140 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 



PLETJRO-DTNIA. 



This is a form of rheumatism that affects the intercostal muscles; 

 that is, the muscles between the ribs. The apparent symptoms are 

 very similar to those of pleurisy. The animal is stiff and not in- 

 clined to turn around; the ribs are kept in a fixed state as much as 

 possible. If the head is pulled round suddenly, or the affected side 

 struck with the hand, or if the spaces between the ribs are pressed 

 with the fingers, the animal will flinch and perhaps emit a grunt or 

 groan expressive of much pain. It is distinguished from pleurisy 

 by the absence of fever, cougb, the friction sound, the effusion into 

 the chest, and by the existence of rheumatism in other parts. The 

 treatment for this affection is the same as for rheumatism affecting 

 other parts. 



WOUNDS PENETRATING THE WALLS OF THE CHEST. 



A wound penetrating the wall of the chest admits air into the tho- 

 racic cavity outside of the lung. This condition is known as pneumo- 

 thorax and may result in collapse of the lung. The wound may be so 

 made that when the walls of the chest are dilating a little air is 

 sucked in, but during the contraction o"f the wall the contained air 

 presses against the torn part in such a manner as entirely to close 

 the wound; thus a small quantity of air gains access with each in- 

 spiration, while none is allowed to escape until the lung is pressed into 

 a very small compass and forced into the anterior part of the chest. 

 The same thing may occur from a broken rib inflicting a wound in 

 the lung. In this form the air gains access from the lung, and there 

 may not even be an opening in the walls of the chest. In such cases 

 the air may be absorbed, when a spontaneous cure is the result. Buf 

 when the symptoms are urgent it is recommended that the air be 

 removed by a trocar and canula or by an aspirator. 



It is evident that the treatment of wounds that penetrate the tho- 

 racic cavity should be prompt. It should be quickly ascertained 

 whether or not a foreign body remains in the wound, then it should be 

 thoroughly cleaned with a solution of carbolic acid, 1 part in water 40 

 parts. The wound should then be closed immediately. If it is an 

 incised wound, it should be closed with sutures or with adhesive plas- 

 ters; if torn or lacerated, adhesive plaster may be used or a bandage 

 around the chest over the dressing. At all events, air must be pre- 

 vented from getting into the chest as soon and as effectually as pos- 

 sible. The after treatment of the wound should principally consist in 

 keeping the parts clean with a solution of carbolic acid, and applying 

 fresh dressing as often as required to keep the wound in a healthy 

 condition. Care should be taken that the discharges from the wound 



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