Acute Croupous Pneumonia. Pneumonitis in the Horse. 231 



that they must be employed with the greatest possible considera- 

 tion and care. , 



Refrigerant Febrifuge. Neutral salts such as saltpeter in 2 

 drachm doses every six hours may be given in the drinking water. 

 These are valuable for their cooling and eliminating action, and 

 possibly in counteracting the viscidity of the blood and exuda- 

 tions. Acetate of potash, bicarbonate of soda, iodide of potas- 

 sium or muriate of ammonia may be substituted. 



Stimulants. In debilitated subjects or with low fever or op- 

 pressed heart the stimulating diuretics like sweet spirits of nitre 

 or liquor of the acetate of ammonia are to be preferred, and this is 

 especially the case during convalescence. They at once sustain 

 the flagging heart and aid in the excretion of morbid products. 

 Digitalis is often of great value in the same sense, and as a heart 

 stimulant nux vomica. 



Some follow Todd and Bennett in seeking stimulation from al- 

 cohol, ammonia and its salts, ether, etc. When the circulation is 

 weak or flagging these are often of value and they may even act 

 directly on the pathogenic microbe. The inhalation of oxygen, 

 or the solution of proxide of hydrogen given by the mouth has 

 often an excellent effect. 



Sedatives. Aconite has become too much of a domestic remedy, 

 nevertheless it may be used with advantage in high fever with ex- 

 cited heart action, to moderate the circulation and relieve the 

 breathing. Veratrum, hydrobromic acid, bromide of sodium or 

 ammonium, or chloral hydrate may be used as alternates or sub- 

 stitutes. 



Compresses. Fomentations. Poultices. No measure is safer 

 nor more promising, especially in the early stages, than the poul- 

 tice jacket or compress. A blanket wrung out of hot water is 

 wrapped around the chest, covered with a thick dry one, and held 

 firmly attached by elastic circingles. Or soaked cotton wool is 

 applied and covered with a dry blanket or a rubber sheet. The 

 more acute the inflammation the more valuable is this measure. 



Derivatives. As a derivative the mustard pulp rubbed in and 

 covered with thick paper or rubber is especially valuable. In one 

 hour it may secure a free exudation and material relief to the 

 breathing. It may be replaced by ammonia and oil, with or with- 

 out a covering, by hot water or by cantharides. This must how- 



