SECTION VIII. 

 DISEASES OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHEAGM. 



What is the synonym? 



Thumps; hiccoughs in man. 



Give the definition. 



This is a symptom of some affection, and consists of an inter- 

 mittent and sudden contraction of the diaphragm, characterized 

 by convulsive movements of the whole body, associated with a 

 thumping sound, which may be heard at some distance from the 

 animal, or whose shock can be felt by applying the hand to that 

 region. 



What are the causes ? 



It may be the result of direct irritation to the diaphragm, cold 

 drinks, colics, overloading of the stomach, inflammations, espe- 

 cially those affecting the abdomen and contents; it may be caused 

 by certain constitutional diseases; it may be of neurotic origin, or 

 it may be produced by fast driving. 



What is the treatment? 



The treatment seems to be very unsatisfactory, but the symp- 

 tom, in most cases, soon disappears. 



Among the drugs indicated are chloral hydrate, morphine, 

 potassium bromide, camphor, valerium, and, in some cases, stimu- 

 lants. 



BUPTUEE OF THE DIAPHEAGM. 



What may cause this condition ? 



It is occasionally a complication of flatulent colic, the gas 

 causing pressure on the diaphragm, and from the animal throwing 



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