be diagnosed 

 and corrected the treatment of the hydrothorax can 

 be only palliative. It consists in the exhibition of 

 diuretics and in resorting to paracentesis thoracis. 

 This operation is harmless and may be repeatedly 

 performed to relieve the dyspnea, but as a rule 

 gives no permanent relief unless the primary cause 

 is curable. On the other hand, by its repeated per- 

 formance the life of an old favorite may often be 

 prolonged for a considerable time. 



Pleurodynia 



Pleurodynia is essentially ;-heumatism of the mus- 

 cular walls of the thorax. This exceedingly pain- 

 ful condition might possible be mistaken for pleurisy 

 unless a careful examination is made. It is due 

 undoubtedly to exposure to wet and cold, more 

 especially in rheumatic subjects. 



' Symptoms. — The animal is dull and listless, and 

 evinces 'pain on movement and upon being handled. 

 The breathing is shallow and abdominal, the patient 

 trying to use his respiratory muscles as little as 

 possible. When compelled to move, the animal 

 shows great stiflfness and disinclination to bend the 

 body. The pulse may be a little more rapid than 

 normal, but has not the wiry characteristic of the 

 pulse in pleurisy. The temperature, as a rule, is 

 about normal, or a little above it. Auscultation and 

 percussion reveal nothing. 



