PNEUMONIA. 523 



Alterations. — ^At the time of death from edematous pneumonia we 

 frequently find septic changes and the evidences of putrefaction. The 

 solidification of the lung tissue is found irregular in shape and high 

 up around the root of the lungs and around the large bronchi, and is 

 generally covered by sound lung tissue. The anterior lobes of the 

 lungs are usually entirely affected. The diseased portion appears of 

 a gray yellowish color, somewhat watery, and tears readily. Matter 

 is found in the air tubes which form gutters through the jellylike 

 mass of the diseased lung. Abscesses from the size of a nut to larger 

 masses may be foun,d disseminated through the lungs. The blood is 

 dark in color, fluid, or only clotted into soft, jellylike masses. 

 Masses of gangrenous or dead black tissue may be present. 



Treatment. — Bleeding is not to be used because it would only still 

 further weaken an already enfeebled animal; antimony or the 

 alterants would increase the depression of a too depraved constitu- 

 tion. There is in this disease no acute congestion of a particular 

 organ to draw off by depletive measures, nor any violent blood 

 current to be retarded, for fear of hypernutrition of any special part. 



Revulsives do good, as they excite the nervous system and awaken 

 the torpor of the weakened blood vessels, which aid in the reestablish- 

 ment of the functions. Mustard poultices may be applied over the 

 belly and sides of the chest, as in other diseases, but caution must be 

 used in the employment of blisters, as ugly ulcers may result from 

 their action on a tissue of weakened vitality. Setons are dangerous 

 from the great tendency in this disease to septic complications. Re- 

 peated friction of the legs by hand-rubbing and warmth by banda- 

 ging and by rubbing the surface of the body with turpentine and 

 alcohol, which is immediately to be dried by rough towels, will excite 

 the circulation and stimulate the emunctories of the skin. 



Stimulants are given internally from the outset of the disease. 

 Turpentine in 1-dram doses regulates the heart and excites the kid- 

 neys to carry off waste matter, but if repeated too frequently may 

 disturb the already delicate digestive system. Alcohol rectifies the 

 latter danger, and is a useful stimulant to the heart and digestive 

 system, if given with care in small doses. It is an antiputrid, and 

 is especially indicated when septic complications and gangrene are 

 present. The aromatics and bitter tonics are useful ; gentian and tea 

 in warm decoction form a useful menstruum for other remedies. 

 Digitalis is a useful remedy. Strychnine and quinine may be given 

 throughout almost the whole course of the disease. The various 

 preparations of iron are astringents and excitants to the digestive sys- 

 tem. Carbolic acid is an antiputrid which is of marked benefit in 

 edematous pneumonia ; it should be given in small doses diluted in 



alcohol. 



Salicylic acid may be given in 1 or 2 dram doses every few hours. 



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