206 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



3. Interstitial Pneumonia. — This is a sequel of either 

 form of acute pneumonia and occurs from many other causes. It is 

 chronic and due to the production of fibrous connective tissue in 

 the lungs. 



Treatment. — The general treatment of a typical case of croup- 

 ous pneumonia varies with the stage. At the onset, in case there is 

 much dyspnea with full pulse, venesection (H., four to six quarts) 

 may give relief, but is only rarely indicated. Tincture of aconite 

 (H., 3i; D., Trtii-v) may be given more often in this stage, to re- 

 duce the rapidity and bounding character of the pulse ; a few doses 

 are usually sufficient, but are contraindicated with influenza or de- 

 pressed condition of the patient and never except at the onset. 

 Proper food and surroundings are most important. An abundance 

 of cool, fresh air is a vital matter in stimulating the respiratory cen- 

 tres and preventing toxemia. In human medicine the treatment of 

 pneumonia outdoors is gaining many adherents, even in the coldest 

 weather and among children. Cold air or climate does not contra- 

 indicate outdoor treatment, then, providing the animal is suffi- 

 ciently covered and protected from wet and winds, and it takes the 

 place of cold applications to the chest, as antipyretic measures in 

 human practice (ice-bags), which are not easily made to horses. 

 The legs should be well bandaged after rubbing with mild mustard 

 paste. The diet should be laxative : H., grain, hay, with roots, grass 

 and bran mashes, and eggs and milk if animals will not eat well; 

 dogs will be given milk and broths and a little meat. If pain is 

 great, as shown by rapid, difficult breathing, the frequent applica- 

 tion of hot cloths covered by a rubber sheet and blanket may be 

 made. Such treatment would only be proper when conducted in a 

 warm stable. 



In the stage of hepatization, high fever demands attention. 

 When over io4°-io5° F. a single dose of antipyretic may be used 

 (H., acetanilid, oii; with caffeine, 3i), but is generally inadvisable 

 as too depressing. Cold enemata, a cold atmosphere, and an ice- 



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