ABSCESS OF THE LUNG 45 



Diagnosis. — The finding of elastic fibers in the nasal dis- 

 charge is pathognomonic. The fetid breath and nasal 

 discharge are indicative. In putrid bronchitis there are 

 usually no general symptoms such as fever and the condition 

 of the patient is, as a rule, good. 



Prognosis. — Bad. Only when local foci are present is 

 encapsulement or the ejection of the dead mass by coughing 

 probable. 



Treatment. — Unsatisfactory. The inhalation or intra- 

 tracheal administration of antiseptics may be tried. Pneu- 

 motomy is employed in man. Give good food and care, and 

 treat the heart, bowel (diarrhea) and fever as the indications 

 warrant. 



ABSCESS OF THE LUNG. 



Definition. — Collection of pus in cavities in the lung. 



Etiology. — Embolic, metastatic abscesses following general 

 pyemic diseases (strangles, purulent metritis, bacillosis of 

 sucklings), or secondary to primary abscess (abscess within 

 hoof, abscess following castration). It is rarely due to 

 fibrinous pneumonia, but may follow catarrhal pneumonia 

 due to foreign matter entering the bronchi, especially 

 medicines. 



Symptoms. — Abscess following pneumonia is recognized by 

 the continued fever and purulent nasal discharge. The 

 symptoms are usually acute (like an acute pneumonia) and 

 much resemble those of pulmonary gangrene. 



Diagnosis. — A copious nasal discharge which is largely 

 made up of pus is the chief clinical feature which distinguishes 

 it from pulmonary gangrene. 



Course. — Usually death in seven to ten days. Isolated 

 abscesses may become encapsulated or break into a bronchus 

 and be discharged. Diagnosis in these instances is difficult. 



Treatment. — Usually of little avail. In man well defined, 

 superficial abscesses are surgically treated by opening and 

 draining. The use of antiseptics as inhalations (bichlorid, 

 1 per mille, as a spray) or intratracheal injections are sug- 

 gested. , 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



