DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. 165 



The treatment of pleurisy. 



The indications are to get rid of the pain in the beginning and 

 the effusion in the second stage. At the onset, anodynes and seda- 

 tives are indicated; morphine with aconite is often beneficial. If, 

 on the other hand, the animal is very weak, stimulants are recom- 

 mended. 



To get rid of the effusion, purgatives should not be used, so 

 that we should call on the kidneys to act; nitrate of potassium in 

 half or ounce doses; iodide of potassium is good as a diuretic and 

 absorbent, but, as this interferes with the appetite in some cases, 

 it should not be used too long. Salicylate of soda, colchicum seed, 

 and digitalis are good. 



Nux vomica and arsenic are often beneficial; quinine with 

 pepsine, for the appetite. Whiskey should be given if indicated. 



The local treatment. 



Counter-irritation, as mustard, is good, as is also the oil-silk 

 jacket. 



At times we have to use the fly blister or part fly and part red 

 iodide of mercury or tartar emetic, one drachm to the ounce of 

 blister. This is not likely to blemish. 



Clip off the hair and apply it. In some cases suppuration 

 takes place, the skin falls off, and the animal is marked for life, 

 but this is better than a fatal termination. It is better not to 

 blemish, if possible. 



Tapping the chest (paracentesis thoracis) is occasionally used, 

 but with unsatisfactory results. About the eighth or ninth inter- 

 costal space, midway between the level of the sternum and the level 

 of the fluid is the point to introduce the trocar and canula, or, 

 better, an aspirator. 



The diet and means of keeping up the appetite are very im- 

 portant. 



Coax the animal to eat ; give him gruel, grass, apples, and the 

 like if he will not eat bran or steamed oats. 



EMPYEMA. 

 Give the synonym. 



Purulent pleurisy. 



What is empyaema ? 



This is pus in the pleural cavity. 



Although quite common in man, it is more or less rare in 



