52 DISEASES OF THE LUNGS 



of dulness on percussion is horizontal and the resistance 

 under the hammer pronounced. In pleuritis there is further 

 a tendency for edema to form in pendent parts of the body. 

 Cough is usually absent in pleuritis; present in pneumonia. 

 A test puncture of the thorax may be made in doubtful 

 cases. 



Complications. — (a) Heart weakness due to cloudy swel- 

 ling. The beat is fast, arhythmic, and palpitating. The 

 pulse may be weak (thready) and runs about 76. The 

 patient is weak, may be cyanotic, superficial veins distended. 



(b) Pleuritis: A common complication, leading to effu- 

 sion in the chest, displacement of the heart and characteristic 

 dyspnea. (See Pleuritis.) 



(e) Gangrene of the lung: May develop during convales- 

 cence. The temperature again rises, the patient continues 

 to lose flesh and the expirium assumes a sweetish, fetid odor. 



(d) Further but less common complications are : Nephritis 

 (albumin in urine), jaundice (catarrh of duodenum), tendo- 

 vaginitis (leg swelling and lameness), founder, cerebral and 

 meningeal symptoms. Purpura hemorrhagica may occur 

 during convalescence. 



Course. — The usual course is typical, ending in recovery 

 in two weeks. In some cases, especially in old horses, cattle 

 and swine the course may be much shorter (larval or abortive 

 type). Death may occur suddenly during convalescence 

 from heart failure. If pleuritis complicates the pneumonia, 

 the course is much prolonged. It may lead to death, or 

 adhesions (lung to thoracic wall) may cause permanent 

 dyspnea (heaves). 



Chronic induration of the lungs is a common termination 

 following certain outbreaks. It is characterized by the 

 continuation of the fever and dyspnea after the usual period 

 of convalescence has passed. The patient is generally 

 left short-winded. Roaring may sometimes follow an 

 attack of fibrinous pneumonia. Pericarditis is a rarer com- 

 plication. The prognosis is good in typical and uncom- 

 plicated cases. Of importance is the behavior of the heart 

 during the attack. A continued high pulse is dangerous to 

 the patient. The extent of the area involved has much to 



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