PNEUMOTHORAX 67 



with the pleural sacs, (d) In rare instances rupture of the 

 lung may be a cause. 



Symptoms. — Severe dyspnea, which develops usually 

 rapidly and may lead to death in twenty-four hours (pul- 

 monary collapse), or from the microorganisms carried in by 

 the air a purulent pleuritis (empyema) develops. The 

 sound on percussion has a peculiar metallic ring which is 

 usually heard over the whole chest. Pleuritis develops in 

 most cases which modifies the percussion sound. On auscul- 

 tation often no sounds are audible. If fluid is present 

 metallic gurgling sounds are heard. 



Diagnosis. — Usually not difficult in veterinary patients, 

 as most cases are due to penetrating chest wounds. 



Course and Prognosis. — Usually leads to pleuritis and 

 death. Cases not due to wound infection, such as may 

 follow rupture of the lung, can recover. 



Treatment. — In human practice the air is pumped out of 

 the pleural sacs by a special apparatus. Seldom useful in 

 veterinary practice. 



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